Meditate While Lying in Bed For More Restful Sleep

American-born Buddhist monk Hwansan Sunim has written a series of articles for the Huffington Post with instructions and advice on how to meditate in various positions such as standing and sitting in a chair. His most recent post focuses on meditation while lying down:

“Traditionally, in a Son Buddhist monastery, we are taught to meditate lying down when we’re about to go to sleep. It is said that this is the best way to enter sleep, and I personally have found this to be absolutely true.”

Sunim explains that meditating before sleep helps him wake the next morning with more vigor and optimism. He also notes that this is a terrific position for meditative beginners who feel overwhelmed. His piece features sixteen steps for assuming a position that will bring about optimal rhythm and calm:

“Personally, I have found that the so-called corpse position (savasana) in yoga seems to be the most natural and effective way to meditate lying down.”

His advice also covers different breathing patterns to bring about different results: preparing to sleep, recovering emotionally, and even how to meditate in the morning as soon as you wake. Take a look at his piece (linked below), try some of his exercises, and let us know what you think.