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What Postures are Used in Meditation?

by Keira Adams

Since ancient times, people have practiced meditation for the numerous benefits it offers. Incorporating meditation into your everyday life could make a huge difference in your mindset 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 considered to be your life force.

Even though a straight back is almost universal in the different approaches to meditation, some spiritual traditions and meditation instructors advise a variety of postures. 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 one of the most popular positions, and includes the lotus position.

3. Kneeling position. The individual is on the floor in a kneeling position. The buttocks rest on the heels and toes, which are placed side by side. The hands are placed on the thighs.

4. Lying down position. 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 posture isn\'t that common since it so closely resembles the sleeping position. A person might doze off at times. 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. There\'s a theological significance behind these motions. Founded on the yogic school of thought, they might affect the consciousness. One illustration is the typical Buddhist hand placement. The right hand reposes on top of the left hand with thumbs touching.

Integrating assorted repetitive actions like chanting, deep breathing or humming also assists in bringing on a state of meditation. There are also those who use 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.

To gain the benefits of meditation, follow the training of the type of meditation you have decided to practice. Be aware that persistence and acceptance are required to achieve success. This could be of help at times when you find difficulty in meditating, and it will also improve your concentration in daily life.

About the Author: Keira Adams writes about women\'s wellness and stress management, and is a great fan of meditation. Learn more about the many health benefits of this ancient practice by visiting Meditation Techniques: Relax Your Mind, Reduce Your Stress.

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