We all need to take a couple of steps back from our busy lives and focus on the most important person in our life — ourselves. Practicing meditative postures such as the Easy pose will help us balance our chakras and relax our overworked minds and bodies.
Taking care of ourselves is often one of the most neglected aspects of life that we ignore on a daily basis. It’s time to take control of that and spend a few minutes every day to focus on ourselves and boost our overall well-being.
Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Easy pose or Sukhasana is a seated posture that puts our flexibility and concentration to the test. In Sanskrit, ‘Sukha’ means pleasure and ‘Asana’ means pose, hence the name given to this relaxing pose.
Easy pose aims to align the breath with the mind to promote inner peace and reduce stress. While you might think that taking a pose sitting down sounds simple, it is often surprising to see how many people are unable to keep this focus for even a few minutes at a time.
Easy Pose Directions:
The following directions will guide you through your practice of the easy pose:
- Start by sitting down on your mat with your back straight and your legs out in front of you.
- Bend your knees to fold your legs and cross your shins as you bring your legs together. Your feet should be relaxed and your tailbone and pubic bone should be at an equal distance from the floor.
- Place your palms on your knees with palms facing up or down. Lengthen your tailbone and keep your shoulders strong and firm.
- Join the tip of your index finger and your thumb together and close your eyes and relax.
- Concentrate on your breath and hold this position for as long as you are comfortable.
Easy Pose Variations:
- Individuals who find it difficult to sit on the floor may sit on the bed to practice this technique with added comfort.
- For those individuals who find it difficult to sit cross-legged, practice easy pose while sitting on a chair for added support.
Benefits of Easy Pose:
Easy pose or Sukhasana brings various advantages to our physical and mental health. While this pose may seem simple, when practiced regularly, it can be extremely effective in alleviating stress and anxiety.
Added benefits of practicing the easy pose include the following:
- Has calming and soothing effects on the brain and mind
- Reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
- Improves posture and alignment of the body
- Lengthens the spine
- Strengthens the back muscles
- Provides for a good stretch to the knees and ankles
- Improves flexibility
- Aligns the energy within the body
- Meditative posture to induce complete relaxation
Easy Pose Precautions:
When you are trying out new exercises, it is important to consult your doctor to make sure you are able to perform and practice the strenuous poses and postures of yoga, especially if you are recovering from any injuries.
It is best to avoid the easy pose under the following conditions:
- Knee injury
- Arthritis in the knees
- Backaches
- Sciatica related to sciatic nerves
- Migraines or anxiety problems
- Spinal injury
- Weak digestive system
Updated by Siya Rajan on 06/27/2018
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Courtesy The Yoga Institute, Santacruz (E), Mumbai
Sukhasana. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tummee.com/yoga-poses/sukhasana
Mehdi, S. (n.d.). How To Do The Sukhasana And What Are Its Benefits. Retrieved from http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/sukhasana-easy-pose/#gref
