My cushion for meditation practice. The birds make me happy and remind me to open myself to life. Using a cushion is pretty essential for me as it relaxes my hips and easily allows me to lengthen my spine in a comfortable way.
Jack Kornfield Meditation for Beginners says about meditation postures "what matters is there be a sense of stability and ease...to meditate is not to fight with oneself...there is enough difficulty in life without making more of it for yourself in meditation.".
It is the consistent practice of mindfulness that will open up your heart. Start by creating a space for your meditation practice as inviting as possible. Let go of the rules and try starting with as little as 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night. Build the ritual first and overtime it will start to touch all areas of your life as you become more aware, more present and full of love.
