How to prepare for a meditation course? What should I bring with me? The most important thing is to think about how and on what you will sit. How comfortable you sit will determine the success of your practice. Read our detailed review of meditation cushions and benches to choose the one that’s right for you.
Crescent Cushion
A low, crescent-shaped meditation cushion is best suited for those who are flexible, those with well-discovered hip joints. If you can do a half-lotus, you are probably one of those people.
The crescent pillow is also convenient because it is very compact, lightweight and does not take much space, which is important for travel.
I took this pillow on a Vipassana meditation course and found it comfortable. As practice shows, sitting on the floor without elevation for a long time (in Vipassana it was 10 days, 10-12 hours a day) is not comfortable even for very flexible people. On the first or second day those practitioners who had not brought a cushion or a bench with them made something to sit on, using whatever was available. Some of them succeeded, some not so much. So it’s better to stock up on seating aids in advance.
The pillow was stuffed with buckwheat husk. In my opinion this is the most comfortable material for sitting. The buckwheat adjusts to the body’s shape, it is hard enough, but not too hard. It is like sitting on the sand on the beach – that is how it feels.
A round meditation pillow
It’s good for those who are not very flexible (can’t do half a lotus). It allows you to raise your pelvis higher than the crescent pillow. The round meditation pillow is also stuffed with buckwheat husk, so the overall feeling will be similar – like on sand.
Of course, compared to the crescent it is more bulky and heavy (its weight is about 2.5 kg), but still, the dimensions are quite acceptable to take such a pillow with you on the trip.
By the way, almost all pillows have removable pillowcases that can be washed.
Round meditation pillow fits perfectly into the interior and looks harmonious.
Bolster
The bolster, a yoga roller, is a multifunctional props and is used in asana practice as extra support. But it is also very comfortable to sit on, for extended periods of time. It would be similar to a round meditation pillow, and in some ways it is even more comfortable: there is more space, which is especially important for tall people.
It is important to pay attention that the bolster is also filled with buckwheat husk or batting. Such stuffing as polyester (such bollsters are few, but they occur) is not suitable for long sitting, it will crumple.
The main disadvantage of a bolster is that it takes a lot of space (the length from 55 cm) and weighs quite a lot (from 3.5 kg).
Bench for meditation
A meditation bench will be most appreciated by those who like to sit in Virasana (knees joined together and shins parallel to each other). But cross-legged postures are also easy to take.
The bench seat is tilted to keep the buttocks at the right angle and help keep the lower back straight. On a bench you will no longer have the feeling that you are sitting on sand, on the contrary, there will be more rigidity and structure that the wooden support gives. Some people might even find it a little too firm, so it’s better to put a plaid on the bench.
The legs of the bench are foldable, it is compact and will easily fit into any suitcase or backpack.
Is a meditation cushion worth it?
There are many reasons why people might choose to meditate. For some, it’s a way to focus and calm the mind. Others may use it as a means of exploring their spiritual side. And for still others, meditation may simply be a way to relax and de-stress.
No matter what your reasons for wanting to meditate, if you’re looking for the most comfortable and effective way to do so, you may want to consider using a meditation cushion.
What Is a Meditation Cushion?
A meditation cushion is a type of pillow that is designed specifically for use in meditation. It is usually thicker and more supportive than a traditional pillow, and it usually has a curved or tapered shape that allows it to conform to the contours of your body.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Meditation Cushion?
There are many benefits to using a meditation cushion. Here are just a few of them:
1. They help you to maintain the correct posture during meditation.
2. They make it more comfortable to sit in a seated position for an extended period of time.
3. They help to keep your spine aligned, which can make it easier to breathe and relax.
4. They can help to reduce pain and discomfort in the lower back, hips, and knees.
5. They can help to improve your focus and concentration.
6. They can help to create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Should You Buy a Meditation Cushion?
If you’re interested in starting or deepening your meditation practice, a meditation cushion may be a worthwhile investment. They can be a bit more expensive than traditional pillows, but they can provide a number of benefits that can make your practice more comfortable and effective.