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The 11 Best Meditation Cushions to Ground Your Practice
Make it easy to find your center
Along with closed eyes and focused breathing, the best meditation cushions are grounding staples for any practice. Quieting the mind's inner workings is not always easy, but with consistent practice and ongoing stability, the experience can get a little easier each time.
"Many people think of meditation as a way to reduce stress and practice concentration, but there are many more benefits," George MacPherson, director of programming at Sage + Sound in New York City, tells Bazaar. "Stress reduction leads to lessened anxiety symptoms, better sleep, and lowered blood pressure. Other meditation practices can even help individuals through addiction and pain management." Contrary to what some may believe, that trusty throw pillow from your living room or bedroom likely doesn’t provide the kind of support needed for a quality meditation session.
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Sage + Sound's co-founder and co-CEO Lacey Tisch explains that buckwheat-filled cushions are among the sturdiest and most dependable options for meditation. "The buckwheat makes each cushion very moldable to the body, supporting posture and alleviating pain and discomfort, particularly around the head and neck areas. Buckwheat cushions are also naturally hypoallergenic, making them the ideal choice for people with allergies or asthma." Plus, experts say that these cushions can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance.
To help you find the perfect match for your wellness needs, we've rounded up the best meditation cushions from popular brands like Gaiam, Avocado, Walden, and more. Read on for some of the top picks professionals rely on time and time again for ongoing practice.
Pros
- Available in two size options
- Hypoallergenic
- Expert favorite
Cons
- Does not include accompanying mat
Tisch notes that this anti-microbial cushion from Walden is a must-have for practices at Sage + Sound. "Their cushions and mats are moisture-resistant and long-lasting," she notes of the brand's buckwheat-filled seats. "They also have gel-infused memory foam for utmost comfort during meditation."
Pros
- Machine washable cover
- Contains buckwheat and crystal fill
Cons
- Limited color options
Anyone who relies on the healing power of crystals will get plenty of use out of this meditation pillow from Sunday Citizen. In addition to buckwheat, it's filled with amethyst and clear crystals to channel the ultimate woosah.
One satisfied customer writes: "I've always tried to meditate but this pillow beckons and invites me to do so! Nice and soft and love that it's portable with a handle. Great purchase!" —Mary
Pros
- Machine washable cover
- Includes carrying handle
Cons
- Cotton filling may be too soft for some
Here's an option with plenty of space to spread out when you don't feel like sitting upright. Plus, since it's made with a cotton batting filling the cushion is extremely flexible, and designed with a handle that makes it easy to take from room to room.
One satisfied customer writes: "I use this every day. I lie back on it (seated on the floor, legs extended) to open my chest, and also meditate sitting on it. Comfortable and soft, keeps its shape. Also lightweight to bring to yoga class. Great purchase so far." —Tobi in NC
Pros
- Features a handle for easy transport
- Interior pillow is non-allergenic and wicks away moisture
- Machine-washable cover
Cons
- Cushion may not be spacious enough for some
You can nicely toss the cover of this lightweight cushion from Manduka into the washing machine (which comes in three additional colors). It's also bolstered by an odor-resistant interior wool pillow that keeps its shape no matter how often you meditate.
One satisfied customer writes: "The firmness is just right, helps me relax and have good posture while meditating. Perfect under my hips for legs up the wall." —Mary D.
Pros
- Stylish
- Versatile
Cons
- Not machine-washable
You can alternate between prints on each side of this reversible cushion depending on your mood during a yoga or meditation session. Each unique essential is designed by artisans in India and includes a side handle for easy transport.
Pros
- Available in three size and color options
Cons
- Not ideal for travel
Like a weighted blanket, this cushion provides a perfect cushy yet firm seat during meditation. It's filled with recycled glass beads that add to its weight, which is available in up to 12 pounds. I also like to give it a nice squeeze to relieve stress and anxiety when I'm not practicing.
One satisfied customer writes: "I love my pillow so much. The fabric feels lovely and the weight of it is perfect. It's exactly what you expecting, amazing to ground down with." —Marie S.
Editor's note: The Original Weighted Pillow is currently available for $30 off using the code HOLIDAY30 at checkout.
Sit Set: Round Meditation Cushion + Zabuton
Pros
- Spacious
- Filled with buckwheat
- Includes carrying handle
Cons
- Not easy to fold
Since this option for meditation includes both a pillow and a soft platform, you'll have plenty of cushion to support your legs, ankles, and seat. Just add a scented candle, incense stick, or a few spritzes of one of the best room sprays to help channel ultimate relaxation.
Pros
- Handmade
- Features buckwheat fill
- Includes a one-year warranty
Cons
- Not machine-washable
This oval-shaped cushion from Avocado Mattress has a cover that's made from GOTS organic certified cotton and designed with sustainability in mind. It provides firm yet comfortable support for your lower back and spine.
One satisfied customer writes: "Looks and feels high quality. Appropriate size for keeping the spine elongated and comfy for long periods of sitting (in meditation or otherwise)." —Ryan G.
Pros
- Pairs well with Avocado's oval yoga meditation pillow
- Spacious
Cons
- Not machine-washable
You'll have plenty of room to sit cross-legged on this top-rated square-shaped pillow. And just like its oval-shaped sister, this cushion's buckwheat fill is covered with a cotton liner that seamlessly adjusts to your sitting position.
One satisfied customer writes: "Great meditation cushion. Able to fix to your own comfort. I expected it to be just like their sister company’s cushion but I actually like this one better. It’s a bit firmer and more supportive. Well done." —Lori A.
Pros
- Great for fashion lovers
- Earth-friendly
Cons
- Not machine-washable
Exclusive to SSENSE, this recycled, stretch nylon satin pillow by Marine Serre was made in France and features the brand's signature moon print. When you're not meditating, the luxe cushion makes a seamless living room seat for just about any guest.
Pros
- Features a buckwheat fill that's removable and refillable
- Includes carrying handle
- Cover is machine-washable
Cons
- Limited color selection
Not only was this sturdy cushion created by Brentwood Home in partnership with Los Angeles-based yoga instructor, Angela Kukhahn, but it also happens to be refillable. Plus, since the pillow's durable stretch cotton cover is also removable, we're betting you'll continue using this essential for many meditation sessions to come.
One satisfied customer writes: "Extremely comfortable and a great addition to my daily meditation practice. Sturdy material and I can tell it's going to last a long time. Looking forward to getting some of the other pieces to match." —Bianca S.
Meet the experts
- Lacey Tisch is the co-founder and co-CEO of Sage + Sound.
- George MacPherson is the programming director at Sage + Sound.
What should I look for in one of the best meditation cushions?
When searching for your next cushion, professionals recommend keeping an eye out for those with firm support, an adjustable height, and the ability to fit your meditation position of choice. "Some people who are on-the-go may want to look for cushions with handles that make the pillows easy to carry," Zucker adds.
What's the best way to sit on a meditation cushion?
Experts say that the best position for meditation is whatever feels most comfortable for you for the duration of your practice. "Sitting cross-legged or with knees underneath helps to engage a straight spine and keep your pelvis tilted downward, making your body more aware and present," MacPherson says. "Rigid positions can interfere with the overall experience, especially for beginners. Posture and position are important, but comfort is key to experiencing wellness in the way that works best for our students."
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