This post is sponsored content, paid for by Cabin Cushion and Centered Life.
In meditation, we learn to take our seat, arriving full in body and mind, just as we are. Over time, many practitioners discover that their meditation can be supported by the natural world: the quiet of a forest and fresh air, or the peaceful view from the porch of a cabin on a weekend away. These moments of presence and rejuvenation were the inspiration for our sustainable textile company, Cabin Cushion.
As experienced practitioners of shamatha meditation, and the founders of Cabin Cushion, we value a regular sitting practice. Additionally, as coaches for both personal and professional development we know that time for reflection, especially outdoors, is one of the most effective antidotes to stress and overwhelm. Pairing these interests with our deep love of nature has helped to enhance the intent of our company.
When we started Cabin Cushion, we envisioned a different kind of meditation cushion, one that invites people to reconnect with themselves and with nature thanks to a durable waterproof base, providing supportive comfort in any environment. Providing our clients with a quality seat they can take anywhere and everywhere — to support both their inner and outer exploration – quickly became our calling.
As we contemplated how to bring that calling to life, we spent many months experimenting with various materials, taking our prototype cushions on long hikes across New York State. The more time we spent outdoors, the more we were inspired to continue improving and expanding our designs.
Early in the journey, as Cabin Cushion evolved in the snowy climate of western New York, it became apparent we also needed conducive space indoors to support connection to nature throughout all the seasons. From that aspiration, Centered Life, a nature inspired sensory immersion sanctuary, took shape. Together, these endeavors support a variety of indoor and outdoor contemplative practices including meditation, yoga, nature stewardship and the arts.
Cabin Cushion’s earth friendly artisan process, which we’ve deemed “Letting Go … for Good,” invites people to contribute gently used clothing or textiles with which they have a sentimental relationship. The items are then transformed into limited edition cushions and related accessories, creating useful new products that are good for both people and planet.
Our foundational products are lines of meditation cushions handmade in the United States and Nepal. Our zafus and zabutons are produced in our New York facility using primarily upcycled clothing or other gently used textiles that result in unique — and often one-of-a-kind — creations. Our gomdens are created in Nepal using recycled denim with traditional Nepalese trim. They are filled domestically with all-natural cotton for a firm but comfortable meditative experience.
True to our original vision, most of our cushions can be optionally created as a trail edition, with water-resistant or waterproof fabric in a variety of colors, to support those clients who wish to practice in nature.
As a community-centered business, we orchestrate cushion production with a focus on ethically sourced, earth friendly materials while providing employment opportunities to marginalized groups, especially women and gender minorities. This is reflected in the shared values of our suppliers both domestically and abroad.
Centered Life provides our primary container, a conducive environment in which to provide instruction, practice and a sense of community through all the seasons. This nature-inspired contemplative arts sanctuary has evolved into a destination for people interested in a more purposeful and fulfilling life through sensory immersion and creative expression. With mindfulness and awareness as the foundation, clients are encouraged to extend that experience into the world through a series of rooms focused on individual senses. Here, visitors take their seat and find their center with ease.
Through connecting with the environment around us as a core contemplative practice, Centered Life also offers programs based on active stewardship of the natural world. Our Community Centered Seed Library hosts educational workshops and gatherings for those interested in protecting and enjoying nature.
With Cabin Cushion as the source, Centered Life now offers a full line of meditation, yoga, wellness, and household products to individuals and organizations including other contemplative studios, meditation groups and retreat centers across the country through our online store.
We also host group events for those looking for a differentiated atmosphere to hold retreats, contemplative gatherings, leadership offsites, or community meetings. We are conveniently located in Lockport, New York along the Erie Canal just a short drive from Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
At Centered Life, you are invited to take your seat and find your center, wherever you go. Please reach out to [email protected] if you would like to connect.
