Which Direction Is Best For Meditation?
If you have been practicing meditation for some time now, you have probably heard many people and many gurus and teachers give their opinions on the subject. People talk about the ideal room temperature, lighting, time of day, and so on. But have you ever wondered which direction is best for meditation?, is there a particular direction my room should be facing?
In Yoga and other schools of thought, the cardinal directions have a spiritual and religious meaning. This is why there are some people who recommend always meditating facing east, while there are others who believe that meditating facing south in the morning is the best practice.
How true are these statements? Does the direction your body faces while meditating can have positive or negative consequences? Can you energetically take advantage of any of the cardinal directions?
In this article we will try to give you all the information you need on this subject so you can decide for yourself which direction you will face in your next meditation practice.
Which Direction Is Best to Face During Meditation?
First let’s be clear, looking one way or the other during meditation is not going to generate any unrealistic results or cause significant harm. However, it is always interesting to know that each cardinal direction has a spiritual and energetic meaning that you would like to know.
In the rest of this article, we will discuss the benefits of meditating facing each one of the four cardinal directions.
Facing North
Wisdom, and adaptability are the symbols of the north. Individuals who have mastered the balance between rationality and emotion are more connected to this cardinal direction.
It is the cardinal point that guides us towards the resolution of conflicts, bringing us closer to divinity, the stars, and to the One.
Also, if you meditate with the North facing you, you could be reaping the benefits of increased levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are known for creating feelings of happiness and calm.
Another important point to know is that the most important magnetic point of the planet Earth is in the north. Pointing in this direction while meditating can connect you more with mother Earth, as her magnetic force is attracting you to some extent.
Facing South
The South is a good direction for meditation because it’s associated with creativity, intuition, and wellbeing.
This might be due to the fact that the Southern hemisphere is associated with warm weather and the beginning of the growing season.
The south is related to the young soul and the spirit of adventure and discovery. In meditation sessions where we seek to learn more about ourselves, search for innovative answers and discover new facets of our personality, this is the perfect cardinal to face during meditation.
Facing East
East is related to the dawn, the beginning of a new era and the future abundant harvest. Try to meditate towards this direction when you are seeking abundance in your life in general.
In addition, east is a good direction to face during meditation because it’s associated with increased focus and awareness. This might be due to the fact that the Eastern hemisphere is associated with sunrise.
Facing West
West is a good direction to face during meditation because it’s associated with creativity, intuition, and wellbeing. This might be due to the fact that the Western hemisphere is associated with warm weather and the beginning of the growing season.
This direction is also associated with autumn, relaxation and wisdom. It is the time to harvest the fruits of a lifetime of effort.
Certain cultures, such as the Aztecs, offered rituals to the gods in the west direction to attract abundant harvests and forgiveness for their sins.
This direction is perfect when you practice a gratitude-focused meditation session to think about all the wonderful things that life has brought you.
Sitting or Standing?
When you’re meditating, it’s best to sit or stand with your spine straight and your legs crossed. This is important because it’s how your body is used to focusing energy. Sitting or standing while your spine isn’t straight could cause your mind to wander, which is counterproductive when trying to enter flow and achieve deep states of meditation.
If you lie down or sit up, your energy will reorient with the Earth’s magnetic field, which is important for reorienting energy.
Many people fall asleep while sitting or lying down to meditate. If this is also your case, we recommend that you try to meditate standing. This will force you to stay awake and to concentrate on new bodily sensations. You will feel much more the base of your feet and the movement of your body thanks to the energy. Try not to put up resistance, relax your legs and abdomen and observe in which direction your body directs you.
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Conclusion
Many traditions have beliefs about the energetic importance of the 4 cardinal directions. Some yogi masters of a certain tradition will recommend you to meditate facing north, to connect with Earth’s powerful magnetic energy.
Another spiritual masters could tell you that meditating facing east in the morning is the best practice to start your day full of energy and follow the natural laws.
However, there is not right direction and you are free to try all these techniques and keep the one that makes you feel the best.
Moreover, you can meditate facing east in the morning, north at noon and west at night.
Which direction is best for meditation? Tell us in the comments section.
Affirmations for Bliss is a blog about positive affirmations, meditation and yoga. It’s a place where you can find everything you need to live a happier life. The blog is updated with new articles weekly so you can find inspiration when you need it.
