- Thank You Yoga! For Sirsasana! (Headstand) :-)
- Thank You Yoga! For Sirsasana! (4 leg variations) :-)
- Thank You Yoga! For Sirsasana! (4 arm variations) :-)
- Thank You Yoga! For Fire Log Pose! (Agnistambhasana) :-)
I am grateful for Lotus Pose because...
- I feel so clear and at attention though relaxed in Lotus!
- It is very helpful for straying awake in meditation!
- It helps me to feel very grounded.
- It feels very natural to have a health posture in Lotus.
- The more natural alignment of the spine leads to a greater ease into full breathing :-)
CONTRAINDICTIONS and CAUTIONS: ankle and knee injury. This pose is considered intermediate to advanced, so do not practice it without prior experience or an experienced instructor.
Effects according to BKS Iyengar's Light on Yoga page 131-132:
After the initial knee pains have been overcome, Padmasana is one of the most relaxing poses. The body being in a sitting posture, it is at rest without being sloppy. The position of the crossed legs and the erect back keeps the mind attentive and alert, hence it is one of the asanas recommended for practicing pranayama (breathe control).
On the purely physical level, the pose is good for curing stiffness in the knees and ankles, since the blood is made to circulate in the lumbar region and the abdomen, the spine and the abdominal organs are toned.
Technique
- Padmasana or Lotus Pose is perform by first taking a seated position with legs outstretch.
- Next bend the right leg turning the hip open, resting the outer heel and ankle in or near the left hip crease.
- The next step should be done gently, with careful attention on rotating the left hip outward rather than trying to bend the knee in an unnatural way. The left leg is bent as the hip socket opens outward so that the outer left heel and ankle rest over the right ankle and near the right hip crease.
- This is a very good posture for meditation and Pranayama (breath control), so take some time to enjoy the peace of the moment, welcoming stillness into the mind and body.
- When you feel that you have had enough time on this side, do the reverse so that the right side is the top leg in Padmasana.
- After you have had enough time in Padmasana, you may wish to move into a straight legged forward fold to make sure that the knees are in alignment.
- Then, if you would like, rest in Savasana or some other resting pose or continue on with the rest of your sequence. When ever you come to the end of your yoga journey, take some time to be grateful for your body carrying you through the practice, the ground for supporting you, and the vital breathe for facilitating this experience as well as all others. :-)
Have a wonderful day, my friend! Thank you so much for being wonderful you! I hope that you enjoyed “Thank You Yoga! For Lotus Pose! (Padmasana) :-)” May it serve you in providing a more open and grounded experience in life! May all living beings find peace within their minds and hearts :-) Godbless and Namaste! Have a great day! Love, Aaron :-)