Meditation stools & cushions

[FeeHutch]

I was wondering if anyone else had any 'accessories' they use as part of their practice?

I tool delivery this morning of a toadstool shaped meditation stool and cushion. Up until now I have avoided spending much money on my practice because I know in the past I have tried to buy all the associated stuff with a new venture, gym membership and a full gym kit for example, in the hope it would make me actually go to the gym. It never worked.

However as I have been practacising for more than 6 months now and considering a stool for a long time, I made sure to consider it mindfully rather than just order it on a whim. So I thought I would go ahead and get one. I noticed when I attended a mindfulness taster day last year that I struggle to remain sat straight for more than a minute or two because of the physical problems I have. I meditate sat on the sofa normally which can sometimes be too comfortable. So I am hoping to try a short 5 minute meditation a day using the stool as well as a longer session when I am more comfortably sat. Concentrating on staying upright should keep me in the present moment!

Does anyone else have a stool, cushion, mat or anything else they use to aid their practice?

[Steve]

I cannot sit crossed legged (joints too stiff and legs too long etc) so have used a meditation stool since the start - a small sloping bench like the one shown here (also easy to make if you are into a bit of DIY with a plank)

www.harconyoga.com/fixed-leg-pine-medit ... -212-p.asp

I have also knelt astride a firm bolster in a yoga class and found this very good too (the bolster needs to be firm and fat enough to support your bottom high enough).

Steve

[FeeHutch]

I con't sit cross legged either.
This is the one I've got http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cushion-Meditat ... 27&sr=8-12
It seems to help my posture a lot

[Gareth]

I tend to be of the opinion that the sitting/lying position doesn't matter so much; it's what you do with your attention that matters. Saying that, i find it easier to focus when I'm sat up. My general meditating position is the cross-legged position position, simply because I feel like it promotes the most awareness. If I am really tired or not feeling so good then I will just meditate lying down. My general attitude on this is: do whatever is right for you, no pressure.

Gareth

[FeeHutch]

I have has to meditate laid down a few times recently as I am more poorly than usual at the moment and that has been fine too.
One of the best things about Mindfulness is not needing anything but your mind to do it I do find making a conscious effort with more formal practice (so maybe using the stool, turning my phone off, being in a room alone and asking not be disturbed for example) is also helpful and makes it easier to use mindfulness as I go along. Does that make sense? It's a bit hard to explain myself today

[One Aware]

Hi FeeHutch:

When I started my daily practice I purchased one of these Zafu:

http://snowlioncanada.com/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php

and also one of these Zabuton:

http://snowlioncanada.com/cgi-bin/online/storepro.php

I still have both after 3 years of daily practice and they are still perfectly fine. For me the purchase was well worth it for the comfort they provide and the quality of the materials and workmanship. I think a lot of people may get turned off meditation because they don't find it comfortable to do. Although you can use a straight back chair for sitting meditation, I find that being close to the ground and stable makes for a more rewarding sit - at least for myself.

If you decide to try something like this out ask for help from someone in the store to help you with the fit and so on, try various types as there are several. I also found that shopping around for the best price and quality is worth doing as well.

Cheers

[larorra]

I agree with Gareth that its not important how or where you meditate The important thing. Is to keep on practicing on a daily basis. When i sit & meditate its in my armchair for health reasons , The idea of using à special meditation stool sounds good my main meditation is done walking but it can be practice anywhere so like I said just keep on practicing.

[FeeHutch]

Hi Larorra

I do walking meditation occasionally at home and really enjoy it. It walk for any length of time I have to wear adapted shoes but at home I can do it barefoot for a little while and I love feeling the floor with my feet

[rara]

I just pull a cushion out every now and then for comfort, if I feel the need. That's really all, if you think you'll get a better meditation out of it, why not?

I totally get the reference you made about putting money into things like a gym membership, but the difference is this. We buy gym memberships to kid ourselves that we're going to get healthy...and then probably use the time really inefficiently and quit after a few months with a poor excuse because we didn't want to do it in the first place. If we were already being healthy, we may go to the gym to enhance this, and continue the good habit.

Here, you're already meditating, so getting the cushion, as you said, is more mindful to help the experience.