Meditation offers health-giving benefits that’s why it is important to add it to our daily checklist. Anyone who needs inner peace should practice meditation, not only for the Buddhists. In the present time, meditation is not only considered as a religious activity but a commitment as well. Various meditation techniques are now available for you to try.
Body posture is important during meditation to achieve peace within your core. While sitting comfortably, your back should be positioned vertically straight in order for you to internalize properly. Since meditation requires time, getting a comfortable position during the entire process is vital as well. For that reason, the meditation support pad is a huge contributor to sustaining proper posture and comfortability.
The support pad or “zafu” is a term that literally means ‘sewn seat’. It is usually made by hand and accessorized for aesthetic purposes. Zafu is a soft pillow you sit on with your legs crossed. Apart from the comfort it provides, this also helps an individual to maintain stability and prevent from falling down. The support pad is usually supported by a floor mat or “Zabuton”.
Traditionally, Zafu is round in shape with pleated edges. Its cover was made thick which makes it more durable. The external sheet is made of cotton twill and cotton drill. They are created in many different designs and colors. Two circular covers located at the top and bottom sides of the pad are connected through the pleated edges. What makes Zafu aesthetically amusing is its hand-woven designs. The support pad is stuffed with natural kapok, cotton batting, or buckwheat hulls although, these are the most common stuffing materials used. Natural kapok is created through the extraction of Ceiba trees. It weighs very lightly and can be used as a cloth for warmth. Its fibers are hard to compress that’s why it’s perfect for stuffing. Cotton batting is used as padding and also used in upholstery and quilting. Buckwheat hulls are a very durable material and can easily be shaped by hand. This also gives firm support to the lower bottom for any meditation enthusiast. These materials are hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. They are responsible for the up-keep of the cushion’s shape. The support pad has patched openings which makes it easy to wash without getting the fillings wet. For stability reinforcement, all stitches were done twice.
Meditation support pads come from different sizes of diameter and thickness, it depends on your personal taste. However, manufacturers use a standard measurement for creating a meditation support pad. They are usually 40 centimeters in diameter and 20 centimeters in thickness size. This measurement is patterned for average-sized individuals.
The meditation support pad serves an important role during the process. This prevents one from having sore back muscles, especially from long meditation exercises. The support pad and meditation share one common policy — they both promote calmness and comfort.
