What are the different postures for meditation?
Tailor, lotus, Burmese, seiza, savasana… more than positions for meditation , they are invitations to let go.
Mindfulness meditation, recitation of mantras… For many centuries, this practice has been adopted by various religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Nowadays, it is much more than a religious rite, it is a way of life. Indeed, meditating provides several benefits: calming the mind of negative thoughts, freeing the body from stress and anxiety, living more easily in the present moment, improving self-confidence and even fighting depression. It is possible to meditate in the position that suits you and in which you are comfortable, for example on a chair. However, there are 6 postures for meditating . It is up to you to choose the one that suits your flexibility, your morphology and your preferences.
Beginner Meditation Position: Cross-legged
The cross-legged sitting position is the easiest sitting position to achieve. It is therefore ideal for those of you who lack flexibility in the legs and who cannot reproduce the lotus posture. But, it is also ideal for beginners in the practice of meditation. Use a meditation cushion to keep your back straight and your pelvis slightly backward to free the solar plexus and breathe better. This will make it easier for you to perform the Pranayama exercises.
Settling in to meditate: Sitting in lotus posture ( Padmasana ) for the more flexible
If you are flexible in your legs and hips, why not opt for the lotus pose, also sitting on a yoga cushion ? If you are flexible, but not too flexible, then choose the half lotus position instead. Like any yoga pose, this one also has its own benefits: calms the mind, awakens energy, opens the hips, stimulates the digestive system, soothes menstrual pain.
The Burmese position for meditation
Burmese position ... this name may not mean anything to you? Sitting on your meditation cushion , as if you wanted to sit cross-legged, you will place the front of your calves and the top of your feet on the ground. The soles of your feet are turned towards you. This meditation posture for beginners provides great stability and you can reproduce it when you meditate for a long time. For more comfort, at the calf level, use a zabuton or a yoga blanket .
Positions for meditation: Seiza on a meditation cushion
The seiza posture is the traditional position for meditation in Japan. It is practiced with a zafu , or even a zabuton for more comfort at the level of the joints. ''Seiza'' translates to ''to sit in a correct manner''. It is a meditation seated on your knees, on your cushion. For the record, this position allowed the samurai, at the time of feudal Japan, to adopt a non-aggressive attitude, but also to be able to react quickly if necessary. Indeed, the seiza allows you to get up easily and quickly.
Meditation Postures: Seiza on a Meditation Bench
Seiza on a meditation bench is the same posture as seiza on a meditation cushion , but not on the same yoga accessory . Here, it is a meditation bench. Know that this position can be more comfortable, because you sit on the bench and your legs are placed under your seat. Thus, you can stay long hours meditating without having pain in the legs.
Savasana for meditation in a lying position
Savasana, also called corpse pose, is a lying meditation that is usually done at the end of a yoga session in order to integrate all the benefits of the class. Simply place yourself on your back on your yoga mat . Your arms are along your body, slightly to the side, palms facing up. As for your feet, they are spaced apart. Do not hesitate to cover yourself with a blanket, because the body can quickly cool down during relaxation. If daylight bothers you, we advise you to put a meditation pad over your eyes.
Discover all the meditation accessories on the Tayronalife website.
