Why Lotus pose for Meditation?

This is perhaps one of my favorite questions, because the answer is deep, juicy, and scientific AF; all things I absolutely love. So, why is the Lotus Pose considered the “ultimate” meditation pose? Let’s dive in:

In meditation, the best type of posture or position is first and foremost a comfortable one. The point of meditation is to be able to let the mind/gross body melt away, and that is best done if the body is comfortable and not in pain. This is why the Yoga Asanas were first created, so that a yogi could sit in meditation for hours to reach deep meditative states without being pained/interrupted by the body. Therefore, the best way to practice meditation is to sit upright, comfortably.

Now, to get into the juicy details, The Lotus Pose, or Padmasana (in traditional Sanskrit) has so many amazing benefits:

• Allows body to be steady for long periods of time (for meditation purposes).
• Creates a pyramid shape with the body, which is geometrically conducive for energetic spiritual work, and allows for easy flow of Prana from the root chakra to the crown and beyond
• Applies slight pressure to the lower spine, which relaxes the nervous system by activating the parasympathetic system (rest and digest) allowing you to come out of fight or flight response.
• Decrease of muscular tension
• Decreases blood pressure
• Stimulates digestive system

These benefits all allow for a peaceful, deep meditative experience, and is the reason it is so closely correlated with meditation practices around the world. It is a lovely pose with incredible benefits, and will always be a part of my practice.

However, Lotus Pose is not the only pose you can (or should) use for your practice! Some other favorites are:

• Simple Cross Legged Pose
• Siddhasana or Siddha Yogi Asana
• Swastikasana
• Dhyana Veerasana
• Laying Down
• And so many more!

As you can see, there are so many ways you can begin your meditation practice, and there is no “right” way. There is only your way. If you’d like any help on your path, please feel free to reach out in the comments below and I will be happy to discuss a personalized plan for you.

If you have yet to get to Lotus Pose and would like to get there, I created this short video for you! Click here to check out 3 Poses to Help Get You to Lotus Pose on my Youtube channel for more insight. I hope you enjoy this juicy hip/knee sequence!

Let me know your favorite ways to meditate in the comments below!