Easy Pose — Sukhasana (soo-KAHS-uh-nuh) — is a basic seated yoga posture. It is depicted in some of the oldest images of ancient yogis in India, some of which are at least 2,000 years old. Also sometimes called “Simple Cross-Legged Pose,” Sukhasana is intended to be comfortable and calming. Its name comes from two Sanskrit words:
Sukhasana is a pose that many people automatically practice as children, but lose the ability to do over time due to sitting in chairs. This is a very modern problem. Early yogis didn’t have the “convenience” of chairs, so their hips were much more open. Sukhasana is especially good to practice if your hips are very tight — just be sure to prop yourself up so your hips are higher than your knees. A few times a day, come down to the floor and sit in Sukhasana. Notice how different it feels than to sit in a chair. Regular practice will gradually open your hips and bring your spine into correct alignment.
Benefits of Easy PoseSukhasana strengthens the back and stretches the knees and ankles. It also opens the hips, groin, and outer thigh muscles (abductors). Sitting upright with your spine aligned also reduces stress and anxiety. It calms the mind and is known to be therapeutic for stress.
Caution: Avoid or be cautious if you have a knee injury or very tight hips. Practice a modification with prop support.
Source: yogaoutlet.com
- “Sukha” — meaning “easy,” “comfortable,” or “joy” (from “su,” meaning “good,” and “kha,” meaning “space”)
- “Asana” — meaning “pose”
Sukhasana is a pose that many people automatically practice as children, but lose the ability to do over time due to sitting in chairs. This is a very modern problem. Early yogis didn’t have the “convenience” of chairs, so their hips were much more open. Sukhasana is especially good to practice if your hips are very tight — just be sure to prop yourself up so your hips are higher than your knees. A few times a day, come down to the floor and sit in Sukhasana. Notice how different it feels than to sit in a chair. Regular practice will gradually open your hips and bring your spine into correct alignment.
Benefits of Easy PoseSukhasana strengthens the back and stretches the knees and ankles. It also opens the hips, groin, and outer thigh muscles (abductors). Sitting upright with your spine aligned also reduces stress and anxiety. It calms the mind and is known to be therapeutic for stress.
Caution: Avoid or be cautious if you have a knee injury or very tight hips. Practice a modification with prop support.
Source: yogaoutlet.com
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