Unsure of which meditation cushion is perfect for you?
This guide will walk you through:
Benefits of meditation
Meditation and mindfulness techniques have been used throughout history to calm the mind, increase awareness, acceptance, presence and improve quality of life. Studies have shown meditation can increase empathy and loving kindness, improve memory, reduce anxiety, improve pain tolerance and sleep patterns.
What is a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion can take many forms including meditation pillows, yoga bolsters, cushions, blankets and blocks. Meditation cushions can greatly improve your posture and comfort level during meditation.
Having cushioning under your sit bones will allow your body to ground softly into your practice. When deciding on the best meditation cushion for you the most important things to think about are:
- where you need support and comfort
- maintaining circulation to all parts of the body
Your knees should be lower than your hips
This allows for circulation to the lower limbs during sitting positions. Our seated meditation cushions offer more room to allow for the knees to naturally drop to the floor.
Elevate your pelvis to:
- Allow for an optimal tilt in the pelvis allowing space for the knees to drop lower than the hips. This is great for circulation during practice and can prevent the feet from falling asleep or getting pins and needles.
- Allow the spine more ease to rise up from its grounded surface. For many this will prevent a rounded back and encourage the natural S curve of the spine.
Having softness under the ankles can provide more comfort during practice
By relaxing the body you create the optimal conditions to calm the breath which will then calm the mind for meditation practice.
Different bodies will require different shapes so lets dive a little deeper into the different uses of each meditation cushion/bolster shape.
Best for those more open and flexible
Zafu meditation cushion combined with a Zabuton meditation cushion.
See the full details below in the Meditation Cushion Shapes Explained section.
Best for retreats (and for those who like their heels closer to the body)
Crescent meditation cushion combined with a Zabuton meditation cushion.
See the full details below in the Meditation Cushion Shapes Explained section.
Best for tight hips
Our Rondo Meditation cushion works in combination with a Zabuton meditation cushion.
See the full details below in the Meditation Cushion Shapes Explained section.
Best support for cross legged positions when knees don’t fall to the floor
Our yoga blankets and travel bolsters offer the best support to remove this tension out of the hips.
Best support for integrating your meditation practice in savasana
Yoga nidra and meditation futons.
See the full details below in the Meditation Cushion Shapes Explained section.
Meditation Cushion Shapes Explained
Let's go through the various cushion shapes and how to use them in your meditation practice.
Zabuton Meditation cushion
We recommend pairing the Zabuton meditation cushion (the large square cushion on the bottom) with either a rondo, zafu or crescent meditation cushion. This cushion is ideal when you feel discomfort in your ankles and legs.
This cushion can replace the hard surface with a soft one for the feet, ankles and lower legs. When pairing this cushion with a zafu, rondo or crescent they create the foundations for a supportive meditation set.
Round Zafu Meditation Cushion
The Round Zafu meditation cushion helps you elevate the sit bones, to sit with a lengthed spine and provides space for the knees to cascade down to the floor with relaxed hips. Based on traditional meditation cushion design, its simple shape is time-tested and perfect for new and experienced meditators alike. You can sit in sukhasana (easy pose) or in a supported kneeling position using the zafu.
The height of zafu provides a medium level of lift and suits those with a moderate amount of flexibility in the hips.
We recommend our Meditation Comfort Bundles which includes this cushion with a zabuton and faux rug for comfort.
Crescent Meditation Cushion
Our Crescent meditation cushions are a wonderful transportable option for meditation and great when you're going on a retreat or travelling. The downward slope of the cushion can help you sit with a lengthened spine with relaxed, hips.
This design provides you with room to tuck your heels in close to your body and provides support for those with flexibility in the hips, thighs and ankles.
We recommend our Meditation Comfort Bundles which includes this cushion with a zabuton and faux rug for further comfort.
Rondo Meditation Cushion
Rondo meditation cushions are amazing for those who need more height for their meditation seat. This height is perfect for kneeling meditation or if you need more space for the knees to drop down below the hips. Easy pose is also a great option with the rondo if you have longer legs and a reasonable amount of flexibility though the hips.
It makes a great sitting cushion for your low dining table or living room space.
We recommend our Meditation Comfort Bundles which includes this cushion with a zabuton and faux rug for further comfort.
Round Yoga Bolster
Similar to the Rondo our Round Yoga Bolsters are amazing for those who need more height for their meditation seat. The round bolster we recommend using in saddle position. This height is perfect for kneeling meditation or if you need more space for the knees to drop down below the hips.
We recommend pairing this cushion with a zabuton and allow for the ankles to drape over the edge of the zabuton to reduce tension that may occur here
Blankets
One of the most versatile yoga and meditation props. Use a blanket :
- For extra height if your cushion is slightly too low
- For warmth during the cooler months
- Rolled up for under the knees when they don’t fall easily to the floor in a cross legged position
- In the small of your back when using the wall for support.
Why Choose Calm Buddhi Meditation Cushions?
The benefits of having a beautiful meditation set that fits into your home aesthetics will lure you to your practice. You will not want to put your artisan meditation props away encouraging you to set up a permanent space for meditation at home.
Adjustable height cushions
At Calm Buddhi our seated meditation cushions are filled with Australian buckwheat hull and include sturdy zips on both the cover and inner liner. This means you can adjust the height of the cushion to suit the flexibility of your hips and the softness you require.
Washable covers
Each cushion is made with a durable washable cover and inner liner allowing for easy cleaning as well as longevity.
We are ethical, artisanal, sustainable and believe in fair work & pay for everyone
Angela Knight
Calm Buddhi Ma
Yoga, Meditation and Yoga Nidra Teacher