The short answer is no
Possibly a strange answer when Yogipod is a business that sells meditation cushions but truly you do not need a meditation cushion to meditate. There can be benefits to having one which you’ll learn below, but you do not need to have one to practice meditation.
What is meditation?
Meditate – v. 1. focus one’s mind for a period of time for spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. 2. (often meditate on/upon) think carefully about something. – The Oxford English Dictionary
This is the Oxford English Dictionary definition of meditate which as you can see has no prescribed way to meditate attached to it or an expected end product. It is just stating to focus the mind and contemplate. A lot of the anxiety which is wrapped up in meditation comes from whether we are doing it right, whereas in essence as long as we are settling into a place of quiet contemplation we are meditating.
Why would a meditation cushion help my meditation practice?
As you can see from above, there is no right or wrong way to meditate, you could be moving, laid down or seated. Where a meditation cushion will help is in helping you sit more comfortably. For most of us sitting on the ground is less than comfortable and can at times feel quite unnatural, particularly when held for longer periods of time. If this is true for you I would try sitting on something a little higher and see whether that helps.
When sitting cross legged for a lot us our knees are higher than our hips and this can lead to discomfort. By sitting on something a little higher we address that imbalance.
Where meditation cushions, and particularly our ones, help is not only in this lifting of the hips but their shape helps to tilt the pelvis slightly. This helps sitting as it moves the pelvis into a position where there is more space in the lower back and the hips. Perfect for sitting up a little taller.
What is a meditation cushion?
A meditation cushion, sometimes called a zafu, is a cushion designed for sitting on. Either circular or crescent shaped, like ours, they tend to be filled with either buckwheat hulls or a polyester hollow fibre.
Yogipod meditation cushions are crescent shaped and filled with buckwheat hulls, perfect for letting yourself nestle into rather than sit on top of. They are also slightly higher at the back than at the front which is what helps that pelvic tilt! More easily transportable than a bolster they can also be used for a yoga practice, supporting seated postures or savasana.
So do I need one?
Well really that’s up to you. If you want to see what it is like to sit with the hips raised then a block or a couple of cushions will do the job. A meditation cushion over time will be the most comfortable and supportive option though and perfect if you have a pretty regular practice.