Since ancient times, people have practiced meditation for the numerous benefits it offers. Incorporating meditation into your everyday life could make a huge difference in your mindset and attitude.

Almost all meditative practices teach that the spine must remain straight and slumping is not encouraged. As a chiropractor I understand that the reason for this is that when you sit erect it promotes the circulation of your spiritual energy. This is considered to be your life force.

A straight back is essential to most of the meditation traditions, and is a standard component of the various postures used in this practice. Here’s a look at a few of them.

1. Seated position. The person sits erect while keeping the back straight. Spine and head are aligned and straight. Thighs are parallel with the ground. Hands are placed comfortably on the knees or chair arms.

2. Cross legged posture. This is a very common posture; the lotus position is included in this category.

3. Kneeling position. The individual is on the floor in a kneeling position. Buttocks remain resting on the heels and toes, which are close together. Hands rest on the thighs.

4. Lying down posture. In yoga this is referred to as savasna; it’s also known as the corpse position. The person lies down on the floor keeping the legs unbent and at ease. This position isn’t used often because it copies the innate position of sleep. The individual can occasionally nod off. This is more useful for stress reduction rather than as a meditation method.

As well as the postures, there are a number of actions or gestures that might form part of the meditation experience. Among these are hand gestures called Mudras. There’s a theological significance behind these motions. Founded on the yogic school of thought, they might affect the consciousness. A typical example is the placement of hands in Buddhist meditation. With the thumbs touching, the right hand is positioned on top of the left hand.

You can also encourage a state of meditation through the use of repetitive activities like deep breathing, chanting and humming. Some people practice walking meditation. Typically, the eyes are closed or partially closed during meditation. However, Soto Zen practitioners perform their meditation with their eyes wide open in front of a wall.

To gain the benefits of meditation, follow the training of the type of meditation you have decided to practice. Be aware that persistence and acceptance are required to achieve success. This could be of help at times when you find difficulty in meditating, and it will also improve your concentration in daily life.

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