The practice of Yoga is believed to have started with the very dawn of civilization. The science of yoga has its origin thousands of years ago, long before the first religions or belief systems were born. In the yogic lore, Shiva is seen as the first yogi or Adiyogi, and the first Guru or Adi Guru. Yoga is known to prove that it is the fountain of youth because of the inner strength it builds. If new to yoga, it just takes one pose at a time before you develop a routine that will contribute to your overall health and well being.

SUKHASANA

PRONUNCIATION: (SUK-HAS-ANNA)

LEVEL: BASIC

Instructions

1. Come into a seated position with the buttocks on the floor, then cross the legs, placing the feet directly below the knees. Rest the hands on the knees or the lap with the palms facing up or down.

Optional: Use a hand mudra while seated in the posture.

2. Press the hip bones down into the floor and reach the crown of the head up to lengthen the spine. Drop the shoulders down and back, and press the chest towards the front of the room.

3. Relax the face, jaw, and belly. Let the tongue rest on the roof of the mouth, just behind the front teeth.

4. Breathe deeply through the nose down into the belly. Hold as long as comfortable.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Easy pose is a comfortable seated position for meditation. This pose open the hips, lengthens the spine and promotes groundedness and inner calm.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic knee or hip injury or inflammation.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: Place folded blanket under knees or under the hip bones.

Variations: This pose is very similar to Accomplished pose, Siddhasana.

Vinyasa

A seated meditation posture is usually chosen to begin or end a practice of yoga.