It is helpful to start a meditative practice by including the body rather than by sitting silently or only doing Vipassana meditations. The reason is that we tend to accumulate tension and stress in the body and mind that just by sitting we may not be able to come to a state of witnessing, but is more likely to be flooded with repressed emotions and thoughts that do not allow us to stay present and alert, but are more likely to create sleepiness, restlessness or day dreaming. Meditations starting with the body helps us become aware of what we can observe in the thoughts and sensations of the body-mind complex. They first release the tensions and stress of the body and mind. Then, it is easier to relax into an experience of still and watchfulness, awareness - be present in the moment.
It is helpful to start a meditative practice by including the body rather than by sitting silently or only doing Vipassana meditations. The reason is that we tend to accumulate tension and stress in the body and mind that just by sitting we may not be able to come to a state of witnessing, but is more likely to be flooded with repressed emotions and thoughts that do not allow us to stay present and alert, but are more likely to create sleepiness, restlessness or day dreaming. Meditations starting with the body helps us become aware of what we can observe in the thoughts and sensations of the body-mind complex. They first release the tensions and stress of the body and mind. Then, it is easier to relax into an experience of still and watchfulness, awareness - be present in the moment.