Sitting flat on the floor

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

I've tried sitting a few different ways, but I find cross-legged on a zafu (for many years my 'zafu' was just folded up pillows) most natural. A bench allows me to sit longer without my legs going numb, but I feel rather less planted that way.

I'd be interested to see what your posture looks like when sitting flat. There's a difficult to describe triangular solidity that occurs when your butt is elevated, pushing down into your legs and knees into the floor (or zabuton). Even sitting with a 'prop' under one knee (because my flexibility is insufficient) allows it to come about.

As Dosho advises, it may be helpful to examine your resistance and try it the 'usual way' a bit more before deferring to your preferences - it may just 'click' for you.

Chet

[Taigu]

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

Hi Amelia,

There is a clear reason why we use a zafu, or a thick pad...The reason is to raise the hips and relax the belly area. The breathing flow is easier and flowing. The body feels more grounded, rooted . The key is to find the right thickness which can range from a few centimeters to real big bulging stuff. It is very different for everybody. For now, you may drop your idea about this and that and just experiment wit cushions and pillow and use different thickness to really feel what is more suitable. When the zazfu is properly positionned under the buttocks, at and angle, the general sitting becomes so free. Do you have skype? If you wish we could talk about it and I could show you.

gassho


Taigu

[Amelia]

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

Well, it will be a long while, in my brain's made-up version of the foreseeable future, before I can acquire a proper zafu. One may make its way down stream to me, but as of right now, all I have to work with is pillows. Is this a suitable replacement? Or am I best on the floor, for now?

Thank you all.

Yes, Dosho, I will sit with the distractions.

[Hoyu]

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

Hi All,

I think Dosho hit the nail on the head! All I have to offer is support over the idea of at least giving the Zafu a try.

Gassho,
John

[Dosho]

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

I don't have a zafu. When I sit, I prefer to sit flat on the floor, more Yoga-style. I have tried some zafu-like pillow constructions, but they never seem as comfortable as sitting on the floor without supports.

I know that the recommended support system is both knees pointed down below the abdomen, forming a triangular sitting structure. What benefits am I missing out on by not sitting this way? I find it distracting.

I think you have provided a perfect rationale for why you should try an actual zafu.

It isn't about what we "prefer". It isn't about what we find "comfortable". It isn't about what "benefits" we shall accrue. And it isn't about avoiding that which we find "distracting".

It is about none of these things and all of these things. It is about eroding the distinctions between them.

So, if your current sitting is about that which you prefer and find comfortable, try another way without any forseeable benefits and with all the distracting things you can imagine.

After you've actually tried a zafu, then I think you'll figure it out.

Gassho,
Dosho

[Kyonin]

Re: Sitting flat on the floor

I don't have a zafu per se. I use a home made one... alright it's just a pile of unused blankets, but sitting on the floor gets really unconfortable after a few minutes.

As far as I can tell, if you use a zafu it helps your back to get straight and you have a better grounding position. Also, it's less stress for the legs.

But if you know yoga and don't feel like using a zafu, then go ahead. At the end of the day what matter is that you sit on a comfortable position that don't distract you from your meditation.

[Amelia]

I don't have a zafu. When I sit, I prefer to sit flat on the floor, more Yoga-style. I have tried some zafu-like pillow constructions, but they never seem as comfortable as sitting on the floor without supports.

I know that the recommended support system is both knees pointed down below the abdomen, forming a triangular sitting structure. What benefits am I missing out on by not sitting this way? I find it distracting.