Falling asleep

Becoming drowsy during a meditation session isn't necessarily a problem – or an excuse for skipping your daily meditation session. However, it can be bothersome for you or for anyone meditating around you. It will make the session a little too relaxing and will mean that you miss out on some of the essential aspects of meditation. Here are a few tips on how to stay awake if you're prone to drowsing during a meditation session: 

• Try to meditate at a time when you will be less likely to fall asleep (in other words, not after a meal, in the evening or too soon after waking up). Take the time to wake up completely in the morning before meditating, because it sometimes takes a while to get your mind in gear. See 'When should I meditate?' to find the best time for you.
• Adopt the correct posture. Neither rigid nor slouching.
• You can also imagine that during the meditation a huge ball of light is floating immediately before your head, slightly above your face, and that it's pouring light over you.
• You can also move during a session if you feel yourself nodding off. Don't struggle against it. Instead stretch, get up, massage your face, refresh yourself...
• If someone beside you falls asleep while meditating, gently but firmly touch their arm to bring them back to the here and now.