There are many different kinds of meditation techniques. The following is for floor seated meditation called “counting the breaths” in Soto style Zen.
Let us begin with posture. You should choose a zafu (meditative pillow) filled with kapok or buckwheat hull. A kapok filled zafu provides a firmer zafu which is conducive for longer meditative periods. The buckwheat filled zafu provides a softer zafu, sort of like sitting on sand. Some people prefer the buckwheat. If you have a hardwood floor you might want to consider a zabuton. A zabuton is a large square mat that you place the zafu in the center of. This will provide comfort for your ankles.