Meditation doesn’t always happen on a cushion in a quiet zendo. Sometimes it begins in the places we spend the most time: at a desk, in a kitchen chair, or on a living room bench. For many practitioners, especially those with limited flexibility or mobility, seated meditation in a chair is not only more comfortable… Read more »
Still Sitting Meditation Blog
The Summer Stillness Collection 2025
We’re thrilled to share our Summer Stillness Collection 2025 — an intentional addition to the Still Sitting catalogue, inspired by the people and places that surround us. From the forest tones of our new meditation cushion colors to the hand-painted Darumas crafted from 120-year-old Vashon Island beach bricks, many of these items celebrate the quiet… Read more »
The Bonsho Buddhist Temple Bell: Resonance and Tradition
The bonshō Buddhist temple bell is a symbol of spiritual tradition that — like its resonant peals — echoes across time and culture. This large, bronze temple bell emits a sonorous tone that anchors the mind. In Zen and Mahayana traditions, the deep, full-bodied tone of the bonshō marks the rhythm of daily monastic practice… Read more »
The Best Travel Meditation Cushions
It’s no secret that finding time to build your personal meditation practice is difficult. Especially when you are busy or stressed, putting off good habits and self care can be the default. If you travel frequently or keep long hours at work, sustaining a routine for your practice can be even more daunting. Fortunately, there… Read more »
The Bodhi Tree: A Living Symbol of Awakening
Buddhist practitioners around the world revere the Bodhi Tree as a living symbol of awakening. The majestic fig that sits today at the heart of the Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya marks the spot where Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha over 2,500 years ago. This tree is believed to be a direct descendent of… Read more »
11 Popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings
Buddhist statues are some of the most recognizable forms of sacred art in the world. From the serene image of the meditating Buddha to the compassionate presence of Kuan Yin, these statues—found in temples and home shrines alike—serve as powerful, tangible reminders of the values they embody. They are not only representations of historical or… Read more »
Exploring Traditional Zen Buddhist Garments
In Zen Buddhism, simplicity and form are not just aesthetic preferences—they are essential parts of the practice. This reverence for form extends to the traditional Zen Buddhist garments worn by practitioners, both lay and ordained. These vestments carry centuries of meaning, a connection to lineage, and a reminder of the vows taken. Whether it’s the… Read more »
What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
In our fast-paced digital world, meditation has emerged as a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace. But meditation is not a singular, monolithic practice. Instead, there are countless variations from cultures around the world. One form known as mindfulness meditation stands out as one of the most accessible and scientifically validated approaches. Meditation encompasses a… Read more »
Meditation and Cortisol: Slaying ‘The Stress Hormone’
Pick up a magazine or do some online browsing and you’ll see that a certain health boogeyman is back in the spotlight: cortisol, “the stress hormone.” You’ll find influencers on TikTok whose claims about “low-cortisol” diets and supplements make bigfoot hunters sound credible. Fortunately, if you’re reading this blog, you already have a powerful tool… Read more »
5 Essential Items For Your Home Meditation Space
Creating a meditation space at home is one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself. It doesn’t have to be large or ornate—just intentional. A designated corner or cushion can help you carve out moments of calm in the middle of a busy day. With the right setup, your space becomes an invitation:… Read more »
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