Having the right meditation gear can make a world of difference to your practice. You want to feel comfortable and have minimal external unease. This will help you concentrate on the task at hand – your meditation – without distraction.
In truth, all you really need for meditation is a comfortable cushion which elevates your hips. This is also called a zafu. Most people also prefer to use a zabuton which provides comfort to the legs for longer meditation sits. However, you can always just place a blanket or some towels on the floor if you prefer not to spend the extra money.
Some of us, especially those with minor or chronic physical issues, will require a bit more support such as a floor chair. The products below are my recommendations based on what I have personally experienced, many hours of research, and the experience of other meditators.
Zafu
I always recommend using a zafu with buckwheat filling. Why?
- It provides the perfect balance of firmness and comfort for seated meditation;
- It is adjustable – you can easily move the buckwheat around to suit whatever height or shape you prefer. You can also easily add or remove buckwheat from inside the cushion;
- It moulds around your sitting posture, providing a good deal of support; and
- It is durable and retains comfort for a long time.
Softer cushions that contain cotton can degrade posture during longer sits as the hips sink back into the cotton, placing pressure on the lower back. I’ve rarely met a person that doesn’t prefer the level of firmness buckwheat provides over the instability of a cotton cushion.
I recommend the following two cushions for the average person:
- Florensi Meditation Cushion
- Ajna Zafu Meditation Cushion (if you prefer one without any patterns)
These are both very well constructed round zafus. The shape and height help the pelvis tilt forward, which aids in retaining the natural curve of the spine.
For those that require a bit more support, a crescent moon zafu might be more appropriate. These provide a wider base of support for the weight of the body as the thighs are more involved in the weight bearing process. I usually recommend these for those have hip problems or tight hips. It also helps those whose are prone to numbness in the legs during meditation.
3. FelizMax Crescent Zafu Meditation Pillow
An added advantage of all of these zafus is that their covers are removable, making cleaning a breeze.
Zabuton
A zabuton just needs to be comfortable for the legs and knees – nothing fancy is needed. It is usually personal preference, but from personal experience I do recommend the following.
The Bean Zabuton Meditation Cushion provides the most bang for your buck. Again, the cover is removable so washing is easy. Since this is on the ground quite often, you’ll want to wash it regularly.
If you are environmentally conscious and want to splurge a little, you can’t go passed the quality of the Lotuscrafts Zabuton Meditation Mat. It is made of 100% Organic Cotton and is GOTS-certified (i.e. sustainably sourced).
Back Support
Some of us with pre-existing conditions will need the help of a floor chair to support and ensure undue stress isn’t placed on the back. I recommend the bonVIVO Easy II Padded Floor Chair which is very comfortable and has the added benefit of folding up so it is portable and easily stored away.
Friends of Meditation also make some good quality products and you can’t go wrong with their Back Jack Meditation and Yoga Chair if you prefer that style over the bonVIVO.
For those willing to spend that little bit extra, you can’t go passed the quality and comfort of the Friends of Meditation Extra Large Relaxing Meditation and Yoga Chair.
