A Guide to Meditation Stools

The old Zen saying goes ‘you should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day, unless you are too busy; then you should sit for an hour’. If you aren’t lucky enough to own a Zabuton with Zafu cushion or find it too uncomfortable to sit cross legged for longer periods then a meditation stool could be just what you are looking for.

Designed as a small, lightweight but super strong prop, the goal of wooden meditation stools is to help improve your posture, keep your back straight, take pressure off your hips and knees and reduce ankle strain. The major differences between stools includes the seat section and if is slanted or straight, the width of the seat itself and the height of the seat. Legs can also be situated towards the outside of the seat or in the centre which reduces leg restriction and some even have rocker legs so you can adjust the seat to the correct angle for your practise.

One important tip is to use a non-slip pad or little pillow for extra cushioning as wooden seats can become quite hard after sitting on them for longer periods. There are also foldable designs available which cater for easier storage and portability.

With so many props, brands and designs on the market it is hard to know which ones will best suit your Yoga and Meditation practise, especially without being able to trial them first. Considering how lightweight a product is, how much support you require, if they are eco-friendly, what you want your practise to feel like and what beautiful colour scheme will make you smile and feel good while taking care of yourself are all important aspects of your purchase. Asking friends and coaches is also a great way to get feedback about the pros and cons of different brands and designs.

But the most important thing to remember is that no matter what props you use, that they are simply a tool to help you drop in, let go, ground yourself and support your incredible body, mind and soul. After all, you totally deserve it.