Welcome to the basaho blog, we’re so happy to have you here!
We want this to be an inclusive space to share insightful thoughts and tips to help you get the best out of your meditation practice. We’ll also be sharing musings beyond the mat and answering questions the basaho community are pondering.
Meditation is for everyone, so we know it’s on us to help make it accessible for every body and every mind. At basaho, we’re all about taking the path that’s right for your individual meditation needs – there’s no one size fits all. That said, we know it can be a bit tricky to know which cushion to choose.
So, if you’re wondering which of our three wonderful meditation cushions is right for you and your practice, we’ve written a guide to help you choose.
Which Meditation Cushion Is Best?
Try using a Zafu meditation cushion, which is great for providing comfort to your ankles and legs while you meditate. This cushion is designed to replace a hard surface with a soft one, making it easier for your feet, ankles and lower legs to relax while you meditate.
The Classic Zafu
It’s all in the name with this cushion. This cushion is the traditional style that originates from the East. It’s suitable for everyone, from beginner to expert. In other words, you can’t really go wrong with The Classic.
Created to mould around your body like a supportive cloud, this is the quintessential meditation cushion. Pair with the Meditation Mat for even more comfort.
The Crescent
If you struggle to sit comfortably, struggle with tight hips or find yourself wriggling during meditation practice, The Crescent could be the one for you while practicing meditation like third eye chakra meditation or firefly pose. Ergonomically designed to support your thighs, this cushion will help to take the pressure off your lower back and legs.
The Crescent will make it easier for you to sit cross-legged in peace, maybe in a calm meditation corner you’ve set up.
The Wheel
If you struggle with flexibility or you’re a meditator on the taller side, The Wheel could be your new best friend. Designed to be extra stable and elevated to perfection, you’ll be able to sit for longer with a straight spine and a quiet mind.
Benefits Of Meditation Cushion
Meditation cushions offer several benefits that enhance the meditation experience, making it more effective, comfortable, and enjoyable. Here are some of the key advantages of using a meditation cushion:
- Improves Posture: A meditation cushion helps in maintaining a natural and upright posture. It allows the pelvis to tilt forward, aligning the spine over the hips. This alignment helps in reducing the strain on your back, enabling you to sit longer without discomfort.
- Enhances Comfort: Sitting on a hard floor can be uncomfortable and distracting. A cushion provides a soft, supportive surface that helps in reducing pressure on your ankles, knees, and hips, allowing you to meditate for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.
- Increases Concentration: With improved comfort and posture, you are less likely to be distracted by physical discomfort, making it easier to focus on your meditation practice. A comfortable seating position can help in calming the mind, leading to deeper and more focused meditation sessions.
- Facilitates Deeper Breathing: Proper posture supported by a meditation cushion allows for better diaphragmatic breathing. This means you can breathe more deeply and easily, which is essential for relaxing the body and enhancing the flow of energy during meditation.
- Adaptable to Your Needs: Meditation cushions come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing you to choose one that best suits your body type and sitting preference. Whether you prefer a higher lift or a softer seat, there's a cushion to meet your needs.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Meditation cushions are often beautifully designed and can add an element of aesthetic appeal to your meditation space, making it inviting and conducive to a peaceful meditation experience.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Meditation Cushion
When looking to buy a meditation cushion, considering various factors can help ensure you select one that best suits your needs. Here's a comprehensive list of aspects to consider:
Size and Height: Ensure the cushion is the right size and height for your body. The height of the cushion should allow your knees to rest comfortably on the ground, creating a stable tripod between your seat and knees. If you're taller or have less flexibility, you might opt for a higher cushion.
Shape: Meditation cushions come in various shapes, including round (Zafu), crescent, and rectangular (Zabuton). Each shape supports different meditation postures and comfort levels. Round cushions elevate the hips and allow for crossed-leg positions, while crescent shapes offer more thigh support. Rectangular cushions provide a broader seating area and can be used under the knees for extra support.
Fill Material: Common fill materials include buckwheat hulls, kapok fiber, and memory foam. Buckwheat hulls offer firm support and adjust to your body shape, kapok is a lighter, more traditional option that provides soft cushioning, and memory foam contours to your body for personalized support.
Cover Material: Look for durable and comfortable fabrics. Cotton and hemp are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning. Some cushions come with removable covers that are machine washable, which is a convenient feature for maintaining hygiene.
Reviews and Recommendations: Reading product reviews and seeking recommendations from experienced meditators can provide insights into the cushion's quality, comfort, and durability.
More about Basaho Cushions
All of our cushion covers are crafted from sustainably sourced organic cotton in Southern India, while the inners are filled with buckwheat hulls, a natural by-product that has been used for centuries.
They’d otherwise go to waste, so we love using them to plump up our lovely cushions. You can find out more about our ethical supply chain here.
To personalise your cushion further, you can release some of the filling – whatever feels best for you. Plus, you can pop the cotton covers in the washing machine – because we’ve all had run-ins with cups of tea!
Once you’ve incorporated your meditation cushion into your practice, feel free to leave us a review here. Your feedback helps the basaho community make their own decisions about our products.
Finally, we just want to say that we’re so happy to have you here with us. We hope you’ll keep coming back to the basaho blog for more musings from us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose The Right Meditation Cushion?
Consider your flexibility, preferred meditation posture, and where you feel you need the most support. The height and firmness of the cushion are important factors to look for to suit your individual needs.
Can I Use A Meditation Cushion For Activities Other Than Meditation?
Absolutely! Meditation cushions can also be used for yoga, as a comfortable seating option on the floor, or for additional support while reading or watching TV.
How Do I Clean A Meditation Cushion?
Many cushions come with removable covers that can be machine washed. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer for best results.