The Top 4 Meditation Cushions to Support Your Practice

To celebrate World Meditation Day, we picked out our top 4Yoga mattersMeditation cushion to support your practice - no matter how long you meditate or where your practice takes place. Meditation is a central part of any yoga practice, and honestly the first yoga poses were not intended to work on physical strength or flexibility, they were meditation poses aimed at focusing the mind.

In classic yoga texts like thisHatha Yoga Pradipika,We find sitting postures such as Virasana (Hero Pose), Svastikasana (Auspicious Pose), Siddhasana (Adept Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), and Sukhasana (Easy Pose), all of which were used for meditation. Although these are specific meditation postures, that doesn't mean you can't meditate if your body doesn't feel comfortable in these postures! Even in texts that were written a long time ago, such asYoga Sutras by Patanjali,The practitioner is instructed to identify which type of sitting is eachstira(steady) andSucha(cozy). So when deciding which meditation cushion is best for your practice, know that it actually isYour practice –it is important that it is comfortable for you! Your meditation practice is your own personal time to reflect, rest, rejuvenate, and time to tune in to yourself for a while. Read on and choose your favorite.

Zafu meditation cushion made from hemp

Thebest selling Zafu pillowsare now available in natural hemp and filled with natural buckwheat hulls. The wordzafuTranslated "za" means "sit" and "fu" means "reed club", the original material with which these Japanese-style cushions are filled. This traditional type of cushion is best suited to a cross-legged sitting style, such as:Sukhasana, Padmasana, or half lotus position, and they're small enough to be easy to store, even for those with limited space (although they look so nice that I would personally use mine as everyday homewares too!). Many students say that their ankles get sore when they sit to meditate, which is why the Zafu meditation cushions are a perfect fit(link removed); A luxurious and large soft cushion that provides a warm and supportive base for your practice. The Zabuton pillows are also ethically made in India over the long termYoga mattersPartner.

(link removed)

Yoga mattershave worked hard to make existing products more sustainable and environmentally friendly, and now theClassic style meditation cushionThe cover is made from 100% organic cotton and filled with natural buckwheat hulls, making it an ethical choice for your meditation practice. For those who find it difficult to sit comfortably on the floor, this slightly taller and more supportive meditation cushion provides additional height that can be adjusted by adding or removing the buckwheat filling. Another prop that is perfect as a home accessory, the cushions come in a variety of colors and are great for a range of seating positions includingVirasanaor “hero pose”, where you sit on your heels. Combine this pillow with the for those early morning meditationsYoga mattersYoga blanket made from natural cotton,made of environmentally friendly cotton.

(link removed)

I mentionedthe Zabutonearlier as it pairs perfectly with the Yogamatters Zafu Cushion, but these large, soft and warm floor cushions can also be used on their own and are a mainstay in traditional Japanese homes. The size of the Zabuton means it is suitable for many sitting styles and can also be used lying down for your meditation practice for added comfort. Made from 100% organic cotton and filled with soft, recycled Recron fiberfill, the Zabuton is eco-friendly and breathable - if you work from home, the Zabuton can also be used as a soft floor cushion. If you like lying down for your meditation exercises or would like to try a yoga nidra practice for relaxation with audio guides, e.g(link removed),use oneYoga mattersOrganic cotton eye pillowfor a wonderfully soft, linseed-filled, lavender-scented way to relax your eyes.

Yogamatters Crescent Meditation Cushion

The special offerCrescent shape of these Zafu meditation cushionsare ideal for those who like to sit cross-legged as they are specifically made for posturessiddhasana(a classic cross-legged posture), lotus or half lotus. To give you extra height and support, use a(link removed)under the pillow, or if you feel that your lower back is rounded when sitting, roll a(link removed)and place it at the back of the pillow so that your pelvis is tilted slightly forward and your lower back is stretched. With a convenient carrying handle, the Half Moon Meditation Cushion is a great prop to take with you to class.

Regardless of whether your meditation practice lasts five minutes or longer, and whether it is already a daily habit or an opportune moment of peace, research on creating healthy habits shows that when we associate a specific place or object with a habit, we are much more likely to do it! To create a regular meditation habit at home, place your pillow where you can see it and easily access it regularly so that the pillow is an invitation to maintain your personal practice.