Meditation Cushions
March 17th, 2010 | 
Author: Meditation cushions are used by many to enhance the meditation experience! Investing in a quality meditation cushion creates a comfortable and relaxing session.Meditation cushions come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Here are some guidelines for choosing a cushion that is right for you.
The Shape of the Meditation Cushion
There are two main shapes: round and crescent. They come in different heights and widths. The main difference is the crescent shape is lighter and more compact. Easier for travel. Look for a cushion that is 6 to 7 inches tall and approx 14 inches across. Choose a shape that you are comfortable with.
Recommended Meditation Cushion
There is a cushion that we recommend and it’s the Zabuton. This cushion is a traditional Japanese floor cushion. The Zabuton is approximately three inches thick.
The drawback is that it doesn’t provide as good of back support as the round or crescent shapes. We suggest using the Zabuton with a round cushion.
Meditation Cushion Materials
When looking for a meditation cushion check to see what the cushion is filled with. Look for quality materials such as buck wheat hulls or 100% cotton twill. You will find that a filling like buck wheat hulls will mold to your body and support your lower back. Buck wheat is soft and comfortable and will allow you to meditate for a longer period of time.
There are many cushions to choose from! You may try a couple of different ones to find one that fits your needs. Comfort being key!
We have chosen a couple of our favorites to get you started!
Round Zafu Meditation Cushion with Buckwheat Hulls
Filled with organic buckwheat hulls
Sturdy, heavy cotton twill cover with handle
Cover can be removed for easy washing
15 diameter by 6 tall
YogaAccessories (TM) Cotton Zabuton Meditation Cushion
Click Here to Read More on Our First Choice for a Meditation Cushion
Meditation Guide for Breathing Techniques
How important are breathing techniques while meditating?
No doubt, proper breathing is a key to successful meditation. It is also something that is overlooked by many in everyday life. By allowing yourself to breathe deeply you can release stress, improve concentration and increase your energy levels. Practice the Meditation Guide techniques below while meditating.
Breathing Techniques
Inhale and exhale through your nose to better control your breathing. As you start to inhale your belly will begin to expand, then you will notice your mid section grow, and finally air will fill your rib cage. Now hold your breath for a brief moment if possible. Remember to breathe evenly and slowly. Then exhale in a controlled fashion. As you exhale, release the air from your lower belly area first, then the mid section and finally from your upper chest region. The same as you inhaled.
Use Meditation Guide – Counting, A Simple Tool
Follow the Meditation Guide and count 1,2,3,4 as you inhale, then hold briefly, and exhale in the same fashion. Count slightly longer on the exhale, 1,2,3,4,5,6. You will want to experiment with what works best for you. Once you practice for a minute you start to relax, and this is what we ultimately want.
Meditation Guide – Seeing Benefits
When using the breathing techniques you get better at controlling your breath. You will inhale deeper and exhale for a longer period of time. This is not only good practice while meditating, it is a good breathing technique for everyday life. You will feel more alert and relaxed. You are getting the full benefit of proper breathing when your lungs are at full capacity and you find yourself sitting up straight without much effort.
Energy Surge in Minutes
Using this Meditation Guide your breathing techniques will surely improve. You will begin to notice your inter-costal muscles (the muscles around your chest) expanding and contracting. This is normal and is a sign that you are breathing deeper than normal. This is a good thing! It is proven that increasing the flow of oxygen helps a multitude of things: Increased energy, a relaxed state of mind and an increase in endorphins. The Meditation Guide will help with your overall health and energy level!
Read about using music with meditation here: Meditation Audio and You
Listen to Meditation Podcasts
What if you could listen to Meditation Online blog posts instead of just read them or as a meditation podcast?
Now you can because we now offer OUR meditation online blogs posts as a podcast.
Meditation Online Audios
Listen to Meditation Online blog posts as a podcast on your computer directly or with your iPod or MP3 player.
go to your Odiogo Page and click Subscribe so they can listen to your content on the go on their iPod or MP3 player.
This is how.
Subscribe to Meditation Online Podcasts
Subscribe to the RSS Feed that has both the Meditation Online blog content in written form or on audio. (You can subscribe to web RSS readers such as My Yahoo!, netvibes, Google Reader, etc.)
This service allows you to perform a 1-click podcast subscription of the Meditation Online Blog feed to your major podcast clients such as iTunes, and Juice; it’s easy. (Also, just in case you’re interested, the text content is embedded with the audio file to be viewed through the lyrics option of your iPod and other mp3 players.)
Don’t just read our posts, from now on you can listen to the meditation audios.
Here is the Meditaion Online audio-enriched RSS feed:
http://podcasts.odiogo.com/meditation-online/podcasts-xml.php
Here is the Meditaion Online audio control page for the 1-click service:
Meditation Online Audio Podasts
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Meditation Audio
Revive Your Senses with Meditation Audio
Music can play an important role in your meditation routine so consider using a good meditation audio for meditating.
For example sounds of nature like a waterfall, the ocean waves, chimes and birds singing will aid you into a state of relaxation. You may also enjoy meditation audio with piano, violin or a symphony.
You will discover that different sounds will have a strong influence on your emotions and mood. Experiment and find what meditation audio and sounds work best for you.
Music and Healing
Did you know that well selected audios and meditation when used together have a healing effect on both the body and mind?
Music, for example along with meditation can generate and release endorphins. These endorphins give your body the power to heal. Meditation audios create a harmonic relationship between body, mind and spirit.
Another benefit to using meditation audio is its ability to relieve anxiety and stress. Two amazing results!
Meditation Audio In the Form of Music
There are many different types of meditation audios. The meditation music that you choose for your morning meditation maybe calming and rejuvenating. If you are listening to a mediation audio during the day you might try something with a faster tempo to increase energy and keep you focused. During the evening you may want an audio meant to help relieve stress from the day and aid you in a good night sleep. Whatever your mood there is plenty of options for you.
Type of Meditation Audios
Classical Music for Meditation
Classical music audios has been proven to calm and sooth. There is a wide range of music meditation audio out there. Find your favorites; you may be surprised how different arrangements can change your mood. For example classical music played with only the piano can be relaxing, while music meditation audio played with the full orchestra can be more dramatic and uplifting.
Sounds of Nature for Meditation
Meditation audios sounds of nature can be very relaxing. There are many options. Sounds of nature may include rhythmic ocean waves, birds, rain, thunder and wind or a running creek.
Ambient Music Audios for Meditation
Ambient, or sound based audio has become very popular for relaxation. Ambient audio is subtle instrumental audio. It focuses more on sound than melody. I really enjoy the audio of Paul Collier and he has an inspirational story as well. Here is a link to his website http://www.paulfromstokeuk.com/
Ethnic Music for Meditation
Try audios designed for meditation that are songs and sounds from around the world. Here are a few suggestions; native tribal drums, ancient Chinese instruments, audio from rural India or African rain dance audio. Different types of meditation audio can produce a new meditation experience.
For more, see Meditation Audio and You
Also visit our post on Meditation Gongs here.
Meditation Guide
Meditation Guide to Rejuvenate Body, Mind and Spirit
If you are looking for a meditation guide to provide ways to improve your life and de-stress then you have come to the right place. Meditation-Online is happy to share this meditation guide as a source of information to help you meet your goals.
A Meditation Guide Based on Science
Many scientific studies have proven Meditation is a force to be taken seriously. The results are in! Meditation reduces anxiety, stress, aids in healing and helps to balance body, mind and spirit.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and the health benefits are endless. So why is there not more people taking advantage of this knowledge? Simple! Many are not aware of the benefits! They may think that they don’t have time or meditation is too hard to learn. Maybe it’s time to tell them about this mediation guide.
Anyone Can Do It
The good news is that there is no wrong or right way to meditate. In fact you don’t even need to leave your home. With the right meditation guide, it is inexpensive, takes very little time and improves your outlook on life. Follow these simple steps and you will be on your way in minutes.
Your Meditation Guide – The Big “C”
If the main reason to meditate is to relax then we need to first get Comfortable!
It’s important to pick clothing that will allow you to move freely and breathe easily. You don’t want your meditation to be interrupted by thoughts like “my pants are too tight!
It’s also a good idea in creating a relaxing atmosphere to find meditation audio and music that can help you get into the peaceful calm state.
Be Consistent Have Success!
Any meditation guide will first tell that to have great success with meditation it’s important to be consistent.
A good goal is to set aside the same time every day. Find a quiet place where you can go undisturbed for at least 5 or 10 minutes.
In the beginning you want your meditation session to be short so that you feel that you have had a successful session. As you get more comfortable with the process your mind gets better at concentrating and time will fly by.
In the beginning your mind may wander, this is totally normal! Be patient! It takes time and practice to quiet our busy minds.
The two P’s of the Meditation Guide
Place and Posture! Once you have found a quiet place to meditate get into a comfortable position. You may want to sit on a cushion on the floor with your legs crossed or in a comfortable chair.
Don’t forget posture is key, keep your back straight. If you are sitting in a chair make sure your feet are flat on the floor and again be aware of your posture.
Start Your Meditation
Next close your eyes . . . clear your mind and imagine a peaceful place. You can also meditate with your eyes open; however it’s very important to have an object that you focus on to keep the mind from wandering.
Now begin to take deep breathes. With every breath you begin to notice your body relaxing.
Really focus on your breath. Feel the air enter your nose and then fill your lungs. Don’t try to control your breathing just let your body do all the work.
Give yourself permission to release your stress and mind chatter. Begin to control your thoughts and focus on your peaceful place.
What do you see, what are you wearing, what do you smell and hear?
Once your mind is truly focused you begin to feel a sense of peace and well being. You are now in a relaxed state.
When you feel that it is time to leave your peaceful place slowly take your thoughts back to where you are sitting. Open your eyes and smile.
You have rejuvenated your body, mind and spirit in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. You now will feel a sense of calmness and peace and ready to take on the day!
Why don’t you share this mediation guide with a friend?
For more on this, see Meditation Guide for Breathing Techniques