Supportive Items During Breath Practice

In historical images, it's most common to see monks and yogis sitting on the floor or ground to meditate. The reason being is that it wasn't as usual in certain historical time frames and many of the cultures to have excess furniture. Furniture would have been quite minimal. With that being a common occurrence, many still sit on the floor or ground to meditate or conduct breath practice because it is a vast part of past visual experiences among people today. Breath practice, as stated in prior texts, doesn't have to be conducted on the floor. Depending on a person's preference or comfortableness, they may prefer to conduct breath practice in a chair. The following are a few supportive items that may assist while sitting on the floor or in a chair during breath practice and are also shown in the image above.

1. Floor/Yoga Mat (Used as a barrier between the hard surface of the floor or ground).

2. Support/Yoga Blocks (Can be used to assist in alignment of the upper back while sitting in a chair or as support underneath the legs while sitting cross-legged on the floor).

3. Meditation Cushion (Used in supporting the sitting position for the lower body and back).

4. Rolled Blanket(s) (Can be used as support underneath the legs while sitting cross-legged on the floor if it feels more comfortable).

5. Bolster Pillow(s) (Can be used as support underneath the legs while sitting cross-legged on the floor or as support for the lower back while sitting in a chair).

All the above items aren't necessary. Ultimately, the use of supportive items will differ with individuals' preferences.

Note

In additional practices, not just specific to yoga, a method of stabilizing or grounding an individual is by sitting on the ground. A practice of consciously and firmly positioning the bare feet or walking barefoot on clean flat flooring is considered grounding as well. Being aware of the feel and experience of the flat, sturdy surface beneath the feet, usually supports a feeling of stability during the activity.

This information is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute or definitive to replace physicians' care.