005 Standing Meditation

Fellow listeners,Standing meditations can be a interesting way to be a little more engaged in a meditation practice (compared to a seated meditation), It requires a little more muscular activation (for balance), the weight in the feet are more noticable and the eyes are also needed for balance. Standing meditations can generate a little more alertness. I suggest keeping a soft gaze (meaning, not a hard or intense look at an object), as an extension of the softness in the body. Generally, it’s better to do this barefoot or with thin socks on, either on a wood floor (or a thin pile rug) because balance is easier when the floor feels steady. If balance is an issue, you can stand with a wall right behind you for support. This practice can be helpful for the person who finds their anxiety disengages them from their body, the person who has no time to settle into themselves, or for the person with a history of trauma who finds turning towards the body a supportive experience. The feet are an interesting part of the body to focus on, and a favorite in yoga- the four corners of the feet are important, the heels or toes can be weighted or kept light and balance is explored on one or both feet. Paying attention to the feet can be such a treat for our little souls.Please feel free to share this with others or download. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit evolutionmedicine.substack.com/subscribe