Meditaion Position - Help

[Astral Projection]

This may sound stupid but I cannot sit in this "meditation" position, or lotus position or call it whatever you like.


Does some of you have any exercises how to sit in this position?
Thanks,
AP

[Selski]

Hi Astral Projection

Whilst I can't help you with that particular position, I can tell you that it isn't necessary to sit like that to meditate.

I have problems with my back if I can't support it, so I am physically unable to sit in most of the "accepted" meditative positions.  However, I sit as comfortably as I can, supporting my back, and then meditate.

Of course, it's each to their own and if you particularly wish to sit in that position, then hopefully someone else will be able to help you.

Sarah

[Vilkate]

I agree with Selski - though some of these positions may provide greater feeling of stability (and look cooler, too), it varies from one individual to other. Basically the idea is that you have to find the one position you are most comfortable in - if you cannot sit in the Lotus position, then don't!

By the way, unless you have very flexible limbs, Lotus can also cause some troubles. I know a woman who decided to take up yoga lessons, and in the first lesson she was taught to sit in the Lotus for some minutes a day. When she came home, she decided to practice a bit, sat in the Lotus and...guess what... her legs got stuck! In the end, she had to be taken to a hospital for a small operation that would free her legs...

I am not, of course, saying that Lotus is dangerous (    ) , it might just not be suitable for physically inexperienced individuals.

[MisterJingo]

I agree with the above. As long as you are in a position which allows the breath to flow freely, and causes no tensions in the body, thats all that matters.
I either meditate in a high backed chair with a blanket draped over it (to make it comfortable) or on a jumbo sized bean bag.
I gave up meditating lieing down as it more often than not leads to sleep .

[Vilkate]

So, then it's called Butterfly position! I've been sitting like this by the tv or anywhere else where it is possible since...lol.  since I figured out how to sit!

[James S]

With meditation the most important thing is to find a position that can be comfortably sustained for a period of time.

If I've enough cushions under me and something to lean back against, I can happily sit cross-legged for a long time time. Otherwise I prefer to sit in a comfy chair. Others in my meditation group prefer to lie down. I don't do this as my body tends to take this as a signal to fall asleep.  :sleepy:

Consider that there really is no right or wrong way, but rather what works best for you and what doesn't.

Blessings,
James

[Stookie]

When I started meditating I learned in the lotus position, basically because it was all I knew at the time. It wasn't that comfortable, but I stuck with it thinking it was the way to do it. Eventually I became accustom to it and still meditate in this position. It's the only time I sit like this, and moving in this position tells my mind, "It's time to quiet down".

I know now that it's not nessesary, but it works well for me.

[Astral Projection]

I want to sit in this Lotus position because I don't have a chair near me every time. Sometimes I can wish to meditate on beach or somewhere else..
BtW runlola, wt about this butterfly stretch? I could do it whan I was little.. Does it help to sit in Lotus Position?

[Vilkate]

Well, you can just sit with your legs crossed. That doesn't look that interesting as Lotus, but it is still very stable and more easy to do.

[Hagethuriel]

This may sound stupid but I cannot sit in this "meditation" position, or lotus position or call it whatever you like.
Does some of you have any exercises how to sit in this position?
Thanks,
AP

Do you want to? If so stretch take yoga and try pilates and swimming .
If not then sit in arm chair or lie down .