There seems to be a lot of Westerners that think sitting in a chair or lying down in a bed is an okay way to meditate. Yes! You can meditate anywhere, and sometimes you have to do what you need to do.
However...
Why has meditation has been something millions of people have done in a cross legged position?
A lot of people will tell you there are no real benefits to sitting cross legged because they don’t want there to be a barrier to entry, meaning, the beginner meditator needs to just start the practice rather than create this expectation that they have to sit a certain way. This is a good point, but what if the beginner meditator could sit cross legged and still be comfortable?
In most cases it’s difficult to find comfortable chairs or cushions for sitting cross legged, which is why we started ungloo.com.
So we thought it would be good to demystify some of these things and start to make correlations around the benefits of sitting cross legged or kneeling rather than just dismiss “sitting” as something only yogis or Buddhists do. So much has been written about the value of hip opening but when do we ever do it.
“Physical tightness in the hips has become normal. And along with it is the increased potential for emotion to become trapped inside.”
Sitting, standing, and sleeping are all hip closing activities, it's no wonder that people are closed up and agitated.
Meditation is a practice that promises to open doors to inner peace, self-awareness, and clarity. Yet, how often do we consider the way we sit for meditation and its role in unlocking not only our physical hips but also our emotional and mental well-being?
What if meditating in a cross legged position actually helps you free yourself of the limitations of repetitive thinking and anxiety. From my experience it’s very clear that it does and I’m not alone.
Disclaimer: Sitting cross legged in meditation is by no means the best way to open up the hips in the way that a mobility class, yoga, or physical therapy could provide. This article is written to help support the idea that sitting cross legged in meditation can help add to the benefits of opening up the hips and in doing so the benefits can allow for a richer meditation experience.
The Hip-Emotion Connection
The hips are often referred to as the “junk drawer” of the body, storing stress, unprocessed emotions, and even trauma. Biologically, the hips are central to our mobility and posture, and they house some of the body’s largest muscles. When these areas are tight or locked, they can physically and emotionally restrict us.
When the hips are open, they can release stored tension, allowing us to feel more relaxed, balanced, and open to new experiences—whether that’s a relationship, a career opportunity, or a fresh perspective.
(Want to know more about the emotional release linked to the hips? Read this article on Healthline.).
Why Sitting Matters in Meditation
Western meditation guides often focus on accessibility, encouraging people to meditate wherever they feel comfortable—whether on a chair, a bed, or a couch. While this approach lowers the barrier to entry, it can overlook the deeper benefits of specific postures.
Historically, meditation has been practiced sitting cross-legged or kneeling for reasons that go beyond cultural tradition:
1. Natural Alignment
A cross-legged or kneeling position encourages a neutral spine, reducing strain on the lower back. This alignment enhances the flow of energy (or “prana”) through the body, a key principle in many meditative traditions.
2. Hip Opening
These postures gently stretch the hip flexors and surrounding muscles, counteracting the “hip-closing” effects of modern life—sitting in chairs, standing, and lying down. Over time, this can lead to increased flexibility and emotional release. Sitting cross legged is one way to help keep the hips open.
3. Symbolism
In many cultures, sitting cross-legged or kneeling represents humility, receptivity, and readiness. It’s a physical gesture of openness to growth and transformation.
The Role of Meditation Chairs and Cushions
Many people find traditional meditation postures uncomfortable, especially if their hips, knees, or lower back are tight or even healing from past injury. This is where meditation chairs and cushions become essential tools—not barriers.
1. Ergonomic Support
Meditation chairs elevate the hips above the knees, allowing for a more comfortable cross-legged position and back support. This reduces strain and encourages better posture.
(Explore some of the best meditation chairs for supporting the back and allowing the hips to open in this article).
2. Adaptability
Meditation chairs, especially those designed with back support, help those who cannot sit comfortably on the floor to still benefit from a grounded, upright position.
Check out our meditation chairs.
3. Encouraging Consistency
Having a dedicated meditation chair or cushion creates a ritualistic aspect to your practice. It signals to your mind that it’s time to meditate, fostering consistency.
Final Thoughts
Meditation is a practice of both stillness and growth. By paying attention to how we sit—whether on a cushion, a meditation chair, or the floor—we unlock opportunities to deepen our connection with ourselves and the world around us.
(Want to start today? Check out our ergonomic meditation cushions).
So, the next time you meditate, consider the posture you choose. Instead of settling for your bed or chair, explore the benefits of sitting cross-legged or kneeling. Your hips—and your heart—might thank you.
Further Reading: The Remarkable Link Between Tight Hips and Your Emotions
