Meditation lowers stress levels, allows you to have a clearer mental state, gives you more energy, and generally improves your overall well-being and quality of life. There’s something about clearing your mind of clutter that recharges not just your mind but your entire being as well.
Meditation cushions provide support during meditation and yoga. They also beneficial in strengthening your core, reinforcing your posture, giving yourself a boost, fortifying your resolve, and renewing you chi.
When sitting in a simple cross-legged position you want your knees level with your hips or below.
However, if you’re not comfortable, or even worse, you suffer pain due to your position, meditation will definitely be unbearable.
List of TOP 5 Meditation Cushion Sets
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1. Seat of the Soul’s Crescent Meditation Cushion
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2. Seat of the Soul Zafu Cushion
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3. REEHUT Zafu Yoga Meditation Cushion
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4. Bean Products Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Cushion |
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5. Twin Fish Zafu Meditation Cushion
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This is why the proper meditation tools are key to a consistent, effective, and fulfilling meditation session. Meditation tools, you say? Is there such a thing?
Well, if you’re new to meditation, you’ll be quite surprised to know that today, there are hundreds of different products that can help you meditate better and more frequently, and meditation cushions are just one of the basics.
We also wrote a review about MUSE – Brain Sensing Headband.
Why Do You Need a Meditation Cushion?
Meditation starts with your position. Do you like to sit down on a chair? On the floor? Or do you want to lie down ala Shavasana position? Well, if you happen to like or want to meditate sitting down on the floor, then a meditation cushion will do wonders for you.
The right meditation practice requires the right position – this means your posture should be correct, your butt comfortable, and your legs crossed or straightened properly. While you can definitely sit on the floor, you might not be as comfortable as you’d like, and this can affect the quality and duration of your session.
A cushion will help to bring you to the proper position and comfort level that you need to have a rewarding meditation session.
Meditation Posture
Whether you’re doing a half-lotus or a full-lotus, the right posture means your spine should be erect, the lower back curved, the upper back slightly curved, and the head level. And to do this, a firm foundation is needed. In most cases, a meditation cushion will help you achieve this proper posture. If you would prefer meditation chair with back support read a review here.
So How Do You Choose the Best Meditation Cushion for You?
1. Determine Your Meditation Position
Are you doing the classic cross-legged posture, or the Seiza style where you sit on your calves and your knees and ankles are bent as if kneeling?
If you’re merely sitting with your legs crossed, a small rounded cushion that can fit your butt is good enough but you might need a bigger or wider cushion is you plan to do the Seiza style since more area is needed.
2. Comfort
Some people want something that’s stiffer or firmer while some people prefer those that are really soft. Choose your cushion depending on your preference.
4. Materials
The most common materials for covering are cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool, and polyester. The most comfortable are definitely natural materials such as cotton and bamboo but they do absorb stains, sweat, and moisture so you’d have to clean and wash them regularly. Polyester wicks away moisture so while they’re not breathable, they don’t stain easily.
The filling also differ in cushions with some preferring wool for their softness while other like buckwheat hulls since they are firm but not too stiff.
If you’re looking to buy your first meditation cushion and don’t know where to begin, here are 5 cushions that are sure to give you the best comfort you need for your next meditation session:
TOP 5 Meditation Cushions on the Market Today
1. Seat of the Soul’s Crescent Meditation Cushion
Crescent shaped and filled with buckwheat hulls, it hugs your butt nicely as you sit while giving you a firm and comfortable seating. The hulls mold your butt area as you sit but you won’t sink into it, providing your spine with the support to keep it erect.
There are many colors available and the height of the cushion is at 5″ and 17″ wide. If you prefer it to be shorter, you simply open the zipper found at the bottom and take out some hulls. Remember to keep them in a container so you can put them back in if you want to lengthen the height again.
Pros
- Height is adjustable
- Easy to clean with zippered cover
- Firm without being too hard
Cons
- Many users report that the hulls harbor bugs
2. Meditation Seat of the Soul Zafu Cushion
Just like the Crescent Moon Seat of the Soul cushion, the Zafu is filled with buckwheat hulls. It’s firm but not too soft, and snugs your butt comfortably. The covering is made of cotton and can easily be taken off and thrown in a washing machine making it easy to clean. You can also adjust the height by removing some of the hulls inside.
The only difference between this cushion and the first is its shape – this cushion is round and looks like a drum while the other is crescent shape.
Pros
- Has the original Zafu look and shape – used for Japanese Zen meditation
- Easy to clean
- Firm but not too soft
Cons
- Many users report that the hulls harbor bugs and insects
3. REEHUT Zafu Yoga Pillow / Meditation Cushion
This cushion is 4.5″ tall and 12″ in diameter, and available in 4 colors. Its cover is 100% organic cotton or hemp, and it also contains buckwheat hulls. The covering is zippered and hidden so there’s no discomfort if your leggings or pants are accidentally “eaten” by the zipper fly or teeth. And it’s also easy to clean and wash since you can just take out the cover and throw it in the wash.
The cushion is said to relieve pressure and stress on joints and supports proper alignment of the spine. Used for yoga and meditation, you can definitely use this as you meditate on your own or even in a yoga class.
If you want to start practicing Yoga – Check out our Yoga Burn Review.
Pros
- Made of organic materials
- Firm yet also soft
- Handy with its carrying handle
Cons
- The hulls are said to harbor dust mites
- Takes a little getting used to due to the shape
4. Bean Products Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Set
This set features a Zafu and a Zabuton, giving you a small meditation space of your own whatever room you may be. You simply sit on the Safu and spread your legs onto the Zabuton for more comfort.
The Zabuton is long and thick enough so you can do different positions without having to touch the floor. The cushion and mat are also insulated making it perfect for anyone who lives in a cooler climate so you stay warm even if you’re meditating on the floor.
Made of 100% organic cotton or hemp, it’s breathable and comfortable, and easy to wash, too. Bean Products have been in the industry for over 30 years so you know you’re getting your meditation set from a reputable company.
Pros
- Made by a reputable and established company
- Comes as a set so you have a Zen-like space of your own
- Zafu and Zabuton are insulated giving you warmth even in cooler weather
Cons
- Some people say there’s no use for the Zabuton
5. Twin Fish Zafu Meditation Cushion
This Zafu is 12.5″ wide and 7″ tall, making it taller than most Zafus in the market. Because of this, it’s the perfect cushion for taller individuals or plus size practitioners. The filling is made of buckwheat hulls, giving you a firm yet also soft cushion, making it sturdy and durable.
The cover is made of 100% organic cotton so it’s comfortable and easy to clean. It comes in a twin fish print, and actually perfect for outdoor meditation sessions especially on the beach.
Pros
- Taller than most Zafus in the market
- Made of organic and natural materials
Cons
- May be too high for some people
Conclusion
Meditation pillows help to give you the proper posture you need to achieve a successful and comfortable meditation session. You won’t be able to meditate properly if you’re not comfortable or your butt is hurting or your back is killing you. When you’re comfortable, it will actually motivate you to meditate more often, helping to improve your health and mental well-being.
While you can use an ordinary cushion or pillow at home, meditation cushions are actually specifically made to help you meditate better. And because they’re really not that expensive and some are even really cheap, it won’t hurt to try them for an improved meditation session.
FAQ
1. How do you make a meditation cushion with towels?
Creating a meditation cushion from towels or a yoga mat can be a simple and cost-effective DIY project. Here’s a step-by-step guide using towels:
Materials:
- Two bath towels (or beach towels, depending on your preference)
- Fabric or sturdy thread
- Sewing machine or needle
- Scissors
- Pins
Steps:
- Choose Towels:
Select two towels of your choice. The size and thickness of the towels will determine the height and comfort of your meditation cushion. - Fold Towels:
Fold one towel in half lengthwise. If the towel is very long, you can fold it in half again. This will provide the base of your cushion. - Roll Towel:
Roll the folded towel tightly, starting from one of the shorter ends. This rolled towel will serve as the inner core of your cushion. - Secure with Pins:
Use pins to secure the rolled towel in place. Make sure the pins are tightly holding the roll together. - Repeat:
Repeat the process with the second towel. This will be the outer cover for your meditation cushion. - Sew the Outer Cover:
If you have a sewing machine, sew the open side of the second towel to create a cover for the rolled towel. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can hand-sew the cover using a sturdy needle and thread. - Insert the Inner Core:
Slide the rolled towel (inner core) into the cover you just created. Make sure it fits snugly. - Secure the Ends:
Sew or hand-stitch the open ends of the outer cover to encase the inner core completely. This will ensure that the inner towel doesn’t slide out. - Optional: Add Handles or Straps:
If you want to make your meditation cushion more portable, you can add handles or straps. Simply sew two pieces of fabric onto the sides of the cushion to create handles. - Fluff and Adjust:
Once you’ve secured everything, fluff the cushion to distribute the filling evenly. Adjust the tightness of the cover as needed.
Now, you have a simple and homemade meditation cushion! If you’re using a yoga mat instead, you can follow a similar process, rolling the mat tightly and creating a cover to keep it in place. Adjust the size and thickness based on your preferences for a comfortable meditation experience.
