Does a meditation stool make you better at meditating?
Often yes -particularly if you are not supple enough for the lotus position (which is why I use a stool). But if you buy the best meditation stool you’ll be able to maintain the proper meditation posture
- Upright but not stiff.
- Your back in a healthy S shape
- Not slouching forward
Then you will breathe easier. Be more aware when you meditate and maintain a serene mind. I’ve noticed any meditation technique is far more successful when my posture is correct.
But How do you pick the perfect stool?
Here’s 3 tips for getting it right
1. Make Sure The Stool Has the Correct Angle
When meditating your pelvis must be tilted forward. So the stool base should be angled with the back higher than the front. This allows your back to assume that natural S shape to distribute your weight evenly.
Can you be tilted too much?
Definitely, if the angle is too great you’ll wind up over arching your spine and developing backache. But if the stool’s too flat, you will slump into a C shape. This applies a lot of stress on the vertebrae at the bottom of the spine and also causes backache.
Therefore either
Try out various stools. Test them out over 15 minutes if possible. Your neighborhood meditation class will have plenty you can test out…
Alternatively
Buy an adjustable. These are pricier however you can adjust the angle until it is perfect.
2. Consider a Folding Meditation Stool
Do you meditate in different spots? Do you attend a class? Do you meditate while on vacation?
If the reply to any of these questions is yes, you should consider transportability. Maybe you’ll need a stool with folding legs?
I’ve had problems myself jamming a solid wood stool with fixed legs into a backpack!
You can buy folding meditation stools online but of course they are more costly.
Speaking of which…
3. Don’t Pay Too Much
It’s not necessary to spend tons of money on a stool. I still prefer a simple solid wood stool regardless of the issues of getting into my backpack! This set me back $30.
However if you are looking for something more flexible. If you want to modify the kneeling angle or height. If you are looking for more styling…
Then it will cost you much more.
My advice – Choose the lowest cost meditation stool that covers your requirements to start with.