I've tried to meditate a few times and am mentally ready. I keep running into a problem though. I have trouble getting into a comfortable position (I cannot get me knees low, feet falling asleep, etc.) and because of this it disrupts my mind and I end up fixating on the pressure that is being put on my body. It's frustrating because I'm an athletic guy, work out frquently (aerobic and anerobic) and I eat healthy. Apparently I'm just not that flexible in that region of my body. What are some recommendations for improving posture? I want to be able to sit in a standard meditation posture (legs crossed and knees to the floor, straight back, etc.). I just started doing yoga and am hoping maybe this will help...
yoga will absolutely help. Yoga and meditation go hand in hand. The most basic poses in yoga will help you learn how to align your body correctly. I would actually recommend doing yoga for a couple of months before you begin meditation. The body alignment and concentration that you learn doing yoga will serve as your foundation for meditation.
One Of The Most Important Factors When You Learn How To Meditate Is To Find Comfortable Meditation Positions In Which You Can Remain For Long Periods Of Time. Since You Want To Clear Your Mind Of All Distractions When You Meditate, You Will Need To Find Positions That Are Comfortable, Yet Not So Comfortable That You Might Fall Asleep. This Is Why You Don't Want To Meditate While Lying Down. After All, You Don't Want To Waste Your Meditation Time Sleeping. Listed Here Are Two Very Popular Meditation Positions Taught By Most Meditation Guides. You May Want To Try These Poses On A Rug, Blanket, Or Piece Of Silk Rather Than Hard Floor. Feel Free To Use Meditation Pillows To Prop You Up Or Help You Maintain The Proper Position. Check Out Each Of The Following Poses And See If Any Of Them Are Comfortable Enough For You. Lotus Position Lotus Position Is Essentially Sitting Cross-Legged With Your Right Foot Gently Resting On Your Left Inner Thigh, Heel Facing The Groin, And Your Left Foot Either Resting On Your Right Inner Thigh Or On The Ground. You Will Want To Sit Up Straight, Let Your Shoulder Blades Slide Down Your Back And Rest Your Hands Or Elbows On Your Knees. Many People Find This Position Difficult To Maintain At First, But With Daily Practice You Will Become More Flexible And Will Be Able To Hold The Position Comfortably For Long Periods Of Time. Seiza Position Kneel On The Floor With Your Feet Pointing Behind You. Let Your Buttocks Sink Gently Onto Your Feet For Balance. Adjust Until You Find A Way To Sit Without Cutting Off The Circulation To Your Legs. If Neither Of These Two Positions Is Comfortable Enough For You, Consider Using A Meditation Chair. This Can Be Any Chair In Your House That Allows You To Sit With A Straight Back And Feet Touching The Floor, With Your Knees Bent At Approximately A 90 Degree Angle. No Matter What Position You Choose, Make Sure To Be In A Quiet Room With Plenty Of Fresh Air. It's Best If The Room Is Slightly Cool, As This Will Help You Stay Alert.
