Begin with a comfortable position you can adjust. Meditation does not require sitting on the floor or adopting a lotus position. A familiar chair, a cushion, a bench or a dedicated meditation seat can each be a place to practise.
The NHS beginner guide to meditation includes sitting in a chair as an option. Its starting point is finding somewhere comfortable before beginning.
Start with the seat you have
Try a short session in a familiar chair. Notice the seat height, depth and firmness, and whether you prefer the support of a backrest. Let your hands rest where they feel comfortable. You can keep your eyes open or lower your gaze if that suits the practice you are following.
You do not need to hold an uncomfortable position to complete a session. Adjust your seat or change position when you need to. If a position hurts, stop and choose another; ongoing pain or a medical concern is a question for a qualified clinician.
Choose a position that suits you
Feet-on-floor sitting is one option. Cross-legged sitting is another if it feels comfortable. Cushions can change how a seat feels, but the useful arrangement depends on the person and the seat. Treat support as something to explore, rather than a fixed formula.
A backless seat will feel different from a chair with a backrest. Consider that difference before buying specialist furniture. For a comparison of familiar chairs, floor cushions and full-height seats, read Are Meditation Chairs Worth It?
Using the Oyster Meditation Chair
The Oyster Meditation Chair is a sculpted, upholstered, backless seat. Its open platform leaves room for cross-legged sitting, feet-on-floor sitting and small changes of position. You do not have to sit cross-legged to use it.
The chair measures 36 inches wide by 32.5 inches deep by 16.75 inches high. Its firm molded form differs from a soft lounge chair. Read the product specifications and discuss your preferred sitting position with the studio before ordering.
The optional matching Booster Set includes a seat bolster, two knee bolsters and a foot bolster. It is sold separately. It gives you additional cushions to arrange around your position; it does not prescribe one way to sit.
Give the practice a place
Think about the room as well as the seat. A corner you already use for reading may be enough. Keep the route to the chair clear and consider the light, the objects nearby and whether you want the seat to stay in place between sessions.
For a dedicated room or a shared space, explore our wellness-room design approach. The studio can discuss furniture, materials and the project brief through Trade & Projects.
For questions about the chair itself, contact Oyster Wellness with your preferred position, the room and any upholstery requirements.