The Meditation Posture

This is an ongoing series running through May to compliment the twice weekly meditation sessions that I will be hosting on YouTube (and are now archived on my YouTube page). If you have any questions, please contact me.

First and foremost, be comfortable. If you are not comfortable, the body will be screaming, you will be distracted and at worst be put off the idea of meditation completely. Be comfortable.

Below I will run through the seven point posture as I was taught it:

  1. Sitting - Traditionally this is taught as the Lotus posture. If this is just not possible (I can’t maintain it!), one can sit in the half lotus, cross legged, kneeling (using a stool or cushions under your bum), or on a chair (feet on the floor).
  2. Hands - Either place your hands palm downwards on your thighs. Or with the palms upwards, right hand resting in the left hand and the two thumbs touching. The thumbs can be used to gauge your meditation. If you are trying too hard, they will tend to press together. If they drift apart, your mind is probably distracted.
  3. Back - The back should be straight but not rigid. As if your spine was like a stack of coins. If you are in a chair, do not lean back into the chair for support. That can make you drowsy.
  4. Shoulders - Level and not slumped.
  5. Head - Up with the chin slightly lowered and the jaw resting naturally, slightly open.
  6. Tongue on the palate - The tongue rests on the palate behind the top front teeth. This helps to stop the build up of saliva while keeping the mouth moist.
  7. Eyes - I was taught to keep the eyes open, with a soft gaze two or three feet in front of you, down the bridge of the nose. Meditation is an internal focus, not external. Some prefer to close the eyes (I sometimes do), just be careful not to fall asleep.

If at anytime you find yourself in a lot of discomfort, adjust your position and come back to the meditation.