Different Postures of Meditation

Since ancient times, people have practiced meditation for the numerous benefits it offers. Practicing meditation as part of your daily routine might lead to improvements in your outlook and attitude.

Most forms of meditation call for the spine to be straight and the posture to be erect. The reason for this is that when you sit erect it promotes the circulation 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, and is a standard component of the various postures used in this practice. Here's a look at a few of them.

1. Seated posture. The person sits erect while keeping the back straight. The head and spine are in alignment and not tilted. Thighs are parallel with the ground. The hands are placed on the arms of the chair or on the knees.

2. Cross legged position. This is a very common posture; the lotus position is included in this category.

3. Kneeling posture. 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. In yoga this is referred to as savasna; it's also known as the corpse position. The person lies down on the floor keeping the legs unbent and at ease. This position isn't used often because it copies the innate position of sleep. The individual can occasionally nod off. This is better as a means of reducing stress more so than for meditating.

As well as the postures, there are a number of actions or gestures that might form part of the meditation experience. Among these are hand gestures called Mudras. A theological meaning is at the root of these gestures. Coming from the yogic philosophy, they can impact your consciousness. One illustration is the typical Buddhist hand placement. 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. It's common to keep the eyes closed or partially open while meditating. However, Soto Zen practitioners perform their meditation with their eyes wide open in front of a wall.

To gain the benefits of meditation, follow the training of the type of meditation you have decided 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.