In what position do you sit/stand/lay when you meditate?

Question

Do you take up a lotus or yogic position?
Do you stand? Do you recline like you would in a psychiatrist's chair?
I personally lay on my back with my arms and legs out, like a 5 pointed star. Here's an illustration.
http://www.astrop.org/elemental/runic.htm
(just click > until you get to the illustration of "5 Imbolc")

Answer 1

Those are beautiful cards!

I used to sit cross legged but now I sit on a stool. I've also done meditations lying on the back as you described. The important thing in whatever posture is taken is that the spine, including the cervical spine (where the head and neck meet) is straight. The chin should be slightly tucked so that the groove at the base of the skull sort of flattens out. The idea of sitting cross legged--particularly in a bound full lotus postion, is that the energy (and blood flow) is then more consolidated in the torso and head. There are also certain exercises that aerate the blood and pump it into the brain (so you get a rush). People explain this as an energy or pranic rush--and although it feels special, it is just getting oxygenated air into the brain. And then there are other meditative processes and techniques that modify bioelectromagnetic rhythms between the cardiovascular system, the brain, and the central nervous system. When meditating in a seated posture, a certain muscle tonicity needs to be maintained as well (but in a different way depending on what kind of meditation is done), but when lying down, the body should be completely relaxed. Pillow supports for the spine and other parts can be used. Also important is to keep warm (the body temperature changes during meditation although the person meditating usually doesn't feel it). A blanket, shawl--or robe-- should be draped around the body.

Answer 2

It depends on WHICH meditation exercise I am doing.

For a quick morning charge I use a standgin position known as the star

For most chakra exercises I use an upright seated position referred to as "The God" in many texts.

For some execsises I use "The Earth" posture, lying on my back in a supine position.

For my runic meditations I use what are known as Stadha (plural Stodhur) in which one physically shapes themselves into the form of the rune itself. Here is a brief list of several postures I have used at different times over the course of my training...

The God: Sit in a chair, head up, back straight, knees together, palms down on the knees (or chair arms), eyes closed.

The Dragon: Kneel, buttocks on heels, toes back, back and head straight, hands on thighs.

The Ibis: Stand, hold left ankle with right hand, left forefinger on lips.

The Wand: Stand upright, but not stiff, back and head straight, arms relaxed at sides.

The Earth: Supine position flat on back.

The Star: Stand with the feet 1 and 1/2 shoulder widths apart. Extend the arms out to the sides parallel to the ground with the right palm up and the left palm down. Tilt head back to align the chakras.

Full Lotus: Sit cross legged with the right foot over the left thigh and the left foot over the right thigh.

Half Lotus: Sit with the legs crossed but the feet are not pulled to rest upon the thighs.

Answer 3

During group meditations, we basically set in chairs. I will adopt a lotus pose, or 'prayer' position sometimes. I like to use my thumb and index fingers to make the 'diamond' and place it near the 3rd eye. It seems to direct more energy there.

At home, I will often lie down as meditation will preceed a blissful sleep.

Answer 4

I actually lay back in my Lay-Z-Boy with some incense and Christopher Penczak's guided meditation CD. I like to be relaxed without cutting off the flow of blood to any of my limbs -- the lotus position does that to me. I also like to make sure my chakras are all open by working on that meditation first.

Be careful not to fall asleep, though ;)

Answer 5

I usually sit in the semi-lotus position but sometimes I lay on my back. I also do walking meditation sometimes.

Answer 6

Half Lotus or Full Lotus.

I tend to agree with Dogen in the Fukanzazengi.

Answer 7

I used to sit Indian-style with my back against the wall.

Now that I'm all big and pregnant, I usually lay on my side. Its the only position I'm really comfortable.

Answer 8

I do whatever feels the most comfortable at the time. Sometimes I sit, sometimes I recline against a tree, sometimes I lie flat on my back. It all depends on what feels the most comfy for me.

BB,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 9

Usually just cross-legged as Native American ( would sit lotus if I could get the legs to cross).

Answer 10

I find the best position to concentrate is sitting with your head looking toward the ground, eyes closed.