How to Use Proper Meditation Posture
One thing nearly every different meditation discipline has in common, from Kabbalah meditation to ancient Zen techniques, is an emphasis on the use of proper posture. To experience meditation's calming, stress-reducing benefits, it must be practiced properly, and correct posture is a vital first step. Meditation, an ancient technique that focuses the mind, often leads to diminished anxiety and hypertension.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- Dedicated quiet space for meditation
- Small pillow or flat mat (optional)
Instructions
-
Know the Correct Posture for Meditation
-
1
Begin by seating yourself on the floor. Use a small pillow or mat beneath your backside for an added degree of comfort.
-
2
Keep your back straight. This is absolutely essential to promoting the smooth and easy flow of energy throughout your body as you meditate.
-
-
3
Cross your legs. There are several acceptable variations for leg crossing, but the most common is to tuck the left food under the right thigh and let the right foot rest atop the left thigh. Knees should be touching the floor. Consult a diagram at the Kamalashila Web site if necessary (see Resources below).
-
4
Position your chin slightly downward, but not so low that you bend your neck. Your neck, like your back, should remain straight.
-
5
Let your eyes focus on nothing in particular. A common trick is to focus on the empty space approximately one foot in front of your nose.
-
6
Rest the tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your upper teeth. This will delay your mouth's production of saliva, resulting in fewer distracting swallows.
-
7
Fold your hands, holding them a couple of inches below your belly button. Some meditation disciplines have specific hand-folding techniques. Consult a diagram if you need to.
-
8
Hold your lips apart, just slightly. Your teeth should not be closed. Breathe in and out through your nose, or in through your nose and out through your mouth.
-
9
Locate a center or meditation society in your town or city to learn a specific discipline, such as Transcendental Meditation. You can benefit from the expertise of others in learning proper posture.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Costs involved with meditation accessories are generally affordable. Specially-designed cushions, for example, won't strain most budgets.
If you experience a sudden, sharp onset of anxiety, panic attacks or depression, you may be suffering from a stress-related disorder and should seek a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Never use meditation as a substitute for primary doctoral care.
