Challenges of Sitting Cross-legged For Meditation

Another range of flexibility…

If you didn’t grow up sitting cross-legged or don’t practice on a regular basis, it could be daunting.  Sitting with a straight spine is the most important, so if you have to sit on something, legs to the side, or some variation, the straight spine with the core connected should be the focus.  Since I am “sitting” on the floor for 4-6 hours a day, I am noticing there is a fitness with the process that one may take for granted.  Symmetry is a big piece too. If  I sit too much on one side, push down harder on one half, head too far forward, upper back not supporting my head, and the list goes on–the asymmetry puts undo tension on an area, so posture is key. Even when we are still, posture is important.

I have tried to ignore when my body is yelling that I need to change position, but that hasn’t worked out well, so I listen.  I don’t shift because I cannot concentrate, but I do shift if my leg is going numb or my hips/knees are tired of being folded.  After you build some fitness for sitting, you start to notice how awesome the position actually is and how it makes sense when you go deep.

Mentally and physically there is plenty to work with while touching into stillness.  Little by little, the desire to be distracted lessens and you find a tranquility in the stillness, but the bodies flexibility and fitness are undeniable components.  It is not to say that you cannot meditate if you don’t sit on the floor cross-legged either.  It is about the journey.