Introducing: the Mesa Zafu from Still Sitting

Sit like a mountain with the Mesa Zafu.

At Still Sitting, we know that all bodies are different, which means that your meditation practice is unique. We are constantly looking for ways to create comfortable, ergonomic sitting experiences, no matter your body type. As meditation becomes part of daily life for more people, the need for supportive, well-designed cushions continues to grow. Whether you’re building a home practice, refining your posture, or choosing a thoughtful gift, the right cushion can make sitting more accessible and more sustainable over time.

We are excited to introduce the Mesa Zafu, a larger, more grounded meditation cushion that features a broader sitting surface. For many practitioners, the difference between a short, restless session and a sustained, focused one comes down to posture. And posture begins with your cushion. So, if you’ve tried a traditional zafu and find that it’s a bit too small or wobbly, the Mesa Zafu might be perfect for you.

Read on to learn all about the Mesa Zafu. Like all Still Sitting cushions, it is designed and made right here in Washington, USA.

What is the Mesa Zafu?

The Mesa Zafu is a large, round meditation cushion built for stability and spacious sitting. With a 14.5-inch diameter and a 6.5-inch height, it offers noticeably more surface area and lift than a traditional zafu. This extra room can make a meaningful difference, especially for practitioners who feel constrained or unsupported on smaller cushions.

Filled with buckwheat hulls, the cushion provides firm support without collapsing. Unlike softer fills, like kapok, buckwheat maintains structure while adapting to your shape. This helps keep the pelvis slightly tilted forward, which supports a natural spinal alignment and reduces strain during longer sessions.

The Mesa Zafu is particularly well-suited for:

• Taller practitioners who need more elevation
• People with tight hips who benefit from added lift
• Sitters who prefer a wider, more grounded base
• Larger bodied individuals

Available in both Standard (sewn cover) and Deluxe (removable cover) versions, the cushion also allows for adjustable firmness by adding or removing hulls. Its weight (about 7 pounds) keeps it stable and rooted in place.

How does the Mesa Zafu Compare to other meditation cushions?

Compared to a classic round zafu, the Mesa Zafu offers more height and a wider sitting surface. Traditional zafus are often ideal for practitioners with moderate flexibility, but they can feel limiting for those who need more elevation to comfortably cross their legs. The Mesa’s added lift can make it easier to settle into posture without strain, especially in the hips and knees.

Other seating options address different needs. A meditation bench, for example, supports kneeling (seiza) posture. A Tibetan seat/gomden, a firm, rectangular cushion, provides a broad, stable base, often preferred by practitioners who want minimal compression and a firm seat. Our tilt chair cushion supports upright posture while sitting in a chair, making it a practical option for those with limited mobility or for improved posture while working at a desk.

The Mesa Zafu is intentionally sized between a traditional zafu and a gomden: offering the lift and stability of a gomden with the versatility and ease of a classic zafu.

What sets the Mesa Zafu apart is its balance between adaptability and structure. It retains the familiar shape and versatility of a round cushion while offering more support and stability than many standard options.

Using your Mesa Zafu

Using a larger meditation cushion like the Mesa Zafu can make posture more accessible, particularly for those who struggle with tight hips or lower back discomfort. The added height helps tilt the pelvis forward, which encourages the spine to lengthen naturally. This can reduce the need for constant adjustment and allow attention to settle more fully on the practice itself.

For taller practitioners or those who feel compressed on smaller cushions, the wider surface offers more room to find a stable base. The weight of the cushion also helps it stay in place, which can be especially helpful on smooth floors or layered setups with a zabuton (a flat mat placed underneath for cushioning the knees and ankles).

Although larger than a traditional zafu, the Mesa Zafu is still portable enough to bring with you wherever you sit. When setting up your seat, consider pairing the Mesa Zafu with a supportive base layer, such as a zabuton, and experimenting with firmness by adjusting the buckwheat fill. Small changes in height or density can have a noticeable effect on comfort.

The Mesa Zafu At a Glance:

• The Mesa Zafu is a larger meditation cushion designed for stability and comfort.
• Buckwheat hull filling provides firm, adjustable support that helps maintain posture.
• It’s especially useful for taller practitioners, those with tight hips, or anyone needing a broader sitting area.
• A well-fitted cushion can make longer, more consistent meditation practice more accessible.

Stay engaged with more insightful stories from Still Sitting:

New Meditation Products for 2026
The Koyo Zafu: a wide, grounding meditation cushion