Prepare for Vipassana

‘The Buttafly helped me sit 10 hours of meditation a day on a 10 day silent Vipassana course with relatively little discomfort. For sitting meditation, the forward sloping, firm surface for sitting is ideal for the natural mechanics of the body. I can sit for hours on the Buttafly and now use it daily when at my computer, meditating, eating meals etc. I love it, it is light and perfect for transporting on flights or when travelling.’

Bryan McElroy 

GP, Alexander Technique student at Bristol Alexander School.

Few of us would consider the idea of doing a 10-day Vipassana meditation course without giving some consideration as to whether we are physically able to sit for long periods of time.

Unfortunately though, I have met a number of people who have suffered long term back problems as a result of going on the Vipassana course, some of whom have given up meditation altogether.

Of course, there is no one position for meditation although many of us aspire to being able to sit cross-legged on the floor in the classic pose associated with attaining peace and tranquility.

Building up a regular practice sitting practice before going off on a meditation retreat is highly recommended, preparing the joints for long periods of stillness – especially the hips and knees, and building postural muscle.

Even sitting in a chair with your feet on the floor and maintaining good postural alignment without the support of a chair back will help develop the core muscles – whether sitting on a bus or the edge of your desk. The key is to have the knees below the height of the hips making it easier for the pelvis to be come into a neutral position and so supporting optimal alignment of the spine.