sandeyePadmasana, & Ardha Padmasana
February 6th 2008 16:35
As a supple and flexible-bodied child, I was able to slip easily into the Full Lotus position, otherwise known as Padmasana. My mother, concentrating on the television instructions, had much more difficulty. Although not entirely out of shape, my middle-aged body is not quite as agile as it used to be - though Yoga is assisting with this and I am far fitter than this time last year. When I seriously began to practice, a little over a year ago, I could easily perform the Half-Lotus, otherwise known as Ardha Padmasana. Padmasana itself however, can only currently be achieved for a minute or so - on a good day.
Whether executing the Full or Half pose, there are two much-mentioned methods of obtaining the Lotus asana. In one, you sit on the floor with your legs spread in a V, ensure your backbone is straight, and then gently pull one foot inwards to rest upon the opposing thigh with the ankle pointing towards your belly button. In the alternative method, you sit on the floor and bring both knees to the chest, pulling the legs up and in towards yourself, and then resting them bent in front of you, feet to floor. You then lower the legs sideways and bring one foot up to rest on the opposing thigh.
To perform the Full Lotus, you then position your spare foot likewise on its opposite thigh, above the first. Generally, the left leg should be uppermost; this creates the 'classic' Lotus pose. However, dependent upon your individual body, whether you will maintain the position for a long time changing feet mid-way, and whether you are going to continue into meditation, Pranayama, or warm-ups - such as eye and neck exercises - you may prefer to start with the right foot uppermost. To perfect the pose, try to rest both knees on the ground and make sure your spine is erect.
To perform the Half-Lotus, you would proceed by placing your spare foot under its opposing thigh. It is still advisable to attempt to lower both knees to the floor if possible, as this will help you progress into the Full-Lotus sooner. Remember to maintain a vertically straight spine.
Personally, I find I have the most difficulty with maintaining the Full-Lotus position for any length of time due to the uncomfortable sensations arising in my ankle region. My entire body seems otherwise comfortable with Padmasana. I therefore generally use the Half-Lotus for my personal practices of asana, Pranayama, and seated-meditation.
Whether executing the Full or Half pose, there are two much-mentioned methods of obtaining the Lotus asana. In one, you sit on the floor with your legs spread in a V, ensure your backbone is straight, and then gently pull one foot inwards to rest upon the opposing thigh with the ankle pointing towards your belly button. In the alternative method, you sit on the floor and bring both knees to the chest, pulling the legs up and in towards yourself, and then resting them bent in front of you, feet to floor. You then lower the legs sideways and bring one foot up to rest on the opposing thigh.
To perform the Full Lotus, you then position your spare foot likewise on its opposite thigh, above the first. Generally, the left leg should be uppermost; this creates the 'classic' Lotus pose. However, dependent upon your individual body, whether you will maintain the position for a long time changing feet mid-way, and whether you are going to continue into meditation, Pranayama, or warm-ups - such as eye and neck exercises - you may prefer to start with the right foot uppermost. To perfect the pose, try to rest both knees on the ground and make sure your spine is erect.
To perform the Half-Lotus, you would proceed by placing your spare foot under its opposing thigh. It is still advisable to attempt to lower both knees to the floor if possible, as this will help you progress into the Full-Lotus sooner. Remember to maintain a vertically straight spine.
Personally, I find I have the most difficulty with maintaining the Full-Lotus position for any length of time due to the uncomfortable sensations arising in my ankle region. My entire body seems otherwise comfortable with Padmasana. I therefore generally use the Half-Lotus for my personal practices of asana, Pranayama, and seated-meditation.
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