Have you listened to the audiobook version of An Ordinary Dude's Guide to Meditation?
If so, this page contains all the visuals and images referenced in the book.
If so, this page contains all the visuals and images referenced in the book.
Chapter 5: How ordinary dudes & dudettes can meditate
Half Lotus position
This is the half lotus position: one leg rests on top of the other, with one foot (can be either left or right) near the fold of the knee.
Full Lotus position
Since I’m not flexible enough to manage this, my lovely girlfriend is shown here in the full lotus position: legs are crossed and both feet rest on the thighs.
How to keep your spine straight - Full body example
I’m including a few pictures here to give you an idea of what a straight spine looks like. Starting with this very handsome ordinary dude himself.
Note, the curve under my back in this photo is exaggerated so you can see it on camera. The actual space between the wall and your back should be a little less than an inch.
How to keep your spine straight - Close up example
Notice in this picture that my spine is not literally straight. So when I say “straight” spine, we’re not talking literal. Instead there should be two curves: one between the base of your spine (at your butt) and your mid back. The other is between your upper back and head, which creates a space under your neck.
Lying down meditation example - incorrect
How does this ordinary dude meditate? Let me show you. I lie down on my bed and bend my legs so that my spine remains in alignment. It’s important not to lie flat on your back with your legs straight out like this.
Lying down meditation example - correct
Keep your legs bent instead, like in the picture below.
How bent will vary from person to person, so just experiment until you find an angle that is comfortable for you.
Sitting meditation example - incorrect
You can also meditate comfortably by sitting in a chair. Simply find a sturdy chair, with no wheels, and have yourself a seat.
Just like lying down, you should try to straighten your spine as much as possible. So first off, make sure you’re not slouching and sitting on your tailbone like the photo below.
Just like lying down, you should try to straighten your spine as much as possible. So first off, make sure you’re not slouching and sitting on your tailbone like the photo below.
In this photo, notice how my shoulders are slumped forward and that the curve in my lower back is missing. This is the type of sitting position you want to avoid.
Sitting meditation close up example - correct
Instead, you want to make sure your lower back is slightly arched like this.
Just like in the photo earlier, where I demonstrated the two spinal curves, this curve is also exaggerated so it appears on camera. The distance between your back and the chair should be between 0.5 – 1 inch.
Sitting meditation full body example - correct
Next, keep your feet flat on the floor. And then simply relax your shoulders, letting them hang loose. Your posture should look something like the one I demonstrate below.
Chapter 6: Getting started - 10 beginner questions answered
1. Why is meditation so effective? Is there any science behind it?
There have been tons of studies done on the science behind meditation, including this one by UCLA and another by Harvard
4. What should I wear? What should I do with my hands?
For the hands, I usually rest them gently on my belly like in the picture below:
When I sit, I’ll rest them on my lap, palms up like this.
Thank you for listening to my audiobook!
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