Day 10: Meditational Sitting

Now, many people don't know that there is a correct way to sit while meditation, or they have a skewed picture of what it must be.  Truly, meditational sitting can be accomplished by simply sitting in a chair, feet flat on the floor, spine straight and gently resting on the backrest.  Of course, if you have the money and inclination, you could go out and buy a zafu cushion.  Timothy Roderick seems to think that these two options are the only ones, but I have found a couch or chair cushion placed on the floor to be equally effective.

When using a cushion, sit on the front third with your legs arranged in a lose cross-legged position.  That's right, folks, the full-lotus sitting on the floor isn't absolutely necessary for proper meditation.  In fact, I find it to be quite uncomfortable and distracting.

Today's practice was "wall gazing," or the art of gazing ahead and letting the eyes become unfocused.  It wasn't too difficult for me, mostly because I'm a daydreamer and I'm used to having the misty-eyed gaze that sees through the world around me.

The second part was a bit harder, focusing my attention on my breathing.  Simply counting each exhalation, even through only ten of them.  My mind has a tendency to drift, as most do, and I had to keep direction my attention back and start over.  I'm definitely out of practice with meditation, and it'll take me awhile to get the hang of slipping right into the correct focus.  Still, after awhile I got it, and I'm sure I'll get better each day.

Comments

[Year-and-a-day.blogspot.com]

I have always found it surprisingly difficult to breathe properly and not just through the chest. I guess regular practice helps! How are you finding the book so far?

[catchyseachild]

I think the book is interesting, and I like the step-by-step approach. I think it's a great way for a beginner to get started, and a great way for someone who is out of practice to reconnect. I'm enjoying it.