Meditation isn’t easy, but there’s one thing that can make zen-time a little less challenging: a meditation pillow.
With a comfy cushion behind you, you won’t need to focus as much on your hips, allowing you to focus on relaxing your mind. The best meditation pillows also encourage proper posture, keep your legs comfortable, and enable longer periods of sitting – making them just as useful for mindfulness as they are for things like simply working from home.
So, what exactly is a meditation pillow?
Also known as a ‘zafu’, meditation pillows offer optimal support for sitting or kneeling while meditating.
“Overall, they can help make the meditative experience more comfortable, which can be especially helpful for those who are just getting started,” says Jamie Fleming, founder of Black Mom’s Guide to Calm.
“They help relieve pressure on your joints,” adds Fleming.“They’re also helpful if you deal with back pain or if you’re not very flexible.”
Related: How Meditation Actually Helps Your Brain
How to use a meditation cushion
There are two main places to sit cross-legged on a zafu, Fleming says.
The first is at the center, keeping your knees above or on the pillow, and the second is at the edge, which allows your knees to rest on or near the floor. There’s no ‘best position’ – it’s simply about finding the position that’s most comfortable to you.
“To meditate, sit tall, relax your shoulders, and bring your palms to face up or down on your legs,” Fleming recommends. “Close your eyes or focus on a non-moving object. And, of course, play around with different positions to find what works best for you.”
Besides that, all you can do from here is try your best to clear your mind (or follow the guidance of an app)!
Photo credit: Kits Pix/Shutterstock.com
