On Posture

When you practice, should you sit on a cushion? In a chair? What are the various ways a person could sit to avoid pain? These photos could be helpful in figuring it all out.

knees and pelvis create a supportive triangle: if you can sit in this way, it is ideal. for some, though, it is too stressful on the hips and groin. in the side view. notice the straight line of her neck and relaxed palms.

  
don’t arch or round your back too much–look at the potential neck strain in both cases.

  
some people prefer to sit with their knees slightly elevated. this is fine too.

  
some people prefer to sit on a bench, knees down and in front. this is fine.

but there’s still no need to slump

full lotus is the ideal. ah, youth. don’t try this at home.

And of course, a chair is always perfectly fine.

Please try to sit with your feet flat on the floor and scoot forward so your back is not leaning on anything. Unless that is just too uncomfortable. (Pardon my headless demo.)

many thanks to the beautiful under-30 night participants at the Boston Shambhala Center for being such excellent models.

categorized in: meditation, open heart project