Not really: the lotus is a great meditation pose but for many people it is just not available. You can work towards doing the lotus via Square Pose, Butterfly, Swan and Shoelace but if your knees complain at all, no need to go further. Lotus is available for those who have the bone structure (hips and femur) but not everyone will be able to get into Lotus and for these people, trying could really harm their knees. Approach with caution! If it is just not available, you can still get into heaven!
Many people agree with you: when you support your body, the muscles can relax more completely, allowing a deep opening to the connective tissues. Go for it!
I like to put my head on a block in poses like this and butterfly. I feel like i get a better opening in my lower back since my upper body is so relaxed and submitted to gravity. How do you feel about the use of blocks this way ?
Not really: the lotus is a great meditation pose but for many people it is just not available. You can work towards doing the lotus via Square Pose, Butterfly, Swan and Shoelace but if your knees complain at all, no need to go further. Lotus is available for those who have the bone structure (hips and femur) but not everyone will be able to get into Lotus and for these people, trying could really harm their knees. Approach with caution! If it is just not available, you can still get into heaven!
Many people agree with you: when you support your body, the muscles can relax more completely, allowing a deep opening to the connective tissues. Go for it!
I like to put my head on a block in poses like this and butterfly. I feel like i get a better opening in my lower back since my upper body is so relaxed and submitted to gravity. How do you feel about the use of blocks this way ?
Is there a yin equivalent of lotus? Do you have a video on how to perform it?