Everyday Mindfulness

Hello. I've been trying to sit for longer but I find my sitting arrangement of a few sofa cushions doesn't really cut it any more - I get pains in the middle of my back. Does anyone use a meditation cushion? I'm thinking of buying one but feel a bit bewildered by the choice and am also not sure where would be a good place to buy it from. Thanks.

Have you looked at a meditation stool, Monkey?

I can't use them because I broke my ankle and find kneeling extremely uncomfortable. Sooooo wish I could because the natural alignment should reduce your back pain.

Take a look at these ones: http://www.amazon.co.uk/CalmingBreath-C ... ion+stools

I have stool but recently switched to a cushion.
buckwheat filled are considered best.
I have a couple, a round and a cresent.
This place is pretty reasonable http://www.sweatband.com/yoga/meditation-cushions.html

Thank you both. I ordered a round cushion so will see how I do. I'm not sure about the benches, I'm not very comfortable kneeling, but I like sitting cross legged so hope a former cushion will be the answer.

My muscles are pretty tight, so sitting on the floor or a very low cushion is not possible. I purchased a rectangular Hugger Mugger, which is a very firm cushion, and I put that on top of a very low footstool (about 5" high) meant to be storage for needlework supplies. This goes at the end of my bed, so the bed provides back support. It's high enough off the ground that it doesn't hurt my back and hips, but it allows me to sit cross-legged with my legs supported.

The Hugger Mugger doubles as a yoga prop for various positions, and I'm really pleased with it.

Hi everyone! I joined the site literally moments ago, so firstly, I'm happy to be here as a new mindfulness practitioner. I'm just on week two of Mark Williams' 8 week course and one of the first things I noticed was there isn't any particular need for special equipment. He mentions straight-backed chairs as one option, ideally sitting a little away from the back in order to maintain a straight spine. In the second week there's a choice of lying flat out on a mat, rug or bed. The choice is yours. I would have problems sitting in a low position as a senior citizen with dodgy leg-joints, so that's great for me. I'm already finding benefits from the practice.

Maybe I'm strange.

I just sit on the floor or the bed, with my back against something straight.

No more strange than the rest of us doing whatever feels right

It's possible to meditate in just about any position. When I'm stuck, standing up, on a crowded tube train, for example, feeling like a walled-in sardine, meditation always seems like the sanest option.
Jon