RSS FeedsGetting to the right posture
I realised today that although this blog is all about how to get to the right posture and how a meditation cushion can get you there, some people may not actually be able to sit with correct alignment of the spine, perhaps because of injuries, habitual bad posture or back pain. There are hundreds of reasons why. That’s OK, because the right alignment is not really something you can concsiously do, or perhaps consciously maintain if you’re doing your meditation practise.
I’ve been teaching Taiji for some years now, and some of my students haven’t been able to maintain a straight spine, either because of habitual bad posture, old injuries or simply tension built up in their muscles over the years of incorrect alignment. One man I taught was a bodybuilder and his upper body was so overdeveloped he couldn’t physically hold his spine in the right shape. Other students hold their spine correctly during the class but instantly lapse into the old ways when class ends.
Habitual bad posture can be corrected by making the body aware that it is holding itself incorrectly. Meditation is also a gentle way to remind your body what the right structure is, because your body will naturally want to sit in the right posture once your muscles start to relax. Trust your body, don’t force it and it will tell you which way to move to sit more comfortably. Gradually, over time the body will start to gravitate towards the most comfortable posture, i.e. the correct alignment. Regular practise will give your body a regular reminder, and keep the process going.
Sometimes the right position can feel wrong, because poor posture sometimes becomes a habit. Trust your body rather than yourself and never force anything (After all “forcing” things is not really what meditation is about is it?)
This comes with a disclaimer though, as you must never try to force your body into the correct alignment. Doing so might cause injury if your body is unable to hold the posture you believe you should be holding. If you’re in any doubt, serious discomfort or pain, go see your doctor about it.
In summary, if you find you can’t sit with a perfectly aligned back, it’s not a big deal, as you’ll naturally start to gravitate towards what is correct. Go see your doctor if you’ve got severe discomfort or pain.
