Sukhasana or Yoga Easy Pose
What is Sukhasana?
Sukhasana is called the Yoga Easy Pose and sometimes also the Happiness Pose. It is a relaxation pose which is intended for meditation because it enhances inner calm and relieves tiredness.
In this pose, one sits cross-legged on the floor. It is an easy pose and one that most people are quite familiar with as this is the pose that most babies are used to. As children too, we play happily in this pose while sitting on the floor. You may remember that in your childhood, when teachers gathered us together for a story-telling session, we would sit cross-legged in a circle around them to listen with focused attention. This pose is not only comfortable it also encourages us to concentrate.
However, as we grew older, we gradually shifted from sitting on floors to sitting on chairs, which in the long run encourages uncomfortable and unhealthy alignment of the spine as well as a rounded lower back, a sunken chest and tight muscles of the groin.
Getting back to a Sukhasana or Easy Pose might be difficult in the initial stages and cause some difficulty to the knees and hips.
Step by Step: Beginners might find it more comfortable to use a folded blanket, or a mat or a cushion to sit on.
Anatomical Focus: The muscles of the upper back are the ones most exercised by this posture.
Therapeutic Applications: It is recommended to relieve stress.
Benefits: The Easy Pose or Happiness Pose has many benefits.
Contraindications: Avoid this pose if you have a knee injury.
Tip: In case you face difficulty adopting this pose, sit with your back propped against a wall.
Sukhasana is called the Yoga Easy Pose and sometimes also the Happiness Pose. It is a relaxation pose which is intended for meditation because it enhances inner calm and relieves tiredness.
In this pose, one sits cross-legged on the floor. It is an easy pose and one that most people are quite familiar with as this is the pose that most babies are used to. As children too, we play happily in this pose while sitting on the floor. You may remember that in your childhood, when teachers gathered us together for a story-telling session, we would sit cross-legged in a circle around them to listen with focused attention. This pose is not only comfortable it also encourages us to concentrate.
However, as we grew older, we gradually shifted from sitting on floors to sitting on chairs, which in the long run encourages uncomfortable and unhealthy alignment of the spine as well as a rounded lower back, a sunken chest and tight muscles of the groin.
Getting back to a Sukhasana or Easy Pose might be difficult in the initial stages and cause some difficulty to the knees and hips.
Step by Step: Beginners might find it more comfortable to use a folded blanket, or a mat or a cushion to sit on.
- Sit down on the floor (or mat/blanket/cushion)
- Now cross your legs, keeping each foot below the knee of your other leg.
- Clasp each knee with your hands.
- Keep your head and back straight. The head, spine and tailbone must be completely aligned.
- You can sit in this pose for as long as you wish. You will gradually be able to sit for a longer period without facing any discomfort.
Anatomical Focus: The muscles of the upper back are the ones most exercised by this posture.
Therapeutic Applications: It is recommended to relieve stress.
Benefits: The Easy Pose or Happiness Pose has many benefits.
- As the name suggests, it brings ease and hence happiness into our minds. The pose soothes our minds and brings tranquility and calmness.
- The posture helps with the alignment of the entire spine and thus brings about complete balance. We breathe more easily; more oxygen reaches all parts of our body, including our brain, and thus makes us quiet and meditative. That is why this pose is also used for meditation.
- It stretches the muscles of the ankles and knees.
- This yoga pose also stretches and opens the hips and groins. It strengthens our core muscles which control posture.
Contraindications: Avoid this pose if you have a knee injury.
Tip: In case you face difficulty adopting this pose, sit with your back propped against a wall.