Banner photo by: Omid Armin @omidarmin
A Few Reflection on the Video
This video has great information. I would just add that when he says sit with a “straight spine” please don’t interpret this to mean a rigid, tense, or overly-stretched spine. Instead, aim for a spine that is gently elongated as if the head was full of helium and effortlessly floating upward, yet also tethered to the ground by the body. Kindly aim to be well balanced so very few muscles and little energy is needed to hold the posture.
He also mentions a seat cushion called a zafu, and a floor cushion called a zabuton. If you don’t want to buy this equipment, you can easily use firm couch pillows or folded blankets in place of a zafu. In place of the zabuton, you can use a folded blanket, a foam sleeping pad (like those used when camping), a folded yoga mat, or your bed mattress (I find mattresses work best if quite firm).
Those with chronic pain should definitely explore the lying down positions he suggested.