The Body:
- keeping the back straight, in whichever posture you meditate is most essential.
- try to be comfortable and physically relaxed, and avoid moving too much.
- keep the head straight, slightly bent forward, keep the teeth slightly apart, the tip of the tongue against the upper pallet.
- the eyes are best kept half-open (without really looking), but many beginners find that too distracting and close them.
- the shoulders should be relaxed and the hands can be put in one's lap.
- the legs can be in the full lotus (which not many Westerners manage), but also simply crossed. In fact, other positions like sitting on one's knees or on a bench are good as well. If all of these are too difficult, you can also use a chair, but remember to sit only on the front half of the seat, not leaning against the back rest to avoid a bent back, and keep the feet flat on the floor. Keeping the knees warm may help to avoid numbness of the legs.
- try belly-breathing; not breathing with the chest, but from the navel.
- always remember that the posture should enhance meditation, not be an obstacle! The Buddha even taught one of his disciples who had many problems with his posture to lie down with his back on a bed, and then he quickly made progress; however, most people tend to fall asleep - so it will not be suitable for everyone...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I CAN'T CLOSE MY EYES FOR A SECOND!
A new student in class told me that she has a tough time trying to meditate. She says it is so hard to get her mind to stop. In sanskrit that is called your "chitta" mind junk. Most of us have mind junk that keeps us from focusing. To fight this mind junk meditation is the perfect tool. Some people may not be into meditation, but everyone just wants to relax from a stressful mind state.
Well I put a challenge out to the student who said that she could not close her eyes for a second. I created a rough 25 sec flute meditation. See if you can listen for only 25 seconds with yours eyes closed. Just relax
Here are some tips on how to meditate
Let me know how it turned out!
namaste
melvin
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Thanks so much for the article on meditation. I have been practicing yoga for a few years now and still find it difficult to quiet the mind. The flute recording was beautiful and a great addition to getting relaxed. Family is the most important thing on earth and taking care of yourself is needed to be healthy for the ones we Love. Keep the great articles coming...
ReplyDeleteNamaste