The Best Meditation Cushion

Buying Guide

Meditation has evolved over the years. What was once considered a spiritual and self-actualizing process is now being looked at as a practical activity that brings health benefits. Some research indicates that meditation can help with not only understanding how you think, but eventually starting to control it.

But no matter how you use meditation, the fact remains that it brings some mental health benefits. Maybe you use it to relax when things get stressful, or perhaps you simply like to center yourself and live in the moment. Setting some time aside each day to meditate can help you tackle the day’s challenges.

You can meditate at any time, anywhere. You might enjoy a brief bout of mindfulness while waiting patiently at a traffic light, for instance. Or maybe you take a few minutes to center yourself after a particularly dramatic interaction at work. For many, though, meditation means setting quiet time aside each day in a designated space.

Comfort is important in meditation. If you’re seated on a hardwood floor, wearing uncomfortable clothing, you might find it tough to focus. Thoughts of the pain certain parts of your body are experiencing will dominate. Investing in loose, comfortable clothing that you can wear while meditating can put you on the right path.

Once you’ve squared away clothing options, you’ll need a good place to sit. Meditation doesn’t have to be performed while seated cross-legged on the floor. The truth is, you can meditate in any position, whether it’s standing, seated or lying down. Many prefer the classic lotus pose, though, and often this means sitting on a floor. Even if you have carpeting or a rug to cushion your seat, though, this can become uncomfortable over the course of a session.

That’s where a good cushion can help. The best meditation cushions not only provide protection between you and a hard surface, but they also encourage good posture to make sure you’re getting the most from each session.

• If you’re new to meditation, don’t give up. It can take a while for you to see results from meditation. Studies vary, but some say it takes a month of regular practice while others say it takes two months or longer.
• Meditation cushions aren’t just for meditation sessions. You can use them for sitting on a floor or less-than-comfortable seat. They’re usually small and portable, making them great for taking on the go with you. Some find the smaller build makes them ideal for supporting certain areas while sleeping.
• It’s important to pay attention to the type of filler you’re getting with a meditation cushion. Some can be removed to lessen the amount of stuffing inside. This can help you customize the fit to your preferences.
• With some meditation cushions, you can remove the cover and toss it in the washer. Pay attention to the care instructions. In many cases, you’ll want to machine wash on cold and line dry.
• If environmental consciousness is important to you, you can find meditation cushions made from sustainably sourced materials. Also, look for materials that minimize the use of chemicals and dyes if you’re sensitive to those.
• The look of meditation cushions can vary significantly. You can find them in bright colors, neutrals and everything in between. Some even feature fun designs designed to inspire and motivate you.
• If you meditate outside the home, a portable meditation cushion can come in handy. Look for a lightweight build and a handle that will make it easy to carry.
• Pay attention to the weight capacity of the meditation cushion you choose. Some are limited.
• You may notice some meditation cushions are round, while others are crescent-shaped. Round cushions can support your back while also protecting you from the floor beneath, but crescent-shaped cushions are designed to support your hips and legs while you’re using them.