SEIZA
Copyright © 2002 James Deacon
Seiza
is the term for the traditional Japanese kneeling/'sitting on
your heels' posture.
The
formal version of this posture is used in many meditative and
energetic development practices.
[However,
for those less-supple students unaccustomed to 'sitting on heels'
- who find the task of sitting in seiza uncomfortable (& therefore
a distraction) - most practices can be undertaken in other, more
comfortably familiar postures.]
To
properly adopt the seiza position, you will need to remove
your footwear.
Once
seated on your heels, place the big toe of one foot over the big
toe of the other (underneath you), and spread your knees apart
by approximately two hand-widths.
Place
your hands, palms down, on your thighs.
Stretch
your lower back upwards slightly, whilst relaxing your upper body.
Tuck
your chin in slightly.
For
certain practices you may need to close your eyes, (however, often
it is better to only half-close your eyes as - especially in the
early stages of training - this will help prevent you from drifting
mentally).
Finally,
hara-centre: focussing loosely in your seika tanden - co-ordinating
body & mind.