What is an effective way to meditate...and should I sit cross-legged? Left over right, or right over left?

Question

I would like to meditate by sitting cross-legged. I am finding it quite difficult to stay in that position for long periods of time...anybody have any tips. Also, do i want my left leg over my right leg or right over left. Or do i just choose whichever is most comfortable. Also, should I prop myself up on a few pillows or something for now to make things more comfortable and then lower myself down to the floor once i get more flexible. thanks for the help.

Answer 1

Cross legged as in indian style puts too much pressure on the underside leg because the lower ankle/shin bone presses into the leg that is folded under and cuts off circulation. The cross legged style that I recommend is the half lotus position, where you place the top of your right foot up and tuck it on top of the inner thigh so that the bottom of the right foot is facing upward. It may take a while for your legs to become flexible and get into this position but once you can achieve it it is a very stable position.

Also invest in a good meditation cushion. This will elevate your hips to the right angle and provide for additional stability. Try them out though because there are different heights and different filler materials. I like the high ones that are made of some type of hard beans. The kapuk filled ones are something like a fluffy cotton material but haven't worked well in my experience because as you sit on them for a while they compress down flat. I have used a make shift meditation cushion by taking my bed pillow folded over and it works real well but this would be dependent on the materials of the pillow, mine works well because it is memory foam core with feathers on the outside so it is cushiony and firm. I've also meditated sitting in bed with the folded pillow below me. Again this will depend on how firm your mattress is. I have found it to be supportive enough yet still comfortable.

Try daily stretches as well so that you become more flexible. One stretch that would help would be the butterfly strech.

All that being said, it is okay and sometimes preferable for some to meditate in a chair. If you use a chair, sit closer to the edge so that your back is not touching the back support of the chair. Sit with your feet in front of you and placed flat to the floor so that you bend and the knee to form a 90 degree angle with your calf and thigh. Rest your hands gently on top of your thighs or feel free to cup them in meditation pose in your lap.

I do not recommend the laying pose for meditation as it creates too much sloth and torpor and will lead to you falling asleep. It is just not a good pose to cultivate mindfulness and concentration.

Bottom line, your chair is the best option if you can not get comfortable in a traditional seated pose. And don't forget walking meditation is always an option as well.

May you be happy and peaceful! :)

Answer 2

Remember, meditation is a state of mind. In my opinion i don't think it really matters what position as long as you are comfortable.  

Answer 3

when meditating I always find the most comfortable position...cause if I don't then h**l I start thinking about all the aches and whatnot...so I lay down on the bed...uncovered without clothes (yeah strange) but it is far easier for me to meditate correctly (at least to me) this way. and oh yeah I never try to meditate like this when I am especially tired cause i'll just fall asleep and have dreams.  my best opinion would be if you wanted to sit crosslegged do it on the bed and place your back against a wall if possible so that you aren't fighting to support your body...when this gets easier then move away from the wall then the bed to the floor!  hope this helps in it's own small way ;-)

Answer 4

As for the leg-over-leg thing, it's just whatever is comfortable for you.  If you lower yourself to the floor and are cross legged and find that your knees are higher than you sit-bones (hips), get a pillow or yoga block and sit on it.  This should make things more comfortable.  Fold your hands, because this makes your aura complete and stronger.  Light some incense or a candle, maybe play some music, and you're ready to go!