What You Need to Know About Meditation Cushions
Meditation "sitting" can be a vigorous practice due mostly because of the position one is suppose to maintain. But if possible, should not be an uncomfortable practice for your body. In fact, there are a number of meditation tools that can be used to enhance and deepen your practice. In this post, we'll talk about meditation cushions. These soft-firm "pillowy type" items can be the perfect way to boost your meditation abilities and help you get into your session(s) more easily!
The idea of pillows, blankets and cushions is to help with maintaining proper alignment of your spine and posture, which includes helping the pelvis tilt slightly forward.
Some people think meditation is difficult or hard to master, but this isn't necessarily the case. Anyone can learn to enjoy meditation, but like many practices and even hobbies you choose to indulge in, with the right tools and/or items can make all the differences in the world!
The fact is, not everyone will need to use a meditation cushion. Meditating on a mat or simply in a chair, works just fine for many!
What Are Meditation Cushions?
In more ancient Chinese practice, they used handwoven mats made from materials like grass. Round cushions like the ones traditionally used in meditation are known as a zafu.
Meditation cushions or meditation floor pillows are devices that can be bought online or in stores. These convenient pillows help cushion your body and allow you to sit for a meditation session more comfortably, as they help to lower your knees, tilt your pelvis, with an end goal of better spinal alignment and posture.
For some, it can be more difficult to sustain extended periods of sitting in the same position, so investing in a meditation pillow or cushion of some sort certainly makes sense.
Unfortunately, both young meditators and older meditators can experience aches and pains from staying in a sustained meditative pose. However, meditation cushions help bring the support that you may need to help elevate or sustain your posture for a longer period of time.
Meditating with cushions is like yoga to your yoga mat. It adds a level of comfort and support that can help with your practice and within your sessions.
How Can Meditation Cushions Improve Your Practice?
With less discomfort, you may notice a change in your practice as you can focus more on scanning your body and clearing up your mind. Without the constant straining, it is believed to better help energize your sessions.
In addition, meditation cushions help you
maintain better posture. This can keep you from having a stiff back or
developing back pains. With this potential reduction in stiffness and
distraction, you can begin to sink into meditation at a higher or deeper level!
What Types of Meditation Cushions Are Available?
Meditation cushions are not one size fits all, as the practice has become more popular, and living in a world of change and innovation, there are now a ton of varieties when it comes to these types of pillows.
Over the years, meditation cushions have taken on many forms. In the early days of meditation monks and other meditators had crafted simple mats filled with grass to sit on. Those practicing meditation were able to sit for hours on end on these minimalistic cushions.
Nowadays though, you can find all kinds of cushions that suit many meditation styles. From more traditional round cushions known as zafus to thicker more rectangular cushions, also known as zabuton cushions. Zabuton products, in particular, are great for lying down meditating or kneeling.
There is no limit to the shapes
and sizes you'll find today. Some cushions can even be tailored to contour your
body. Many materials are used to make meditation cushions, but you should find
a material that suits your needs.
How to Pick Out Your Meditation Cushions?
1. Consider Your Price Range
You don’t have to break the bank to find a good meditation cushion. Budget-friendly and high-quality meditation cushions are available to both beginners and advanced individuals who wish to take on this ancient practice.
Figure out first, how much time you're going to invest in meditation on a daily basis, and for each session, as this may help with what you're looking for quality-wise. Some products can get quite expensive, especially luxury meditation cushions.
2. Consider How You Meditate
What meditation cushion you purchase will largely depend on how you meditate. Certain meditation postures, like a traditional lotus, will require a more round cushion. If you're kneeling during your practice, you might want a thicker and firmer cushion.
In addition, certain sized meditation cushions might be more conducive for your meditation as well. So think about this as you buy your cushion.
3. Get Something Comfortable
Above all else, you want a meditation cushion that brings you the comfort you need. The look and feel of your cushion is important, but if you cannot get in a comfortable position with your cushion, it won’t be of any use to you.
If you're looking to ease your knees, for instance, a Seiza meditation cushion can be put on a meditation bench. This will take all the pressure off your knees. Very thick cushions also have the same effect. They allow you to sit upright more easily with your knees high in the air and your hips supported.
4. Pick Out Your Meditation Cushion Material
Size, shape, color, and even materials can differ with meditation cushions. The material of your cushions is largely up to your preference, but something firm and soft can be beneficial to your meditation practice. Wool is highly popular with meditators and is actually said to improve your circulation.
Cotton, polyester, and even buckwheat
can be used in your meditation floor pillows within your practice. Kapok fiber is also another great option for
meditation cushions. It acts like cotton, but is slightly firmer. Wool is
great, but it can flatten over time, most materials used in
these products however, are quite durable and comfortable for the long term.
Top Meditation Cushion Products:
If you aren’t sure which brands or types of meditation cushions you're into, we’ll do a quick recap of some popular meditation cushions here. These products are affordable, and also boast a high quality!
1. Crystal Cove Meditation Cushion
Crystal cove meditation cushions are top of the line products. These pillows have a visually pleasing design and can be bought at under fifty dollars. Crystal cove cushions are made of all-natural materials. They primarily use buckwheat to keep the pillows firm. You can also refill these cushions once they flatten out.
2. Gaiam Crescent Meditation Cushion
Gaiam crescent meditation cushions are wider and come in a crescent shape pouch. Gaiam offers another affordable meditation cushion for buyers with great quality! In particular, this product is made to reduce stress and help you achieve better posture as you meditate. This cushion gives meditators the ultimate support in their knees and hip areas!
3. Alexia Meditation Seat
The Alexia Meditation Seat is a little more on the expensive side. This is because this cushion is specially made to fit your body. It’s more of a seat than a traditional meditation cushion, but it offers you the ultimate comfort while meditating.
Alexia is angled so that you can sit cross-legged without unwarranted pain. It supports the knees, hips, lower back, and even your feet. You won’t find a meditation product quite like this one!
4. Manduka Enlight Bolster
The Manduka Enlight bolster can be used for both meditation and yoga. It is a versatile and comfortable product that is great for kneeling meditations, seated meditations, or meditations done while lying down. Manduka is not the most colorfully vibrant product, but it is extremely durable and functional!
5. Yoga Accessories Rectangular Meditation Cushion
This final meditation cushion is extremely affordable. It comes in at under $40 and can be bought in several different colors. This cushion is made from cotton material so it is soft and breathable. In addition, this cushion is nice and wide. So people of all sizes can use this product.
You can also put in extra cotton or material in this cushion as well. Cotton can get lumpy over time, but since this pillow comes with a zipper you can easily refill this item to firm it up!
Final Thoughts!
Hopefully this has been a resourceful post for your meditation cushion buying needs. There is much more variety today then ever before, but remember, sometimes less is more. Taylor your purchase to your individual needs.
Please share any feedback on brands you have used in your practice in our comments section.
Thanks, hope to see you again soon!
Resources:
-https://www.sagemeditation.com/how-to-choose-a-meditation-cushion/
-https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/best-meditation-cushions#gid=ci02398311400027a8&pid=rattan-meditation-chair