Of course, my version of this river will be much darker and far more morbid than what most people will interpret that as, but it sounds like it help quite a bit. I'll start a regular schedule for my meditations.
Sun up, and sun down should do nicely for now.
Lotus would be crossed-legs, correct? because that is how I normally sit when I meditate. Crossed legs, and a straight back to help open the airways better.