Meditation cushions

[Vixine]

How many of you use a meditation cushion for your sitting practice? Is it helpful? I generally sit in half lotus but find that my back kills me after 10-15 minutes and I struggle with this. I have been resistant to shelling out the $50 for what looks like a decent cushion but if it would help I guess it would be worth the investment. Just curious about any thoughts!

[JonW]

Hi Vixine.
I use the following meditation stool which I find extremely comfortable.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005UMN41U/? ... B005UMN41U
I've never tried using a cushion.

[FeeHutch]

I have got a stool too https://www.amazon.co.uk/CalmingBreath-C ... tion+stool

I had to buy the cushion separately but I do find it comfortable. I am having to build up the amount of time I sit on it slowly because I have bone, joint and muscle issues which I was born with. It does encourage a better posture too

[JonW]

I see you went for the toadstool option, Fee.
Either way it's worth buying the cushion too for extra comfort.
I warmed to mine immediately. I expected pain in the knees but there was none. It's definitely improved my posture.
I spoke to a friend yesterday who claimed that he occasionally meditates whilst balancing on his head. That doesn't sound too comfortable to me.

[Vixine]

Interesting, I wouldn't think the stools would be so comfortable but it sounds like they are. I have scoliosis and an old compression fracture in my back so I have some trouble with it. Plus I just can't seem to stay straight at all, each time I check in with my posture I have slumped quite a bit. I am hoping one of these things will help, just wish I could try them out before choosing.

[Enigma]

I regularly use a zafu and zabuton given to me by my meditation instructor. Due to the flexibility of my legs, I also tend to sit flat on the floor with no problems. However, the use of a meditation cushion is immensely helpful for maintaining a more comfortable sitting posture over greater lengths of time.

Meditation cushions and benches have a tendency to help rotate the hips forward, bringing the spine into a natural curve. This eases the tension in the back, allowing the vertebrae to settle into an natural shape that requires little muscular support to maintain and frees up the abdominal region for deep, relaxed breathing. It helps to position oneself close to the front of the smaller cushion or bench, letting one's knees rest on the flat cushion or floor beneath you, creating a tripod of stability.

The position of the body has a powerful impact on the condition of the mind, so be mindful of the body while meditating.

[JonW]

Great post, Enigma.
Thank you.

[Steve]

I also use a meditation stool (similar to the one Jon mentioned but home made - 3 small planks of wood cut to right shape, so the plank you sit on slopes forward slightly). I find this very comfortable (even without any padding on the top plank) and could sit on this for an extended period without problem.

Some meditation classes have stools, bolsters and button cushions which gives you the opportunity to try one out.

Steve

[Bils42]

Before you buy a proper cushion why not experiment with some pillows or rolled towels to see what height suits you.

Personally I have settled with a half moon buckwheat zafu with some of the stuffing taken out. It's taken my quite a while to find a position I am comfortable to sit in for 45 mins, which is why I suggest a bit of experimentation first.