Seated for Meditation 

Zafus are thick cushions used for meditation. Learn how to use 
meditation aids—zafus, zabutons, or meditation benches.

Hi! I’m Karla Beatty. I’m so glad you’ve chosen to explore my meditation articles. I come from a large family of 7 brothers and sisters. They’re a wonderful group of athletes, activists, and artists. But, believe me, I know the value of taking a little time of peace for your self.

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I have been meditating since I was in college—35 years ago. At that age, a half lotus was easy and comfortable. I sat on the floor on a small piece of carpet, my improvised meditation mat, or zabuton.

By the time I was in my thirties, I was happy sitting meditation cross-legged, on the floor or ground. Soon I learned to be even more comfortable sitting on a meditation cushion, called a zafu.

By the mid-forties, sitting cross-legged for long periods caused a strain, so I began to meditate by kneeling. Placing a zafu between my legs, on its side rather than flat, gave me just the support I needed to kneel comfortably.

In my late forties/early fifties, I discovered a wooden meditation bench. It was great for my kneeling meditations and yet the weight was on my pelvic, or sitting bones, rather than on the back of my knees. You can even find plans online to make your own meditation bench if you are handy with woodworking.

Meditation is ageless, timeless. As I grow older, I’m less likely to be on the ground and more likely to sit in a favored meditation chair, the back raised an inch higher than the front so I can keep a good posture. I look at meditation as a life-long practice. I hope you can make it yours, as well.