Standing Meditation, Zhan Zhuang

"I call the ancient, natural way of standing "the Paleolithic Posture." In the Paleolithic Posture, the knees are slightly bent, the spine is straight, and long, the breath is deep and quiet, and the eyes are open and alert. The body feels like a tree with deep roots for balance and tall branches for grace. Although we usually think of a "posture" as a static pose, it includes our carriage in movement as well. Since a straight and tall stance confers the greatest balance, sensitivity,
awareness, and alertness, we see it in a scout standing still on a mountain lookout or walking through camp to a council meeting."
- Ken Cohen, Honoring the Medicine, p. 240

"To review, the basic elements of the Paleolithic Posture are: Feet under the shoulders. Slightly bent knees. Receiving and feeling the ground. Long, straight spine. Relaxed as possible. Eyes open with a wide, level gaze. Slow, quiet belly breathing. Awareness. Whole body alive."
- Kenneth Cohen, Honoring the Medicine, p.246

Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing. By Kenneth "Bear Hawk" Cohen. New York, Ballantine Books, 2003. Bibliography, notes, index, resources, 429 pages. ISBN: 0345435133. "The Paleolithic Posture," pp. 240-251.

Zhan Zhuang: Standing Meditation. Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Notes. By Michael P. Garofalo.