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THE DYNAMICS OF MEDITATION
up. No feeling of depression or lowliness will come over you. The world is nothing but your reflection. Your posture reflects you.
The spine is also very important in digestion. When the spine is straight, all the organs are held in place and our system is kept in order. When we slump over, the digestive organs are squashed and the blood supply is not as good and fresh. How can digestion be good when our internal organs are under this kind of pressure? Constipation results from not eating properly and from not keeping the spine straight.
Another benefit of sitting with the spine erect is that our breath can go deep into our lungs. Shallow breath hurts the body and makes us feel sluggish and drowsy. When we breathe in naturally and properly, the air goes deep into our body and the diaphragm expands so that the abdomen is pushed out. Then the navel goes back in when 'we exhale. Breathing in this way we feel alert and calm. You will notice when someone becomes angry or passionate, his breath is very rapid and shallow. In depression and emotional disturbances we see quick and jagged breathing. But when you are in meditation or thinking a beautiful thought, you feel calmness and the breath is very slow and deep.
Experiencing this, we realize how important the breath is to our mind and thinking, to our peace and calm. When we breathe properly, we won't have fatigue or depression. The body will receive the proper oxygen supply and flow of blood, and disease will not be able to take root. To enjoy proper breathing, we must have good posture.
