Kev:
Sorry for my obscure reference. The traditional Japanese sitting posture is called seiza - sitting on the floor with the back straight and the buttocks resting on the heels. The Japanese use seiza for all formal occassions such as the tea ceremony and meditation. It is considered to be a calming posture, but not one of complete rest, with the body in perfect balance and harmony. Plus from my experience it's pretty much impossible to fall asleep in the seiza posture.
Seiza also refers to a bench used for sitting in the seiza posture. I use the bench because my American legs aren't really built for seiza and the bench takes the weight off the heels. I am able to sit and be alert for a prolonged period without discomfort if I use the bench. There's a website at http://www.fourgates.com/benches.asp that has pictures of seiza meditation benches.
NSA/SGI refers to a Japanese Buddhist organization that had some popularity in the US 30+ years or so ago. They use the seiza posture while chanting the scriptures aloud morning and evening.
I believe Master Lin has said that any posture is OK for SFQ meditation, including the traditional Japanese posture.
Shawn:
Yes, I do reverse breathing all the time. I didn't know it had a name. And I will most definitely start using the affirmation you gave "All my channels are open, Blood pressure is up to normal!" Thanks.
Peace and Love,
Susan
