What does Lord Shiva posture indicate?

Lord Shiva in this picture is seen in a very calm and pleasing posture with eyes open.  Normally he would be seen depicted with eyes fully or partially closed in meditative posture or in Natrajar posture ( dancing). The eyes open state represents the waking state of the divine consciousness.  

A demon is seen under Lord Shiva's feet.  This symbolically represents the negativities , which are kept under the control of divine consciousness.  Lord Shiva is also the lord of all the 5 elements called as Panchaboothas. Hence, on chanting Om Nama shivaya , we can bring down the ill effects of nine planets and negative forces and negative thoughts. He is also instrumental in bringing the transformation of the mind to a positive change and hence he is also called as the Lord of destruction. At the end of life,  he brings liberation to the souls by detaching the soul from the body. 

Secondly,  the sages are seen sitting near His feet. This symbolically represents His devotees,  who always keep Lord Shiva in their heart and keep chanting His name , praising His deeds and always stay at His feet , seeking His blessings. 

Lord Shiva in this picture is also seen with scriptures inscribed palm leaves  in one of the four hands and His right hand is  in Abhaya mudra ,a  blessing posture . This means He blesses  the sages or devotees by bestowing them with knowledge and wisdom. 

In the other two hands,  one holds the dumroo,  representing the infinite nature of the world and the consciousness and the other hand is with the torch or light meaning the one who gives the direction to our lives. 

Lord Shiva also has the crescent moon in his head . Moon represents the mind. As He is in state of meditation most of the times, His mind attains an  almost a thoughtless state with very minimal thoughts to sustain  the present moment ,which is denoted by the thin crescent 🌙 on His head.  It also marks the state of one who has a say over His mind or thoughts in mind. 

Jai Gurudev !