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On Becoming the Skilled Meditator

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I do not refer to myself as a skilled meditator, trial and error have led me to a routine that has been working for me and which I would like to share with you.

When I lie to meditate, yes I lie on my back, I make sure that my body is straight with my hands touching or clasped lightly across the chest with my head and neck are in line with my spine for optimum energy flow. I refer to this as my ‘meditation pose’.

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 om my way into the practice. I was unsuccessful. 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 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 when 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, just make sure that the one you choose is not the one that the mind and body associates with sleep and you are on your well to meditation nirvana.
And 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 intentions set for his or her practice. (We can talk about setting intentions before meditation in another post.) I experience my first mystical experience this way, a connection that I will never forget, so I know it works and works well.

Do not let anyone tell you that you have to do it this way or that way, do it your way.