simplysitting seat
Meditation practice has been an integral part of my life for roughly 10 years, with increased dedication and consistency over the past three years. I won’t get in-depth here on meditation itself, as that warrants a more detailed treatment.
Particularly over the past few years, I’ve developed additional flexibility in my hips and knees, and can sit quite comfortably on a cushion in quarter lotus posture for longer sessions. The full lotus (padmasana), however, remains firmly out of reach. Runners tend to have notoriously poor mobility, so my hips simply don’t rotate into that configuration, which puts the knees at high-risk of injury when attempting and holding the pose.
There’s an odd ascetic element to meditation, where overcoming pain through long seated sessions is a badge of honor. However, this, in my humble opinion, misses the point. Padmasana was widely adopted in ancient India because it removed uncomfortable pressure points between body and floor, and therefore promoted a relaxed, restful, and alert posture. While I don’t believe there to be some exalted state unlocked in full lotus, there is truth to the importance of finding a posture that promotes proper alignment of the spine and an alert, energized, and yet calm, quality of attention. It need not be painful.
About a year ago, during a meeting with Henry Shukman, Guiding Teacher at Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he mentioned a style of seat designed to position the body in an ideal kneeling posture, making it more comfortable for those of us who have tighter joints. The simplysitting seat.
It’s provided a welcomed boost to my practice; I've found my eagerness to sit has increased, so it's been easier to maintain a consistent 2-3-times daily practice. With it, the session feels more about the meditation, rather than struggling to maintain a “mountain still” posture. Yes, practice is about reducing our aversion to discomfort and accepting whatever arises, but I find it much easier to tap into this place when I’m not concerned for the longer-term health of my joints.
An added benefit, I find, with a kneeling pose, is the openness of breath that it promotes; the lungs are able to fill with ease. I also appreciate the ability to quickly remove the seat’s magnetic leg for transport. It’s smaller and lighter than a traditional cushion, so it’s become an indispensable travel companion. Although the seat is solid Cherry wood, its contoured surface is quite comfortable for extended sessions. I followed simplysitting's recommendation for those taller than 6'2" and went with the longer leg configuration, which is appreciated.
Meditation is a vital part of daily life, and the simplysitting seat has certainly helped evolve and deepen my practice. While some may advocate for developing an equanimity with the discomfort of full lotus, I'll likely continue favoring the health of my menisci, and include running as part of my practice.
Happy sitting.
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