How to Choose Props & Yoga Blocks?

Meditation is not difficult: you need to calm and relax your mind. But nothing is easy, not even the simplest things. The most important thing in meditation is practice. And when you practice, using the right equipment will help you achieve success. If you are uncomfortable sitting, you will not sit for long.

There are many props that relieve the load on the hips and back in sitting poses. These are pillows, bolsters, chairs. What they are and how to choose the right one, read on.

Types of Meditation Props

If you are uncomfortable sitting in a pose, you will not sit for long. There are many accessories that ease the load on the hips and back in sitting poses.

Meditation chairs

Most yoga and meditation chairs or blocks come with a cushion to elevate your hips and take the pressure off them. If there is no cushion, you can use a blanket or throw blanket underneath. Chairs also help beginners support their back and spine and find the right posture. Some, like the rattan meditation chair, are designed to be comfortable even in a cross-legged position. Steel chairs are stable and can withstand a lot of weight.

Meditation pillows

Zafu are firm, round cushions that help lift your hips when you sit. Zafu are small, dense and filled with buckwheat. They allow you to choose the right body position during meditation. There is also a half-moon. They are also designed for sitting poses when you need to straighten and relax your back. Another type is with a bolster under the neck. They are suitable for lying down meditation.

Bolsters

Bolsters are oblong pillows that are ideal for people who like a large, soft support under their hips. Located directly under the hips, they lift the pelvis and provide better spinal alignment. In addition, they can be easily used not only for meditation, but also during asana practice.

How to choose Chairs

If you need extra back support and find it uncomfortable to sit on a hard floor, a meditation chair is the way to go. You will feel more comfortable if your spine is straight, with a slight curve in your lower back. A chair is a great option to keep your back in the correct position and avoid discomfort while sitting on the floor.

Meditation pillows

Zafu, round pillows are best suited for people of average height and average flexibility. They elevate the hips and upper body with the ability to position the legs so that they do not experience stress during prolonged sitting. Using such accessories also leads to proper alignment of the spine. If you want to use Zafu for a cross-legged pose, then first try folding a thick blanket several times. If your knees are at or above the level of your hips, you will not be comfortable. In this case, you need to use a higher one.

The crescent-shaped variety can be used for seated asanas (e.g. Padmasana, Siddhasana, Swastikasana). It is comfortable and convenient to perform meditations. The sizes are suitable for almost any height.

The version with a buckwheat husk roller is designed to align the neck while performing asanas lying down. With the help of the pillow, it is possible to achieve the correct position of the cervical spine.

Such a pleasant thing as an eye pillow is intended for relaxation and is perfect for shavasana and meditation.

Bolsters

Bolsters are suitable for many purposes. They are ideal for people who like variety. You can choose a bolster or perfect blocks if you need support during meditation, restorative yoga, or even just while relaxing. Bolsters are filled with cotton, batting, buckwheat, so they come in different softness and density. Try rolling a soft blanket on the floor – this will give you a general idea of ​​​​a soft pillow. If you like large and soft support, or a stable dense bolster, then you will definitely be happy with a bolster.