Sitting on Zafu/Zabuton

Body: 

Hi everyone...

DH and I finally bought ourselves a set of really nice couches, however, I'm finding that they might not be so hot for prolapse. They are super-comfy but don't promote a very upright posture at all.

I was thinking about buying a set of these...a zafu and zabuton (aka meditation cushions) like these at : http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-meditation.html

Thoughts?

Hi Michele,
These cushions and similar are GREAT for sitting in the posture! I was actually thinking about buying more myself, I already have a gomden and mat which I purchased from Samadhistore.com for my meditation whenever I get a chance!!?? (I think it is this web address, just put Samadhi cushions into the search engine if not). It would add a very eclectic look to ones sitting room too I think!
Michelle.

Hi, Michelle...

Thanks so much for the link to samadhistore.com. I am going to order a set soon, it really will help I think!

Also, I just bought a lumbar support cushion for my car, they have some tempurpedic type ones for less that 10 bucks at Target. I used it for the first time today on my way home from the store and it's awesome.

Thanks again for your reply! :)!

Peace.
Michele

They're great.

Just want to emphasize to everyone else how creative, fun, and necessary it is to work to build a more supportive environment just like you are doing, Michele. I've been round and round this one and can assure you that you can never really go back "home" to upholstered furniture. I know the letting go it hard, but your body will teach you the necessity of it unless you are of an ignoring mind - then surgery is probably in your future! :-)

Michele,
Just want to add......................dharmacrafts.com also sell a pretty good zafu and zabuton set for $99. I have to say though I prefer the sturdiness of the gomden instead of the zafu and I like the height variences at Samadhi store. Samadhi store can be a bit pricy though the deal they do on the meditation beginners set is OK. Sorry to wittle on Michele but this is certainly a subject after my own heart! I LOVE my gomden!!!!!
Michelle.

Michelle...

Thanks again, you are so helpful! I had actually been looking at the set at dharmacrafts but am also intrigued by the gomden. I have only had personal experience with a zafu/zabuton at yoga/meditation classes. Can you elaborate more on the difference between that and the gomden? Is the gomden firmer or more comfortable?

Christine...

Yes, it is interesting to rethink furniture paradigms. Since I'm 1/2 Japanese I have been used to sitting in 'seiza' position (legs folded under body) on the floor. When I was little I even sat on regular chairs like that. Perhaps someday when I can build a house from the ground up (a girl can dream, can't she?) I can have a Japanese style living room, with tatami mat floors and no furniture, just pillows to sit on like at my grandparents home. It's a beautiful style, minimalist and utilitarian, too...and of course supportive of good posture.

That brings up a question, though...wonder if rates of prolapse are less in societies like Japan where their furniture promotes upright spinal alignment? Hmm....

Peace.
Michele

The Gomdens were developed by The Tibeten Buddhist pioneer Chogyum Trungpa Rinpoche for us " westerners" to sit more comfortably while meditating. They are really like a soft box and support the standard meditation posture, (and our posture!) beautifully. I have a standard gomden and really could sit for hours on it. The zafu is squishier if you know what I mean and therefore perhaps not as supportive though I am sure many would disagree!
I know that I have read that rates of prolapse in "Asian" women are significantly lower than any other group statistically. I do not know whether that varies within the many Asian cultures too. My husband is Taiwanese so I hope both my girls got enough "Asian" genes to not be affected by prolapse like their Mother has because there seems to be a genetic link too.
Thanks for asking about the Gomdens and I know what you mean about the minimalist Japanese style, it is practical and beautiful in every way!! Have you started back with your yoga yet Michele?
Michelle.