Finding the perfect meditation cushion
All advantages, differences and ways of use
"Find a relaxed seat." Often this is the first sentence we hear in a guided meditation. And sometimes the meditation session already fails here: Because especially for beginners, it is a challenge to sit for a long time in a relaxed way. However, to find peace and relaxation, a comfortable and at the same time upright posture is essential. A meditation cushion is the ideal solution for many people. You will learn in this article what you should look for when buying a meditation cushion and how you can use it in different ways.
But why meditate at all? Meditation can be your mental balance to the often stressful and fast-paced everyday life. It helps you calm down, feel yourself, and see the world around you from clearer eyes. To start meditating, you don't need much: a quiet room for you, a moment of being undisturbed and, in the best case, a meditation cushion with which you can sit for a long time and relax.
The advantages of a meditation cushion
Meditation is meant to relax you holistically. However, if you position yourself uncomfortably, you risk tensions and back pain, so you're basically doing the opposite of what you initially wanted to achieve. A meditation cushion helps you find a comfortable seat while still maintaining an upright posture.
How to find the perfect meditation cushion for you
When it comes to meditation cushions, it's better to have any than none at all. However, if you do some research into the different shapes and fillings, you will find the pillow that perfectly fits your body, your needs and your level of experience.
Here is our selection of favorites for you:
# 1: Round meditation cushion
Meditation cushion - The Drum | 104,95 €
• Height: ca. 14 cm
• Filling: organic spelled husks
This cushion is especially suitable for you if your hips are a little stiffer, but you still want to sit comfortably in a heel seat or with crossed legs.
# 2: Meditation cushion Zafu
Meditation cushion Zafu - Fig Linen | 59,95 €
• Height: ca. 13 cm
• Filling: organic buckwheat husks
On this meditation cushion you can slide optimally to the front edge: This allows you to straighten your lower back.
# 3: Meditation cushion Crescent
Meditation cushion Crescent - Natural Linen | 59,95 €
• Height: ca. 13 cm
• Filling: organic buckwheat husks
This cushion offers a particularly large seating area and is therefore especially suitable for meditation with crossed legs or in the lotus position.
# 4: Travel meditation cushion
Meditation cushion Om - Boreal | 59,95 €
• Heights: ca. 5 cm
• Filling: organic buckwheat husks
This cushion is particularly suitable for people with open hips due to its lower height. Since it weighs only one kilogram, it is very convenient when traveling.
# 5: Zabuton
Most often, a zabuton is placed under the actual meditation cushion as an extra support. But it can also be used on its own. Moreover, it makes a great decorative object in your home.
Finding the perfect meditation cushion: Which height is the right one?
The one "perfect" meditation cushion does not exist, because depending on your body size and the opening of your hips, different models are suitable.
If you are under 1.70 m tall, a meditation cushion with a height of 10 cm is usually sufficient. If you are taller, you will probably need a higher cushion.
Extra tip: Try out different models and heights in the yoga studio, for example, before deciding on a type of cushion.
You can also sit on a stack of books at home and test which height suits you best. Note, however, that a stack of books is not as comfortable as a meditation cushion, and you can't comfortably slide to the edge. Nevertheless, you can use this simple test to find out which height is right for you and buy an appropriate meditation cushion.
Bought the wrong meditation cushion - and now?
No need to worry: The inlay of most pillows can be opened so that you can remove some of the filling or add some more if necessary. So you can always adapt the pillow to you and your needs.
Even with meditation cushions, the position you are in may feel uncomfortable at some point. You may then of course move and change your seat. With a meditation cushion, however, you reduce the probability of having to do that.
Practical alternatives for meditation cushion
If you want to start your meditation practice but don't have a cushion nearby, you can use either yoga blocks or a folded blanket. Sometimes it makes sense to use both: Place the block and lay the blanket on top to create a softer sitting surface.
Off to meditation practice: How do I sit properly on the meditation cushion?
Option 1: Hero pose
Kneel over your meditation cushion with your legs slightly open: Place your feet to the right and left of the cushion. Then lower your buttocks and find a comfortable position. Try pushing the meditation cushion a little further forward or backward. Often it feels comfortable to sit a little further forward on the cushion. You can rest your hands comfortably on your thighs.
All round meditation cushions are suitable for hero pose. Your meditation session will be especially relaxed if you additionally place a zabuton under you and the cushion.
Option 2: The cross-legged position
If you have very open hips, you can sit cross-legged with your entire buttocks on the meditation cushion. However, if you find it difficult to let your shins sink towards the floor (which makes your seat much more comfortable), you should slide a little further forward on your cushion. Place your buttocks at the front end of the meditation cushion and your shins will be relaxed on the floor in front of each other.
For cross-legged meditation you can use the regular meditation cushion, the zafu cushion or the crescent cushion. You can also add a zabuton.
You can use these tips and the featured selection of meditation cushions to develop or strengthen your own meditation practice.
We wish you much pleasure with it!
