What a gorgeous retreat. Thanks for explaining more about Zen Buddhism as I dont know a lot about it. I practice vipassana, which does have things in common, such as breath meditation. it's probably even more stripped down than Zen.
Did you know that the reason we can't sit in lotus is because we never did as kids? If kids are always moving and flexing their hips in different directions, they are more likely to have the hip rotation to enable them to sit in this pose. For some people, it will now be physically impossible to do it even if they try to practice all the time - their anatomy just won't allow it. Dem bones, huh? And we might be different on either side, too - I can't rotate one hip as much as the other, so I can do half lotus but not full. Most days I'm happy if I can just sit, whatever the pose. I love the way yogis call it 'sukhasana' - easy pose. Come to a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and breathe. xx
I had heard that about kids who sat on the floor growing up being way more likely to be able to sit full lotus easily. I really wanted to be able to do it, but had to give up as it became clear my bone structure wouldn't allow it no matter how much stretching I did. The other cross-legged positions feel asymmetrical to me, and eventually lead to discomfort. I like standing and walking meditation nowadays.
Would you be willing to describe the vipassana meditation you do? I'm not totally clear on the specifics beyond attention to breath.
Standing and walking is nice too. Or kneeling with cushions. Sometimes its a battle to simply sit, isnt it? I will do.. later.. at work cheekily steeming!
Yes, who would have thought sitting would be such a challenge? Looking forward to your reply on vipassana when you have the time.