On Becoming A Better Meditator

Practice makes for perfection

I am a meditator in the making. Trial and error led me to a routine that has been working for me and which I would like to share with you.

During my evening meditation, more often than not, I lie in my nice comfortable bed to meditate — yes I do! My go-to position is one where my body is straight with my fingers touching or hands clasped lightly across the chest or abdomen, my head and neck in line with my spine for optimum energy flow, legs stay relaxed in a reclining butterfly pose with my thighs comfortably supported by two pillows. Voila, my ‘meditation position’!

I remember when I first started meditating, I did the recommended sit-up straight with hands and feet a certain way, eyes closed, breathing deeply to aum my way into the practice. The result was a 100% fail.

First and foremost, it was uncomfortable sitting in that position for even five minutes; my entire body ached and my bobblehead was just too heavy for my neck. I soon realized that if I were to continue with this meditation thing, I had to be comfortable, my physical body had to be comfortable.

Body at ease puts the mind at ease and I felt no qualms about changing to a more comfortable position after I read how The Buddha meditated on the largest pile of grass he could find. If the Buddha understood the importance of being comfortable during meditation, well the novice like me should take a blade from his pile.

You may think ‘what if I fall asleep?’

And I say, ‘so what if you fall asleep?’ You were probably tired and you did what was kind for your body at the time — body at ease, mind at ease. After a good night’s sleep, morning meditation would be even more beneficial.

You can try experimenting with different poses, making sure that the one you choose is not the one that the mind and body associate with sleep. Once settled on something that is comfortable and practical, you are on your well to meditation nirvana.

Conclusion

Do not be fooled, lying down for meditation takes you to states of great relaxation and bliss. The meditator is still able to achieve the intention set for his or her practice. (We can talk about setting intentions before meditation in another post.) I experienced my first mystical experience this way, a connection that I will never forget, so I know it works and works well.

Let no one tell you that you have to do it this way or that way, do it your way.