All advantages, differences and possible uses
"Find a relaxed seat." This is often the first sentence we hear in a guided meditation. And often the meditation session fails here: It is a challenge, especially for beginners, to sit for a long time and in a relaxed manner. However, in order to find peace and relaxation, a comfortable and at the same time upright position is essential. A meditation cushion is the ideal solution for many. In this article, you will find out what you should look out 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 to calm down, to feel yourself and to see the world around you with clearer eyes. You don't need much to start meditating: a quiet room for yourself, a moment of undisturbedness and, ideally, a meditation cushion on which you can sit for a long time and relax.
The benefits of a meditation cushion
Meditation is meant to relax you holistically. However, if you position yourself uncomfortably, you risk tension and back pain - essentially achieving the opposite of what you wanted to achieve in the first place. A meditation cushion will help 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, any cushion is better than none at all. However, if you spend a little time looking at the different shapes and fillings, you will find the cushion that perfectly suits your body, your needs and your level of experience.
Here is our selection of favorites for you:
# 1: Round meditation cushion
Meditation cushion wool | 59,95 €
• Height: approx. 15 cm
• Filling: organic spelt husk
This cushion is particularly suitable for you if your hips are a bit stiff, but you still want to sit comfortably in a tailor-legged or heel-sitting position.
# 2: Meditation cushion Zafu
Meditation cushion Zafu - Charcoal | €54.95
• Height: approx. 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: Half Moon Meditation Cushion
Meditation cushion half moon - Natural Linen | 59,95 €
• Height: approx. 13 cm
• Filling: organic buckwheat husks
This cushion offers a particularly large seating area and is therefore particularly suitable for meditating in the tailor or lotus position.
# 4: Travel Meditation Cushion
This pillow is particularly suitable for people with open hips due to its lower height. Since it only weighs one kilogram, it is particularly practical when travelling.
# 5: Zabuton
A zabuton is usually placed under the actual meditation cushion as extra support. However, it can also be used on its own. It also looks great as a decorative object in your home.
Finding the right meditation cushion: What height is the right one?
There is no such thing as a “perfect” meditation cushion, as different models are suitable depending on your height and the opening of your hips.
If you are under 1.70m tall, a meditation cushion with a height of 10cm is usually sufficient. If you are taller, you will probably need a higher cushion.
Extra tip: Try out different models and heights, for example in the yoga studio, before you decide on a type of pillow.
You can also sit on a stack of books at home and test which height suits you best. However, keep in mind that a stack of books is of course not as comfortable as a meditation cushion and you cannot slide comfortably to the edge. Nevertheless, you can use this simple test to find out which height is right for you and buy a suitable meditation cushion.
Bought the wrong meditation cushion – what now?
No need to worry: Most pillows have an opening inlay so you can remove some of the filling or add more if necessary. This way you can always adapt the pillow to suit you and your needs.
Even with a meditation cushion, the position you have adopted may feel uncomfortable at some point. Of course, you can move and change your position. However, with a meditation cushion, you reduce the likelihood of having to do this.
Practical alternatives for meditation cushions
If you want to start your meditation practice but don't have a cushion handy, you can use either yoga blocks or a folded blanket. Sometimes it's useful to use both: place the block and put the blanket on top to create a softer seat.
Let’s start practicing meditation: How do I sit correctly on the meditation cushion?
Option 1: The heel seat
Kneel over your meditation cushion with your legs slightly apart: place your feet to the right and left of the cushion. Then lower your bottom and find a comfortable position. Try pushing the meditation cushion a little further forward or backward. It is often found to be more 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 the heel seat. Your meditation session will be particularly relaxing if you also place a Zabuton under you and the cushion.
Option 2: The tailor's seat
If you have very open hips, you can sit cross-legged on the meditation cushion with your entire buttocks and legs. However, if you find it difficult to let your shins fall towards the floor (which makes your seat much more comfortable), you should slide a little further forward on your cushion. You then place your buttocks at the front end of the meditation cushion and your shins lie relaxed in front of each other on the floor.
The regular meditation cushion, the zafu or the half-moon cushion are suitable for the cross-legged position. You can also use a zabuton.
You can use these tips and the selection of meditation cushions presented to develop or strengthen your own meditation practice.
We hope you enjoy it!