Sukhasana: Are You Really in Sukhasana

Are you really in Sukhasana (Easy, Cross-Legged Pose)? There are many cross-legged positions in yoga, each with its own purpose, so let's figure out what you need to do.

Here is Swastikasana (heals line up in front of the perineum):


Here is Siddhasana (heals stack on top of each other):



And HERE is Sukhasana (Shins are virtually parallel and feet are underneath the opposite knees):


Each cross-legged pose has a different purpose. Each opens the hip joint a bit differently, of course. I also find I enjoy each for different purposes. I find Sukhasana very stable for doing upper body work such as shoulder rolls and neck stretches. I like the stability for forward folding and twists. (Experiment with this one. Do a forward fold in Siddhasana or Swastikasana. Your sit bones pop up.) I prefer Siddhasana for meditation. I find the groundedness of the thighs beneficial for calming my mind.

What do you discover? Add these ideas to the other Study Points we suggested!

April Study Points: Sukhasana

Are you really in Sukhasana? Shins need to be parallel with feet hidden under opposite knee.

Sit in the pose for a long time – 5-10 minutes. What comes up?

Compare being on a lift and not. What changes?

How is this pose different from Siddhasana? Compare the two. When would one be more appropriate than the other?