I meditate every morning, which I find is a great way to start my day. It quiets my mind and allows me to create an intention for the day for who I want to be and how I want to relate with others during the day.
Which meditation technique is right for you? I dive into four meditation techniques from lying down to walking. Each practice has its own benefits and can be used at different times for different reasons.
Initially, I would advise that you choose one position and stick with it about 3 weeks so that you may see the benefit from the position you chose rather than meditating in a different position each day.
Lying down flat on your back with arms at your side, palms facing up or down. By placing your palms up, you open your heart and are in a state of receiving and listening. By placing your palms down, it turns the focus inward and is grounding. You may, however become drowsy and fall asleep while lying down. If so, you may want to pick another position unless what you really need is a nap!
The benefit: Lying down is a fairly uncommon position for meditation, it is the most healing position for your body as it equates with rest and nourishment.
Sitting on the floor in a crossed legged position or in a chair with your back straight, your feet firmly on the floor and your hands comfortably in your lap, palms up or down depending up what type of results you are looking for with your eyes either opened or closed. If you choose to keep your eyes open, keep them fixed softly on a point in the distance. This position is the most common position used in various spiritual practices around the world.
The benefit: Sitting meditation is a good way to practice being the observer of our thoughts and to practice detachment.
Standing with your arms resting at your sides and eyes open, fixed softly on a point in the distance. This position is a good way to bring presence, communication and the mind into alignment allowing you to connect with the greater being of who you are.
The benefit: Standing meditation is a way to access your presence and personal power as well as to honor and respect yourself and others.
Walking at a comfortable pace with your arms swinging loosely by your sides conscious of the thoughts and the feelings in your body as you observe the world around you. Do you notice a consistent thought or feeling as you walk?
The benefit: Walking meditation engages the aspects of openness and trust as well as allowing room for the unexpected to appear.
Why meditate? There are a tremendous number of health benefits to be gained from meditating on a regular basis. It reduces your stress levels, boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure and brings your brain waves into coherence improving your concentration, focus and memory as well as enhancing your abilities to learning. You may use meditation to ask questions on how to resolve a difficulty in your life or just allow the healing powers and relaxation to engulf you.
