A literal interpretation of standing meditation practice would have you simply get up off the floor from your seated position and simply stand there. There are many times where I have stopped in my tracks and stood still, facing the sun and soaking in its rays. It felt meditative enough. There's no crime in calling this standing meditation. It fits well enough. A beautiful Spanish-language, Argentine movie comes to mind. It is called Man Facing Southeast.
There is a form of meditation that is centuries old and is referred to as standing meditation. This practice of standing meditation, as far as I am able to determine, is associated specifically with Tai Chi and Taoism. It is called Qigong. Qigong is considered both meditative training and physical exercise. It is said to increase longevity and offer a means to accessing higher realms of experience.
Qigong involves very specific postures and breathing exercises. It is considered by many as a form of wellness practice, holistic healing approach, and alternative medicine. It is part of traditional Chinese medicine. Qigong teachers and practitioners are very outspoken about the overwhelming life-changing and healing experiences arrived at through its practice.
Testimonials on Standing Meditation
I have spoken (or rather conducted several interviews) with individuals who practice standing meditation. These interviews are done by email. Unlike a dictionary-style description, these testimonials reveal intimate details that can only come from the direct experience shared by those who meditate. If you practice any form of standing meditation, please consider sharing your story by participating in a meditation interview.
Types and Forms of Meditation
Standing meditation is only one of many types of meditation. Other forms include sitting meditation, walking meditation, bowing meditation, and kneeling meditation. These forms focus on the position and activity (or inactivity) of the body. Other forms of meditation, less associated with the body's position (though activity-related) are breathing meditation, mindfulness meditation, koan practice, empty mind meditation, insight meditation, and tantra meditation.
With the multitude of forms and approaches, one might ask what meditation is, or even what is the point of meditation. Practically anything can become a form of meditation, including surfing as meditation, art and drawing as meditation, running as meditation, life as meditation, and guided relaxation-style meditations on CD or DVD. Anything can be meditative.
Ask Questions about Meditation
If you have any nagging questions in regard to any practice of meditation, please consider posing them to this blog at this link: questions about meditation.
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