Finding Ease in Easy Pose

Lynne Lessard (Easy Pose)

Easy pose (Sukhasana), the seated posture often used for at the beginning and at the end of a yoga practice, is sometimes not that easy.  Some people find it difficult to find length in the spine and their heads fold forward with their backs are rounded (a).   In some cases, people have knee issues, tight hips or sensitive ankles and find it difficult to hold the pose for a long period of time.   In my classes, I often recommend using props to allow for the spine to lengthen, and offer options to support knees and ankles, so that you can find ease in the pose.   
If you find that your back is rounded in this pose (b),  I would recommend sitting on a prop to tilt the pelvis forward so that you spine can lengthen.  This will allow for the natural curve in the lower spine.  You can choose to sit up on folded blanket (c), a block (if you are sitting in this pose for a short period of time) (d) or on a bolster (e).  By sitting up on a prop, this allows for the knees to fold forward, so that the knees are lower than the hips. If this doesn’t happen, there is no need to force anything, just find the support you need to find ease in the pose.  For those with tight hips, or knee issues, I would suggest sitting higher up, and to support the knees with blocks (f).  If you find you are using up energy to keep your knees up, place some blocks under the knees so you are not struggling in this pose.   

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b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

In the end, the pose should feel easy, as this pose sometimes held for long period of time.   This is a common pose used for breathing exercises (pranayama) or for meditation.  It’s hard to find comfort in a pose and focus on breathing or finding calm if you are uncomfortable or struggling to hold up yourself up.  In my opinion, this pose shouldn’t be used to stretch tight areas of the body, instead, I would suggest to find ease in this pose.  Use the props you need, find the support to feel comfortable, and stay awhile…   

​Hopefully the use of these props will help you find ease in this easy pose.
Namaste, Anne