For many, the idea of sitting and meditating can be quite daunting. There are those for whom sitting still, even for a short time, is a real challenge.
Unlike the very serene seated lady you can see above, you don't have to sit cross-legged, or "assume the position" to meditate! If starting out, you may find it most comfortable to sit in a chair. Keep your back straight, and aim to have a chair where the soles of both your feet touch the floor. If this isn't possible, put a cushion or footstool under your feet, so they are supported, and the soles of your feet are flat, as they would be if you placed them on the floor. If sitting on the floor, aim to sit with your legs crossed naturally (this may not be with a foot resting on each thigh unless you do yoga regularly!) Sit on a large and comfortable cushion, and aim to have your hips higher than your knees, so that you are angled slightly downwards. However you sit, you can either have your hands with palms up, elbows resting comfortably on your thighs, and hands on your knees, or have your hands with fingers interlocking, gently resting in your lap. The aim is to be comfortable and relaxed, so that any sensations in your body don't take over your efforts to focus and calm your mind when meditating. Also, check out the internet. There are a huge range of meditation cushions available (including a beautiful round cushion, known as a "zafu"), there are specialist meditation stools which support your weight, but are curved underneath, so that they rock into a comfortable position for you, with your legs under the stool.....or just use a chair or a large regular cushion! You will find if interested in attending classes or workshops with me, that I may ask you to bring along a cushion that you'd like to sit on, so that you have chosen something which suits you. Alternatively, if doing a "body scan" meditation, which takes you through your body, or a guided meditation which asks you to visualise being somewhere else, this is often much more practical to do when lying down. Lie on a yoga mat or padded mat of some kind, with your back neutral, your arms by your sides, and your hands resting on the floor, palms up. Your feet should be slightly "turned out" to the sides of the room - all of this gives your body the best chance of not falling asleep whilst meditating! Meditation doesn't need lots of expensive equipment, that's part of the appeal. Just make yourself comfortable, and be open to the experience. Good luck!
0 Comments
|
Modern Meditation
|