by Sucharita Ray

Created on: May 18, 2010

Contrary to popular belief, the easy pose is not called so because it is easy to perform. The posture when done right puts you at ease with your prana, the vital energy of life as well as awakens you to the infinite promises of life. You will achieve a state of absolute happiness and contentment. Thus its Sanskrit name is Sukhasana, sukh meaning happiness. This pose is a classic seated posture and excellent for meditation.

Though the posture comes easily to children, it tends to pose some difficulties to adults, particularly in cultures where people generally do not tend to sit cross legged on the floor. However with practice as the knees, groins and hips start opening up, people find it easier to slip into this posture.

Method:

Step 1:

Fold a thick blanket to form a firm and steady support about six inches high. Sitting at one edge of the blanket with your sit bones pressed flat against the blanket, stretch your legs out in front of your torso on the floor.

Step 2:

Cross your shin, increase the distance between your knees. Fold your left leg towards your torso, slipping the foot beneath the right knee. Repeat with your right leg and slip your right foot under your left knee. 

Step 3:

Relax your feet so that their outer edges touch the floor and the arches rest below the opposite shins. Look down and make sure a triangle has been formed by your thighs and crossed shins. Please note that unlike other seated postures, your ankles should not be tucked underneath your sit bones nor should they rest on your thighs. In the easy pose there should be considerable distance between your feet and your pelvis. Let your hands rest on your knees with your palms facing up for enlightenment or facing down to feel grounded.

Step 4:

Pay particular attention to not rest your weight on your tail bone with the lower pelvis tucked in. To achieve neutral positioning of the pelvis, press your hands against the floor and lift your pelvis slightly off the blanket. While in air, tighten your thigh bones, release the base of your tailbone and lower your pelvis to the blanket. Do not allow your chest to sag and your lower back to round. When you find the neutral position, the back waist will be drawn slightly in and upward, emphasizing the natural curve of your spine.

Step 5:

Open your left thigh by resting your weight on your right buttock. With your hand, gently push your left thigh out, so that the inner edge of the upper leg points upwards.  Repeat on the right

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