When you’re beginning your meditation journey, choosing the right cushion can feel a little overwhelming. With so many shapes, sizes and fillings to consider, not to mention questions around posture, it’s easy to feel unsure of where to start. Here’s the truth: there is no such thing as a “perfect posture.” Just because you can’t fold yourself into full lotus (that’s most of us!) it doesn’t mean you can’t meditate or that you’re doing it “wrong.” The best posture is simply the one that feels supportive for your body, whether that’s kneeling, sitting cross-legged or even using a chair. It may shift from day to day and that’s completely okay. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and supported - and that’s exactly where a meditation cushion can help.
Why posture matters in meditation
Meditation is all about cultivating awareness so having a good, upright sitting posture will help you stay alert, grounded and relaxed so that you can sit for longer periods of time. Not only does a comfortable posture aid the cultivation of mental stillness, finding a good position is essential for maintaining a healthy back in the long-term.
Different sitting positions for meditation
Here are some popular meditation postures that you might like to try out:
- Easy Pose (Sukhasana) - cross-legged, cushion raising hips above knees.
- Half-Lotus - one foot on the opposite thigh, the other below.
- Kneeling (Seiza) - cushion between calves and thighs, gentle on hips.
- Chair Option - cushion behind lower back for support if sitting cross-legged isn’t accessible.
How to adjust your meditation cushion for comfort
When sitting on your cushion, you want to tilt the pelvis slightly forward so the spine naturally aligns. Sometimes this requires shuffling forwards a bit or pulling out the flesh out from under the sitz bones. Keep your shoulders soft and your chin slightly tucked in. Imagine there is a straight line stretching from your perinium up to the crown of your head and treat this invisible midline like a vertical spirit level. The spine has a natural curve - known as the S curve - so it will never be completely straight (and in fact it’s better that it isn’t) so don’t be rigid; invite a softness to your posture so that the spine can settle in to a natural position. Hands can rest on the knees - palms facing up or down depending on what feels most comfortable - in your lap or in a mudra. If you need to shift and move your body throughout the meditation, go ahead - meditation is not about suffering!
Tips for beginner meditators
If you’re new to meditation it’s good to bear these things in mind to help you on your journey:
Start with shorter sits (5–10 mins)
Experiment with positions - everyone’s body is different and there is no ‘right’ way to sit
Use blankets or extra cushions if your knees/ankles need some support. We have some knee cushions if you’re after a little bit of extra padding.
Listen to your body; comfort supports consistency 😊
Why use a handmade, natural meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion is more than a place to sit - it is a sacred object and a vehicle for awakening. The way it has been made, the hands that have crafted it and the natural fibres and dyes all contribute to its vibration, which you experience directly each time you sit.
The tactile feel of organic fibres and earth-based dyes has a grounding influence, helping you to settle into your body and cultivate greater awareness of our interconnectedness to everything in this universe. When your cushion is infused with the earth’s own palette, it doesn’t just support your posture, it supports your practice and amplifies your connection to nature and the spaciousness within.
Summary
Ultimately, meditation is about finding what allows you to sit with the most ease possible. The right cushion or posture is not about perfection but about creating the conditions for stillness to naturally unfold. Try out different sitting styles and find what works best for your body. By choosing a handmade, natural cushion, you are not only supporting your body but also honouring your practice by connecting to the Earth and all the many hands that made it.
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