Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Meditation Postures: Take Your Pick

By Keira Adams

It's not at all required to take on an uncomfortable or intricate pose when you're meditating. There are a few guidelines, though, that help you get the most from your meditation session. For instance, most forms of meditation call for the spine to be straight and the posture to be erect. The explanation for this is that sitting upright encourages the movement of your spiritual energy. This is believed to be your life energy or force.

A straight back is essential to most of the meditation traditions, but some practices utilize other postures, including spiritual meditation. Here's a look at a few of the different postures.

1. Seated posture. The person sits erect while keeping the back straight. Spine and head are aligned and straight. Thighs are parallel with the ground. The hands are placed on the arms of the chair or on the knees.

2. Cross legged posture. This is one of the most popular positions, and includes the lotus position.

3. Kneeling position. The person is positioned with both knees resting on the floor. The buttocks rest on the heels and toes, which are placed side by side. Hands rest on the thighs.

4. Lying down posture. This is also called the corpse position or, in yoga, savasna. The individual lies flat on the floor with the legs straight and relaxed. This position isn't used often because it copies the innate position of sleep. A person might doze off at times. This is more useful for stress reduction rather than as a meditation method.

In addition to these postures, there are several gestures and movements that can be incorporated into the practice of meditation. Among these are hand gestures called Mudras. A theological meaning is at the root of these gestures. Founded on the yogic school of thought, they might affect the consciousness. A typical example is the placement of hands in Buddhist meditation. With the thumbs touching, the right hand is positioned on top of the left hand.

Integrating assorted repetitive actions like chanting, deep breathing or humming also assists in bringing on a state of meditation. Some people practice walking meditation. Typically, the eyes are closed or partially closed during meditation. Those who practice Soto Zen meditation, however, do so with their eyes open looking at a wall.

Since ancient times, people have practiced meditation techniques for the numerous benefits they offer. Incorporating meditation into your everyday life could make a huge difference in your mindset and attitude. To achieve the advantages of meditation, stick to the advice and training of the kind of meditation you have chosen to practice. Remember that acceptance and persistence are necessary in order to have success. This could be of help at times when you find difficulty in meditating, and it will also improve your concentration in daily life. - 14130

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