Lotus position

[Tom]

Just sitting in the lotus posture, I will tend to feel like I am falling backward when any observer will tell me I am clearly leaning forward. The weird thing is that I will start to feel like I am twisting to one side or the other a little ad must open my eyes to be sure it is not happening. Then there are problems with having cut off the circulation, but those are after standing up. That is when the rubbery unsupportive legs condition hits.

[rodentmouse]

how long do you meditate for to reach that "uncertain position" feeling?
the longest ive done in the lotus position is about 25 minuites...

[Tom]

It seems like I just sit in the lotus posture and pretend to meditate, but I am told that my appearance changes to the same extent as falling asleep. Odd sensations involving feelings of falling and twisting come and go in cycles. Sometimes they disturb me and then there are entire weeks without them. The only consistent problem is cutting off circulation.

[jilola]

Not quite off topic...

I get the feeling that my limbs have turned around the wrong way when I meditate regardless of the sitting position. It takes usually about 30-60 seconds to occur. So I don't think the problem(?) you're facing is specific to the lotus position.

I've noticed the feeling is a good sign trancewise as it show how well relaxed and still minded I've become. The more the twisted the better http://www.astralpulse.com/forums/images/icon_Smile_wink.gif" border=0>

2cents

jouni

[kakkarot]

maybe you should try getting the feeling back into your legs before you stand up again. i know that last year i used to sit on fences and rails and stuff and when ever i just jumped down, i hurt the bottoms of my feet (even from a one foot drop). but if i took the time to move them a bit, and focus on them (and send energy to them), then when i jumped down it didn't hurt any more than what you would expect.

also, do you meditate with an absolutely straight spine, or a slouched back? by learning how to straighten my spine to the point where it became natural, i gained a great deal of ability to move my energy tons easier than before (but then i was easily singled out in crowds, so i stopped).

hope this helps.

~kakkarot

Secret of Secrets

[rodentmouse]

kakkarot, about the spine,  im not sure how exactly straight its meant to be,  i do what feels right for me, but i know its possible to get it straighter.
Should i Extend it as much as i can physically extend it???   ive tried this but i find it hard to get a decent breath of air  like this and i have to keep resting so i can take a big lungfull of air in.

[kakkarot]

not extended, rodentmouse, straightened. by extended, i picture someone trying to pull their head up (as though they were on "the rack"). try sitting against a wall, and flattening you back against the wall; then move away from the wall, and straighten your back just like it was when it was against the wall. at first it will seem unnatural, but this is because people today slouch so much that slouching becomes natural.

by straightening your back, you should actually be able to breathe easier. nd don't forget to straighten you neck too; this should help a lot. also, when you straighten your back, you will feel like you are getting taller, but it is just the dynamics of what happens when something curved becomes straight. is that what you meant by extending it?

i got so used to straightening my spine while sitting cross-legged, that it felt more natural to do that than slouch. it just takes time to get used to.

~kakkarot

Secret of Secrets

[Fenris]

I remember reading somewhere that in yoga they use the lotus position with the intent of becoming uncomfortable aside from its benifits for energy flow. Dont really understand those crazzy folk however. As a side note has anyone ever done yoga? If so is it worth doing?

I do pretty much all of my energy work and meditation flat on my back with a folded shirt behind my head to avoide pain a little. You cant fall any further than the floor and you can be sure that your spine is perfectly straight! Some perople complaine that they fall asleep in this position but I do it on a nice hard wodden floor and Ive never dosed off even in trance. As a matrter of interest If you ever play with elemental meditation I have found it easier to get results lying down, especially with water. Could just be me however.

regards

David

Veni Vidi Vici

[rodentmouse]

yes thats what i mean kakkarot, thanks thats cleared it up......
just one more thing   about breathing,  are you meant to breathe only with the abdomen??  ive read this everywhere,  but  even though you say its apprently easier i dont find this to be true for me at all.
If  i dont want to get short of breath whilst in the lotus position i HAVE to breath with  my entire chest.   Ive thought maybe its because im a smoker? (about 7 a day)

[rodentmouse]

hello to the people

does anyone find that after they meditate in the lotus position that  there sense of coordination and balance is a little ka ka.  when i get up after it i cant tell when my feet are gonna hit the floor ane my legs are all wonky......