Asking for advice

Sitting cross legged on the floor has always been my preferred posture for meditation, but I'm finding as I re-introduce myself to meditation it causes a ton of back pain. It has been a number of years since taking the time to meditate and though I'm not very old I have a few old injuries and a lot of back pain from military service. If I lay down to meditate I fall asleep.

Any recommended alternate meditation positions with a little more back support that still doesn't feel lazy?

Any position is fine. Theres even ways of meditating while you walk, lol. For the kind of meditation i assume youre talking about, the main things are just to be physically comfortable and be able to breath as easily as possible.

I’m on the move a lot- every day. When I wake up if I’m not chasing babies and teaching some home school lesson I’m catching up on my hubby boyfriend duty’s kissing and stealing kisses- it’s even just a moment for me - is hard. Meditation, some days it’s not in the car ride home it ain’t gunna happen.
I find a “Za Zen” type of meditation which if I sit and no matter the position just get to that point where I don’t feel my legs - not like dead legs or asleep but just - no felling of - presence or even anything just sitting and getting to that point can be as relaxing as making it there as well. Not numb or asleep but just no feeling... might help might not - ya might always fall asleep - put yourself body and mind into a relaxed state - if ya need sleep your always gonna fall asleep.

I just find it helpful to sit still and center myself without any distractions. I've always done it in a sitting position, but I'll have to try walking.

I know that meditation can technically be performed in any position during any task, but I like to take at least 10 minutes to set aside for more traditional meditation a day and practice mini-meditations throughout the rest of my day. My day is basically constant motion so I find a certain peace in sitting still and not rushing.

Do you know what parts of your back specifically hurt, and whether it's dynamic movements that cause pain or just holding specific positions?

If you have a pool or hot tub you can use, the buoyancy generally helps quite a bit with back/knee pain. I get it's not exactly a quick 10 minute meditation, but it's very relaxing.

Honestly it's all about what best fits your lifestyle and mindset needs, so we can give you ideas, but only you know what works best for you.

The whole spine. Movement doesn't cause much pain, but sitting anywhere without some support kills it.

I think the water idea is awesome actually, and all I'm looking for is ideas. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

Have you tried kneeling meditation (seiza)? I generally experience less back pain when I kneel, but slightly more knee pain. However, I'm only a beginner and there are lots of techniques to reducing back and knee pain. Personally, I think a great way to meditate is to engage an activity with your hands that doesn't require much thought. Juggling, archery, and slinging rocks works for me. He wouldn't call it meditation, but my brother has been reloading .556 cartridges for a while and I think it's helped him deal with stress since returning from overseas.

I just got the idea... what about a brace? It's just a shot in the dark, but maybe wearing a weight lifting brace or tying a pillow around your back might help. Otherwise, I'm with Shinobi: walking is probably the best form of meditation that causes the least stress.

Somehow, I never thought of a brace. I'm going to give kneeling meditation a shot today. I'm also looking for a good spot to meditate in water for the buoyancy. Thanks so much for the ideas everyone! It's been super helpful!

Maybe a little yoga before you mediate? Help warm up and put yourself into alignment? Just a thought. Also, maybe a pillow or mediation mat? Just some food for thought.

I prefer to lay on my back, as I am getting up in age.

I think the most logical solution here is a consultation with the doctor. Pain in the whole spine is definitely a symptom of some kind of illness, and trying to solve the problem without any medical help... Not the best idea.

Try meditation cushion called zafu, it really helps to reduce back pain!

Well personally I experience some pain in my lower back but when I get it popped then it doesn't really bother me . If you have someone to help pop your back all you have to do is face back to back and lock arms , then have them bend forward with you back being bent over theirs this usually pops the entire spine maybe try this and wait a few minutes before meditating it might help .

So I've tried a few different solutions and I'm back to report my findings so others can maybe benefit.

The number one thing that's made a HUGE difference is a back brace. The added support makes a sitting position do-able for a decent amount of time (and is also helping with my posture during work so that's a bonus).

I've tried a few new positions that have more support or don't depend on a fully functional healthy back. I found quite a few of them worked really well. I still have trouble with a laying position because I fall asleep but plenty of others have worked wonders.

Thank you all for your responses and taking the time to help! It's greatly appreciated.

May the force be with you all

I use a kind of lounge position. I'm not lying down flat, so I don't fall asleep, but I use bolster pillows on my bed to prop me up. I'm comfortable, but not so comfortable that I get sleepy.

KingNothing wrote: Sitting cross legged on the floor has always been my preferred posture for meditation, but I'm finding as I re-introduce myself to meditation it causes a ton of back pain. It has been a number of years since taking the time to meditate and though I'm not very old I have a few old injuries and a lot of back pain from military service. If I lay down to meditate I fall asleep.

Any recommended alternate meditation positions with a little more back support that still doesn't feel lazy?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FAHZCR4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Invest in a Zafu/Zabuton set.
A Zafu/zabuton are a type of pillow/cushion used by Zen practicioners in Japan for centuries.
And as the owner of a set, I can see why.
They virtually eliminate any back/hip pain caused by meditation because their construction naturally props you up into a meditation position, so you can meditate without having to really support yourself as much.
I recommend them. They can be a bit pricey, but if you are experiencing back pain, these are really worth the investment.
The link I included (what's pictured) is a less costly but quality set.

I would recommend using a zero G chair

https://www.amazon.com/Caravan-Sports-Infinity-Gravity-Chair/dp/B004KWBP1W/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3I4B4T66808UL&keywords=zero+g+recliner&qid=1575903209&s=home-garden&sprefix=zero+g+re%2Cgarden%2C141&sr=1-11

I'm 6'2, 260+lbs. Yoga and all that stuff is great for smaller people with shorter limbs. But for me, its painful and any sort of pain interferes with and defeats the purpose of meditation. If you're so comfortable that you might fall asleep, that's actually a good thing. You want your body to be able to go to sleep but retain some consciousness and mental awareness. So I think comfort and back support should come first and then you simply practice meditating to where you don't fall asleep.

Good luck and may the force be with you.