Each spring, typically in late March or early April, people across Japan pause to look up. Pale pink and white blossoms open for just a short window, transforming parks, riversides, and city streets into places of quiet attention. This tradition is known as Hanami (flower viewing), and it is far more than a seasonal outing.… Read more »
Still Sitting Meditation Blog
New Meditation Products For 2026
In 2026 we are again adding a few new, thoughtfully-curated meditation products to our online store. This year we’ve expanded our handcrafted cushion line with thoughtful new designs including the Mesa Zafu, a larger, more grounded seat for practitioners who want added height and stability, and the compact Little Helper Cushion, a small but powerful… Read more »
A Touch of Zen Whimsy: The Playful Creations of Alex Echevarria
Still Sitting is proud of the relationships it forms with organizations and individuals around the world as they engage in meditation and mindfulness practice. Occasionally, we like to share their stories in our Spotlight Series. Alex Echevarria’s story is about how lived experience, long study, and patience can quietly shape a creative practice. If you… Read more »
What is Losar “Tibetan New Year”?
Losar, Tibetan New Year, is one of the most important holidays in the Tibetan calendar. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and blends spiritual reflection, family gatherings, ritual, and cultural celebration into a single, multi-day observance. For many meditation practitioners, Losar offers a meaningful pause to set intentions for the year ahead.… Read more »
The Lotus in Buddhism: Meaning and Iconography
Few symbols in Buddhism are as instantly recognizable and deeply meaningful as the lotus flower. Found in shrines, temples, and artwork across the world, the lotus is one of the most enduring metaphors in spiritual life: a pure bloom rising above the mud. The lotus is a daily reminder of what practice aims to cultivate:… Read more »
The Still Sitting New Year Sale 2026
The New Year arrives with a quiet invitation: to begin again. For many of us, that means taking an honest look at the habits that support our well-being. Whether you are ready to begin your meditation journey or are restarting your practice, all you need is a place to sit and the intention to to… Read more »
Meditate Your Cold Away
Ah– Ah– Achoo! It’s that time of year again. Colds are one of life’s most consistent disruptions. They seem to have perfect timing too, arriving just in time for holiday travel, visitors, and important work projects. Worst of all, there’s no cure for those sniffles and sneezes. We just have to tough it out, relying… Read more »
The Still Sitting Holiday Gift Guide 2025
This holiday season, do something different: share a gift that will inspire action. Our Still Sitting Holiday Gift Guide 2025 is filled with thoughtful, intentionally crafted products. Founded by Buddhist monks, Still Sitting takes pride in offering meditation cushions and clothing designed and made right here in Washington. We also offer a wide range of… Read more »
Cutting Through Silence: The Traditional Instruments of Buddhist Temples
While most people associate silence with the act of meditation, sound too has its place. Bells, gongs, and wooden percussion instruments play a central role in Zen and other Buddhist traditions. They are used to keep time, signal important events, and support ceremonial activities, such as chanting, within the temple. These traditional musical instruments of… Read more »
The History of Buckwheat (And Why We Use It In Our Meditation Cushions)
Buckwheat is great for more than just pancakes (and if you’ve never tried buckwheat pancakes, you’re missing out!). While this “pseudocereal” is hardly a household name in the United States, it has been used for centuries throughout Asia. Traditionally buckwheat seeds are used for cooking, while the outer shell, the hulls make great stuffing material.… Read more »
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