It’s no secret regular meditation practice is good for your mind, body, and spirit. If you’re serious about finding your inner peace, a meditation cushion may be just the thing you need. As with any health routine, the right equipment is crucial. We know what you’re thinking: do I really need a meditation pillow? Yes. And here are the top 5 reasons why:

MEDITATION CUSHIONS INCREASE YOUR COMFORT

The key to good meditation practice is comfort, especially if you are a beginner. It can be difficult to get in the right frame of mind if you’re shifting around. And meditating for long periods of time is near impossible on a cold, hard surface. Zafu meditation cushions are the perfect solution. A high-quality meditation pillow is heavy and sturdy enough to keep you in position. But it’s also soft and light enough to provide a comfortable base. And the more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to stay consistent with your practice.

REDUCE PAIN

While it’s true you can meditate in any position you find comfortable, many people prefer a cross legged position. But sitting cross legged on the floor can be painful for your knees and ankles, even more so if you have longer legs. A zafu cushion will relieve pressure on your sit bones, knees and ankles. And while a meditation pillow alone is great for reducing pain, you may also want to consider using a zabuton mat. Zabuton meditation mats, when used with a meditation pillow, create an extra barrier between you and the hard floor.

IMPROVE YOUR POSTURE

Meditation posture is important. Many beginners choose to meditate in a chair exactly for this reason. After all, it can be quite difficult to achieve proper alignment of the spine when sitting flush on the floor. But a meditation cushion allows your hips to pivot forward, making it easier and safer to sit up straight. If you have trouble with posture, try an eco-friendly meditation pillow filled with buckwheat. Buckwheat hulls provide the support you need by conforming to your body, without sacrificing comfort. And more time on a cushion and less time in a chair strengthens your back muscles.

KEEP YOU MOTIVATED & FOCUSED

Life can get hectic. When it does, it’s easy to let things slip through the cracks. You are far more likely to stick to a regular meditation routine with a meditation pillow. Your pillow is a reminder to meditate. After all, it’s a physical representation of your meditation practice. Your zafu cushion represents your intent, so don’t purchase just any old cushion. Choose a style, color, and fabric that brings you joy, peace, and comfort. Your cushion is a sacred space you will return to again and again.

ELIMINATE EXCUSES

Often, we make excuses because it’s easier than doing the work. But you chose to explore zafu and zabuton meditation for a reason. Remember why you started this journey. Your zafu meditation cushion is a portable meditation space. It can travel with you, and there are few spaces it can’t fit into. It makes any surface comfortable, and it gives you the necessary support to painlessly practice. It can even double as a yoga prop for restorative yoga. So whether a beginner or a pro, with a meditation cushion, you’ll find you have more reasons than not to find your inner Zen.