Make it easy to find your center.
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It's not always easy to close your eyes, quiet the inner workings of the mind, and focus on your breathing, but with enough practice, it can get a little easier each time.
In addition to listening to an album of calming instrumentals or the gentle voice of an instructor, finding your center with one of the best meditation cushions helps take the activity to the next level. "Many people think of meditation as a way to reduce stress and practice concentration, but there are many more benefits," George MacPherson, programming director at Sage + Sound in New York City, tells Bazaar. "Stress reduction leads to lessened anxiety symptoms, better sleep, and lowered blood pressure. The classes we offer also help promote improved self-image and self-awareness. Other meditation practices can even help individuals through addiction and pain management."
While you may feel tempted to just grab a throw pillow from your bedroom, the right kind of support is important for any meditation session. According to Sage + Sound's co-founder and co-CEO Lacey Tisch, buckwheat-filled cushions are among the sturdiest and most dependable options to use.
"There are many advantages to using buckwheat cushions, especially during meditation practice. 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." Experts say that with proper maintenance, these staples can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years.
To help you find the perfect match for your wellness needs, we've rounded up the best meditation cushions that provide maximum support and stability, from popular brands like Alo, Manduka, and more.
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Tisch notes that this anti-microbial cushion and mat set 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."
One satisfied customer writes: "I am using my meditation cushion and mat daily, absolutely love the product. It is very well-made, extremely comfortable, and looks high-end." —Olga D.
Similar to that of a weighted blanket, this weighted cushion—featuring recycled glass beads for weight—provides the perfect cushy seat during meditation. You can also give it a nice squeeze to relieve stress and anxiety when you're 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.
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 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 handle. Great purchase!" —Mary
Here's a firm cushion from Alo that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your workout gear. It features a versatile, waxed canvas finish and buckwheat fill that helps expertly support your back as you relax.
One satisfied customer writes: "Love my new bolster. So comfortable in my restorative practice. It gives nice support in poses. Love the color. I also purchased the performance no sweat towel in black which I put on top of the bolster." —Marie M.
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.
Since this half moon-shaped option contains flexible buckwheat husks that make its shape adjustable, find a comfortable seating position to meditate in is a total breeze.
Just like the rest of Avocado's home offerings, this oval-shaped cushion has a cover made from GOTS organic certified cotton, and is designed with sustainability in mind.
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.
Here's an option with plenty of space to spread out on when you don't feel like sitting upright. Plus, since it's made with a cotton batting filing 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 floor, legs extended) to open chest, and also meditate sitting on it. Comfortable and soft, keeps its shape. Also lightweight to bring to yoga class. I have a heavier, larger bolster that's not easy for me to carry along with my mat and all the other props I travel with. I haven't washed the cover yet. Great purchase so far." —Tobi in NC
You'll have plenty of room to sit cross-legged on this top-rated square-shaped pillow. Its 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.
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.
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."
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.
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