Physical positions (posture) appropriate for meditation.

[Jamie]

I've always thought meditation should be done in a sitting position, but, is laying down ok too?

What are the relative merits of various postures, and suitability for mediation or deep inner contemplation?

[Evan]

"It depends". That's an infuriating response isn't it.

Why you want to do meditation. Meditating to increase calm or focus is different to seeking enlightenment.

Start with what you find easiest and then add other postures and movements.

For me my mind wanders all over the place if I am still. I prefer journalling or qi gong.

[fwellers]

Originally Posted by Evan

"It depends". That's an infuriating response isn't it.

Why you want to do meditation. Meditating to increase calm or focus is different to seeking enlightenment.

Start with what you find easiest and then add other postures and movements.

For me my mind wanders all over the place if I am still. I prefer journalling or qi gong.

I started taking taichi a few weeks ago, and am doing qigong now. I really like it, and have recently started practicing zhuan zhuang. Simply standing like a tree. It's a great way to meditate while making your body stronger.

[Jamie]

I was thinking along the lines that laying down is good (very little muscular tension), but that there can be a tendency to not concentrate and focus, but to fall off to sleep or slumber-land.

In contrast, with sitting, you will be less prone to falling in to sleep.

Are there any other issues? When choosing a posture?

[Kate Saltfleet]

I've not been meditating for very long, but it seems to me that sitting is better for self-guided sort of meditations, and lying down suits guided relaxation better. I would say I sit about 90% of the time, but then I'm the sort who can drift off during the relaxation session at the end of a yoga class