What’s your favourite position?

My husband likes to do it lying down.  I prefer to do it sitting up.

I’m talking about meditation positions.  What were you thinking?

There are several common positions that people use for meditating:

  • Crossed legs
  • Lying down
  • Kneeling
  • Seated in a chair
Crossed legs

There are several variations to this position.  In all of them, make sure your spine is straight, with your chin tucked slightly in.

Lotus Meditation Position
Lotus Meditation Position

The most challenging for many people is the lotus position.

Half Lotus Meditation Position
Half Lotus Meditation Position

In the Lotus position, your right foot rests on your left thigh, and your left foot rests on your right thigh.  An alternative if you are not able to do this is to put one foot on the opposite thigh, and rest the other foot on the floor in front of you.

A much simpler variation is what my kids call, “criss-cross applesauce.”  This is your traditional crossed legs pose.  You know, the one you sat in at circle time in kindergarten.

Crossed Legs Meditation Position
Crossed Legs Meditation Position

Lying Down
Laying Down Meditation PositionLaying Down Meditation Position

Lay flat on your back, with your legs out straight and your arms at your sides.  You can put a pillow under your head, and one under your knees if it bothers your back to lay flat.  As I mentioned above, this is my husband’s favourite meditation position.  I find that I am more likely to fall asleep than meditate laying down!

Kneeling
Kneeling Meditation Position
Kneeling Meditation Position

This pose is not recommended if you have knee problems!  Sit on your knees, with your butt on your heels and your toes stretched out behind you.  You can use a meditation cushion to sit on to cushion yourself.

Seated in a chair

Choose a chair with a straight back.  Sit all the way back in the chair, with your feet flat on the floor.  Ideally, your legs will form a 90 degree angle at the knee, and at the hip.

Sitting Meditation Position
Sitting Meditation Position

Those are the most common meditation positions.  What’s your favourite?

Blessings,

Mary