Meditation is a practice that can help you de-stress, bring peace to your life, and help you build a relationship with you and your inner self.
At times, however, sitting in one place can prove to bring discomfort for many people. Enter: the meditation cushion.
What is a Meditation Cushion?
A meditation cushion is a large cushion that is used to support the body in a comfortable seated position while meditating. These cushions help to minimise distractions and assist with one’s focus by helping you maintain a comfortable position.
The main purpose of a meditation cushion is to elevate the pelvis or hips above the spine to support the spine. This, along with other yoga props, can greatly improve your posture and comfort level during meditation.
Choosing a Meditation Cushion
When choosing a meditation cushion, there are a few things you’ll want to pay attention to. We recommend choosing a cushion that:
- Provides firm support
- Is adjustable to your height
- Suitable for your sitting position and flexibility
- Is durable
There are two main types of cushions you can choose from. First is a Zafu cushion, a small cushion that elevates your hips while you meditate, and a Zabuton cushion, A rectangular mat that supports your knees while meditating.
A key point you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a cushion is the position you will be meditating in so that it best supports your posture.
If you usually sit comfortably in the lotus position, you might be better off with a low pillow as you have increased flexibility and mobility in your hips and knees.
A low pillow will help to tilt your pelvis forward just enough to increase your comfortability while you practise. Your best bet would be to go for something slightly flatter like a crescent meditation cushion.
If you have trouble getting into the lotus position but can sit cross-legged, a crescent shaped cushion is still a good bet, however, choosing a round cushion with more height may be more comfortable. We recommend experimenting with your cushion by removing some filling to find your best fit.
The next feature you’ll want to pay attention to when choosing the right meditation cushion is what’s on the inside: the filling.
A high quality cushion starts with the right filling. We always recommend choosing one that is filled with buckwheat.
Buckwheat has hard husks around its seeds. These husk hulls are firm, hard, and have a hemispherical shape making it the perfect choice for filling your cushion by allowing just enough air to remain between the peels. These hulls help keep the cushion lightweight while still retaining its shape.
Conclusion
Choosing to start your journey with meditation is an important step to building a foundation for everyday healthy living but oftentimes, it can seem inaccessible to sit in the same position for extended periods of time.
A meditation pillow is one of the best tools to add to your daily practice, allowing you to be more comfortable, help with your posture, and aid with flexibility.
Following the steps listed here, you can have a piece of mind that you’ll find a meditation cushion that is perfect for you and your personal meditation practice.
Take a look at our additional meditation equipment to help you on your journey with healthy living.