I welcome you to explore this four-step guide to learn how to use a meditation cushion so you’re comfy, cozy, and your legs remain tingly free.
What Is A Meditation Cushion?
Meditation cushions, or pillows, are simple yoga props that allow you to have a more comfortable yoga experience. They come in all shapes and sizes, some are round and others are rectangular like a yoga bolster.
What Is The Purpose Of Using A Meditation Cushion?
The purpose of any yoga prop is to bring more comfort to your practice. Many people may think props are for beginners or to make poses “easier,” but props are meant for everyone and make each practice more comfortable and supportive.
The primary purpose of a meditation cushion is to align your pelvis so you have a long, extended spine. This allows you to breathe with more ease and makes it easier to sit with good posture without risking lower back pain.
Yoga Bolster vs Meditation Cushion
Yoga bolsters and cushions are often interchangeable. You can use meditation cushions for more than just meditation as well. You could use a bolster for meditation, or a meditation cushion as a bolster. It all depends on what makes you comfortable in poses.
The best way to know which cushion to use is by testing a few. You know your body best and what feels good for one person may not for another. Your unique anatomy is your best deciding factor in your decision.
If you’d like to learn more about all types of yoga props and how to use each one for a more supportive yoga practice, I welcome you to explore my Beginner’s Guide to Yoga Props.
Why Do My Legs Fall Asleep During Meditation?
According to Medical News Today, one reason your legs fall asleep during meditation (or even certain yoga poses) is because you’ve placed pressure on your nerves for too long. You’ll know this is the case if you move the part of you that became numb and you feel sensation after a few seconds or minutes.
If your numbness continues after your practice or after movements, I recommend speaking with your medical team to rule out possible health conditions.
How To Use A Meditation Cushion – 4 Easy Steps
Below is a simple guide to follow. I welcome you to use this guide as a starting point, and you can adjust these steps to better fit you and your practice.
- I invite you to find a comfortable place to place your cushion. Make sure it’s on a flat, stable surface with plenty of room.
- Find a comfortable seat on the cushion, cross-legged, sitting at the edge of your pillow. You’ll know you’ve reached the right point when your body begins to shift forward.
- I invite you to elongate your spine and soften your shoulders, jaw, and face.
- You’re welcome to explore resting your hands in your lap, practice a mudra, or explore any other placement that suits your practice.
That’s it! This is the traditional way of sitting to meditate. If you find this position uncomfortable, I welcome you to experiment with other variations.
Other Ways To Meditate & Use A Meditation Cushion
Your comfort is always the best guide to follow when you decide to meditate. Here are a few other ways to sit for meditation that may work for you:
- While sitting on your bolster, I welcome you to extend your legs out in front and place yoga blocks under each foot or calve. You may choose to sit against a wall to make this more comfortable. This is my go-to and I love laying a blanket over my legs for a cozier experience.
- Sit in a chair or with a supportive surface behind you
- Lie in savasana or another resting pose
- Experiment with adding a blanket on top of your cushion for more lift
- Place a blanket under your legs for more comfort
- Try different variations of crossing your legs. You might extend your legs out slightly more than normal, or uncross them completely. You could experiment with lotus pose, or any other variation that speaks to you.
- Cross your legs the opposite way than you normally do
If you’d like to explore meditation more deeply but don’t always like to sit still, you might wish to explore my Trauma-Informed Meditation Guide. This explores how you can still reach a meditative state while walking, doing activities, or even fidgeting.
A Trauma-Informed Meditation for Gentle Tension Release
If you’d like to explore a gentle trauma-informed meditation to release tension with a light visualization, I welcome you to explore my Healing Light Meditation Transcript. There is no email signup required for the transcript, and I have a free audio version available if you prefer to practice along with me.
