Are you looking for a more comfortable meditation practice?
If so, you may want to consider using an ergonomic meditation bench. These benches are designed to make your practice more comfortable, which can lead to longer and more productive sessions.
In this blog post, we will discuss the history of the meditation bench and seven ergonomic meditation benches on the market today. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose the right bench for your needs. So if you’re ready to find the perfect meditation bench for you, keep reading!
One important note, “ergonomic” means that the benches or cushions according to their manufacturers have been designed to provide comfort and support during your meditation practice. This post relies, in part on 3rd party reviews and is not meant to convey any certification. You should assume there is none. If you have specific medical concerns and need a specialised device, please consult your physician. This site doesn’t provide any medical advice or imply any medical suitability
A Short History Seiza and the Meditation Bench
If you are using a meditation bench, you are likely kneeling in the Japanese style called Seiza, literally correct sitting. The origin of Seiza is unclear but we understand, in the meditation sphere, that this position comes from Japanese Culture.
Some say it’s from the ancient worship of Kami (loosely translated as God in the west). Some say it came with the introduction of buddhism to Japan in the 6th century. No matter, it is seen commonly, today, in formal settings, like Tea Ceremonies, martial arts, and other Japanese traditions. It is the style of sitting used in Zen Buddhism, but can also be used in other forms of meditation.
Why sit Seiza Style?
Seiza style can be a great way to improve your posture and core muscles. Over time Seiza may help prevent pain in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, Seiza can help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Here are four reasons why you should try sitting Seiza style:
When you sit in Seiza style, your spine is naturally aligned. This alignment helps to take the pressure off of your lower back, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, this position helps to improve your breathing and circulation.
Seiza style also allows you to focus on your breath and meditation. This can help to calm and center yourself, which can be beneficial if you’re feeling stressed or anxious.[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B07KY1BHT8″][/WooZoneProducts]
Sitting in Seiza style can also help increase your flexibility. Because you’re sitting on your heels, your hips and knees are in a position that requires developing a greater range of motion.
Finally, Seiza style can help to strengthen your core muscles. This is due to the fact that you’re constantly working to maintain good posture while sitting in this position.
The problem with Seiza style is
To do this position correctly one sits with the knees together and the legs folded under the body, spine erect head forward. Simple?
The problem with Seiza style is that it can be uncomfortable for beginners. This is because your body isn’t used to sitting in this position and it may take some time to get used to. You might feel the need to prop yourself up with pillows or blankets in order to maintain good alignment.
However, unless you’ve spent a lot of time practicing this position, even this is often not comfortable or practical for long meditation sessions or retreats. This is where an ergonomic meditation bench can come in handy.
The Meditation Bench
The benefit of the meditation bench is that it allows you to sit in a comfortable position for an extended period of time without having to worry about your legs falling asleep.
The meditation bench is great for people who have trouble sitting Seiza or cross-legged on the ground. If you have knee or hip problems, the meditation bench can help take some of the pressure off of those joints.
An ergonomic design is one that considers the human body’s size, shape, and abilities when designing a product or workspace.
An ergonomic meditation bench is designed to provide comfort and support for the body during long or short meditation sessions.
There are a number of different benches on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Not all permit full Seiza. Here are five of the best:
The BLUECONY Meditation Bench[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B072YW3SJ5″][/WooZoneProducts]
is perfect for people who want a comfortable and supportive bench that is also stylish and unique-looking.
You can check out this bench here.
The Bamboo Meditation Bench by Bean Products [WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B0014U1HSE”][/WooZoneProducts]
is made of bamboo, a sustainable material. It is lightweight and, has removable legs easy to move around, making it great for travel. I like that it doesn’t involve hinges which can sometimes cause instability.
You can check out this bench here.
Meditation Bench by Waterglider International[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B01MQM2SQU”][/WooZoneProducts]
Is great for people who want a simple bench that also provides great comfort and support. It is handmade from sustainable materials and features a comfortable, ergonomic design. Handmade from sustainable acacia wood.
You can have a look at that bench here
The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B07BDRBJDF”][/WooZoneProducts]
Not specifically designed for meditation, and is definitely not for Seiza sitting (frankly, it looks kind of comical too), but it can be used as a makeshift meditation seat with great results. It is made of durable materials and features a comfortable, adjustable design.
You can check out this chair here.[WooZoneProducts asin=”amz-B07F2RVY3H”][/WooZoneProducts]
is perfect for people who want a comfortable and supportive bench that can be easily adjusted to fit different meditators of different heights. This bench is good for short sits
You can checkout this bench here.
Author’s Note: The human body likes movement. Movement helps keep our bodies healthy and functioning properly. Therefore any extended sitting meditation will result in some discomfort. One challenge is to observe uncomfortable sensations, be they psychological or physical, to develop an understanding of how those sensations affect you, and learn to accept them, rather than react to them.