Can You Meditate Lying Down?

Whether you already have a meditation practice, or meditation is something that’s new to you, learning about different meditation postures may enhance the benefits of meditation for you.

Should you stay seated? Is it ok to lay down? Perhaps you’re wondering if different meditation positions are just as effective.

Whatever questions you may have, you’re in the right place. Read on to discover the pros and cons of meditating while lying down, plus our best tips for effective lying down meditative technique.

Should you meditate lying down?

Meditation is one of those practices that needs to be intuitive to you. Many people try to find the ‘right’ way to meditate, but there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to formulating your best way to practice. Any sort of meditation, whether lying down or sitting, will be beneficial to you.

Known as Shavasana pose, or corpse pose, this posture is common throughout Tibetan Buddhism. If this technique helps you to relax the best then it should definitely be a consideration for you.

Here are some pros and cons when it comes to choosing whether to meditate lying down.

Pros of meditating when lying down

Here are some things for you to consider when thinking about meditating lying down:

Comfort

Naturally, lying down is often the most comfortable position for meditation. When you’re wrapped in a blanket, flat on the floor, or in a restful position, lying down may feel like the ideal way to relax during meditation.

Could help alleviate pain

If you’re suffering with any pain and discomfort, or other ailments that make sitting down difficult or uncomfortable, then meditating in a lying down position could be the most comfortable option for you.

Offers a more natural position

Sitting up to meditate can sometimes feel a bit forced, so if this doesn’t feel natural to you, lying down might feel much more relaxing. It’s always best to choose the option that feels best for you, which will offer you the best results.

Cons of meditating when lying down

There are of course some downsides of choosing to meditate lying down, which you can take into account when deciding which posture might work best for you.

Accidentally falling asleep

Many people may find that whilst lying down to meditate feels comfortable, they’re likely to find themselves falling asleep as a result of this. There is no issue with this so try not to resist it. During sleep, meditation can still be having a beneficial effect on the body, so if you do find that you drift off to sleep, allow your body the rest that it needs.

Losing focus

When we are lying down to meditate, it’s possible that we won’t feel as focused as we would during sitting meditation. We tend to be more alert and find it easier to focus in an upright position, so this is something to bear in mind as you experiment with meditating in different postures.

Tips for meditating when you’re laying down

Lying down meditation is a great way to get the body and mind relaxed and reconnected. If you’d like to give it a go, here are our best tips to guide you on your way:

1. Get comfortable

Begin by lying flat on the floor, with your feet and knees shoulder width apart. Take a bit of time to wriggle and find what feels like the most comfortable position for you. You might find that you feel a bit more alert by bending your knees and keeping them in an upright position.

2. Use props

If your position still doesn’t feel completely comfortable, you might like to think about using a prop, such as popping a pillow under your head, or under your knees. This will also help with straightening your spine.

3. Keep your spine straight

Once you are comfortable, think about keeping your spine straight and lengthening throughout the whole upper body. When our spine is straight it allows for optimum energy flow, which will maximise the results from your meditation practice.

4. Relax into the position

Now that you’re fully comfortable, use your breath to begin to focus, and relax into the position. Allow whatever sensations come up to flow in and out, bringing your attention back to the breath each time your mind begins to wander.

Key Takeaways

There is always more than one way to meditate, and lying down offers many benefits, such as comfort and alleviating pain. Be patient with yourself as you experiment with different meditation postures, and always tune into what feels good for you.

Working with a spiritual coach can be the perfect way to foster that connection with your inner self, and see amazing results from your meditation practice. Get in touch today to find out how Gareth can support you on your journey.