How to Sit in Meditation - Open Your Hips!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hope you find this video helpful? Be sure to grab the PDF in the description. Love to hear your feedback or questions here. Thanks for watching! - Lucas @ YOGABODY

[@redzebra6688]

Hi Lucas, very helpful video, thanks a lot. What can I do when my legs fall asleep only after a few minutes sitting like this

[@b.u.dmusic9424]

I really like this video but it isn't until 6 minutes into the video that the exercises start. Do you have another video with just the exercises for this pose?

[@taariqq]

Thanks to yt suggestion. If you can do a video like this, you must have done 'how to' videos for the beginners on how to 'get to' the needed postures? Let me explore.

[@susanharrisdemorales3446]

Brilliant!! I'm 67, you give me hope!! I cannot even sit in the school cross-legged position without a curved back and quite a bit of discomfort. I'm on to this now!

[@ohno6955]

Hi, any progress?

[@batsy7284]

Hey Lucas, thank you so much! As a tall, super inflexible dude, this is the video I've been looking for for years so I can sit on the floor easier during meditation. I'm on day 4 of the science of stretching and will start doing these stretches religiously every day from now on. Thank you!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Great to hear the science of stretching works well for you! Keep practicing!

[@tommac21]

What science ?

[@malcolmnorton4214]

I did an SN Goenka Vipassana retreat in Massachusetts for my first 10 day silent. You are so right, I struggled with my body at the best of times but those hours of strong determination! After sitting for many years my knees now touch the floor but it was the muscles relaxing rather than stretching that made the difference. Great videos, thank you.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Me too! With Goenka himself before passed. Legend 👍

[@mf13x]

I ❤you! Just answered 10 years of vipassana stretching questions! Maximum respect!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

So happy to hear that! - YOGABODY Team

[@potrelviewer9536]

Sad to say this, but I will never be able to sit in criss-cross mode, & that's due to a really unfortunate event. 15 years ago, I was practicing judo (green belt at that time), & one particular day, after class, we gathered for a stretching session, & one of the poses was to sit cross-legged. A good half of the students were able to sit comfortably, while some others struggled a bit at first but got there after a few tries. Me? Couldn't even get my knees below my lungs. I was hopelessly stuck in that position. Then, my sensei tried to lower my knees to at least get to hip level..., then it happened. Double snap on both hips, practically ripping my legs apart from the acetabulums (the bone surrounding the hip joints), quickly rushed to the nearest hospital (in France). I can definitely say that it was the most harrowing pain I've ever had, being almost ripped in half just by forcing too much on that stretch. I spent an entire YEAR in that hospital, just to repair my hips & legs, then a very extensive rehab period where I had to fully re-learn how to walk & sit, at first with assistance, then with no help. Nowadays, I can walk fairly long distance on a daily basis (even did almost 80 miles in Manhattan during 9 days), I can climb stairs with ease, but sitting is still a bit hard at times. However, my doctors specifically told me that I should never, for the rest of my life, do these actions: run, jog, jump, turn my body in opposite directions, & also not to cross my legs or feet, & to spread my legs beyond my shoulders' width. If I dare to try one of these forgotten movements, I highly fear that the repair done might be undone & unable to redo, unless I go for a full hip replacement on both sides, which is NOT a fun thing to go through. So yeah, I think that both yoga, & you can add Pilates to that matter, are absolutely out of my physical reach. The only things that can make me relax are cats & atmospheric music as light background noise. Sorry for the long comment, but I had to get it out of my chest, and to explain to everyone that even if I would like to retry yoga, I'm physically unable to do so.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Your experience sounds incredibly challenging, and it's understandable that certain movements are off-limits for you. It's essential to prioritize your health and safety above all else. Yoga isn't just about physical poses; there are many other ways to find relaxation and inner peace that may be more suitable for you. Take care of yourself, and know that you're not alone. -YOGABODY Team

[@connie6410]

Thank you, Lucas, I'm going to try these stretches. I've been using your 2 minute, wet noodle, breathe to relax method while doing some of your other stretching videos, and I can already see an improvement in my range of motion. Thanks!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hope it helps, Connie!

[@weedermann]

THAT (your folded leg meditation position) looks like AGONY

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Improving your flexibility can make it much more comfortable. With consistent stretching, what feels like agony now will become much easier. -YOGABODY Team

[@peopleplanetprofits]

Thank you Lucas. I find this all very accessible because of your tone and your clear instructions.

[@Sattya_hi_Jivan]

This is my big issue from many years, i can't sit in this way but yes i will follow this exercise which really help full for me. Big thanks for making video on ground level or we can say common people issues. Thank you so much Lucas:)

[@itsame1277]

Man he is so flexible! Amazing. Great advice many thanks

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you like the video! - YOGABODY Team

[@alicepalmer8119]

Thank you Lucas! This clear explanation and practices will help me so much with my full lotus. The hip opening class has been transformative. Thank you for these classes.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks for your support, Alice!

[@lisak5804]

I had no idea there were so many options and now I can try a few different ones with some guidelines 💜

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hope it's helpful!

[@SuuIsCool]

Your voice alone is very soothing and relaxing. Would love to see your meditation video for anxiety.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you Suu!

[@metalgearsenshi]

Thanks for being honest about the practicality of the position. It's very helpful and seems harder to find this kind of detail these days.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you liked the video! - YOGABODY Team

[@chrystalthornton1502]

Just discovered your channel. Excellent content and instruction. Thanks.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks for your support, Chrystal!

[@spacewalktraveller1]

Having meditated for over 35yrs, sitting has nothing to do with meditation. The most important thing is to get comfortable. I lay down on my back some days and other days I'll just sit in a comfortable chair. You can even meditate when you walk. Find what best suits you. You don't have to sit in lotus or cross leg to meditate, just make sure you are comfortable and focus on your meditation.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Age is just a number, but consistency is key. You got this! - YOGABODY Team

[@sharpie882]

I agree; however, placebos are one heck of a drug. Through your meditative journey, I'm sure you realized that just because something isn't the truth doesn't mean it can't work. (For example, I am doing breathwork that helps open the digestive tract. However, there is no controlled evidence to support that claim) despite not being factually correct, my mindset and expectation of what it can bring yielded those results.

[@filmykabila]

Sitting means a lot.. these are called mudra, in fact position of hands and postures with fingers means a lot...it helps to control and direct energy inside body....

[@anthien1175]

if you are doing this for 35 years and still commenting on youtube videos? youre doing this very wrong, truth hurts

[@henwilki6693]

Woah, where’s all this frustration coming from! 🫣😅 it’s an awesome video! I think discomfort can be part of the journey as much as comfort. This video teaches those who would like to sit in a “traditional” sense and he does it in a really caring way! And if allowing the body to rest whilst one inquires within, provides the tool for that moment than awesome - yoga Nidra is the gift 👏 there’s no right or wrong guys it’s all love 😂😂😂 35 years is incredible by the way, and long May it continue ✨ Keep it light and bright and you pick each other up, as did the last stranger with me when I was pissed off at the internet ❤️😢 Love love love love love forever and ever and ever and

[@JC-tb2nm]

Lucas, what a beautiful video. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!

[@RocLobo358]

I generally can't sit comfortably on the floor unless I have done yoga before. I need to release some of that bodily tension or it comes out in my meditation posture. Once I do that, I can sit and I do not get any pain or numbness for as long as I want. I generally meditate twice a day so once I do it after yoga and the other I do lying down. I meditate better lying down, but it is good practice to sit. If I'm tight I try to breathe and loosen up, but if it's not happening I lay down and resume my practice.

[@oneoranota]

I have meditated thousand hours either sitting in a train or laying in my bed. It helped me reshape my life in countless aspects, and I still do it daily. I can do lotus, though it's uncomfortable. I don't think I'd unlock anything with it. It's more a way of sitting. You can sit legs crossed and be physically in a similar position. The first thing I teach when I transmit meditation practices is that is not position or context dependant.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Truth! -YOGABODY Team

[@claytoncrider734]

this is best stretching meditation video i ever found on youtube!!! Why only 26k views???

[@chauswriting]

Super interesting and informative. I feel so bad when meditating without being in the full lotus pose, but after a while it hurts my ankles so bad. Good to know that it doesn't really matter that much in meditation.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Comfort is key in meditation, so find a position that works for you. It’s all about what feels good for your body! - YOGABODY Team

[@phungvo2035]

Its very good exercise, specially the breathe . Thanks !

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you liked the video, Phung Vo! - YOGABODY Team

[@Fr0st1s]

Thank you. This was very helpful.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you liked the video! - YOGABODY Team

[@JDBoelter]

Best discussion and demonstration of the mechanics of seated meditation since an article by Donna Farhi decades ago, titled "Growing Your Lotus". Equally interesting and empowering. Many thanks!

[@MorgenFrue118]

you are a very generous teacher. I did your hip opening and full body opening, both very beneficial. I continue to do some of the stretches (yes I know - I will get back to the sequence!) and I always do videos such as these - they contain helpful info. Thank you for sharing.

[@pierinazanotti2937]

I am really grateful for your excellent videos, too well explained and a lot of helpful information. It's amazing. Thank You so much for what you give to people. Namaste.

[@Shreyasrangasai]

I learned from learning Yoga from Sadhguru, the flat school style that you like is called ardha sidhasana and is known to be one of the most stable position for doing yoga and spiritual practices. Thanks for suggesting the corrective exercises.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you for sharing your insights! - YOGABODY Team

[@user-bv9sc7bj1e]

This is important. I’ve gotten deep into meditation but my posture was off… my neck and shoulders became so bad I’ve had to do physical therapy for 3 days a week for the last 2 months.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks for sharing your experience - it's a good reminder for everyone. - YOGABODY Team

[@siriporndechakanit6622]

Many thanks. 👍 I have practiced for many times before but hardly to do now i can do it better.👌😄

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Awesome progress. Keep up the great work! - YOGABODY Team

[@user-hl1rv9ik9i]

It is what i looking for a long time ago thank you for your teaching.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching. - YOGABODY Team

[@Likeminds13]

Thankyou! I’ve been struggling with back pain during meditation and haven’t found any videos to help with it. Thankyou🙏🙏🙏

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hope you find the best exercises for your back. You can try the exercises for low back pain here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnrPoXymiahqapY -YOGABODY Team

[@ByrneMary]

Thank you so much, exactly the movements I needed to gain hip flexibility. Namaste

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad the video helped, Mary! - YOGABODY Team

[@melissad9454]

Thank you!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you liked the video, Melissa! -YOGABODY Team

[@ariziman]

This is an excellent demonstration.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you found the demo helpful. - YOGABODY Team

[@joelwarnaerts279]

Thank you❤

[@YOGABODY.Official]

You're most welcome @joelwarnaerts279! - YOGABODY Team

[@Pinarberkan]

Hey ma dear teacher❤ thank you so much for teaching I’m too yoga teacher and your videos so useful for me. For my daily routine and for yoga classes I’m so grateful for you❤ we are so lucky 🍀

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you for your kind words and support! - YOGABODY Team

[@drjitendratanna8713]

Hi Lucas. Thank you for your videos. I get severe tingling and numbness in both legs while seating cross legged for 10-15 mins. Please please make a video on what can I do about that.

[@user-ld5bs4tl8f]

It's excellent content and instruction. Thank you, Lucas, I'm going to try these stretches.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

You're very welcome! So glad you found the stretches helpful. - YOGABODY Team

[@samuelmartin707]

2 thumbs up Yogabody!!!!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks Samuel!

[@JensGraikowski]

Can't do the last exercise because my left ankle is stiff, due to an accident, but the others might finally help me to do a sitting meditation in the proper manner. Thx a bunch! 🙏🏼😌

[@YOGABODY.Official]

It's great that you're adapting the exercises to accommodate your ankle stiffness. Keep up the good work! - YOGABODY Team

[@GAIA-GALACTIC]

This is soooo helpful! Thank you!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Nice job!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks for watching! - YOGABODY Team

[@arihaviv8510]

5:49 that looks so much nicer than the butterfly stretches that everyone does in karate/tkd

[@Urmagesty]

this dude is right on

[@carolinaportillo1222]

Thank you❣️

[@allpointstoone4346]

Very helpful

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you liked the video! - YOGABODY Team

[@gabrieladajerlixa1272]

Love it!!!

[@user-os7qp3ny3k]

Great video! wow! I did not know about meditators leg! I've often wondered if such a thing was possible and I've always been cautious to push myself when my body is struggling. I've attended some 10 day vipassana courses and I've always struggled with finding posture that i can maintain for an hour or longer. I ended up making some prototypes benches and the designs i've come up with have definitely evolved over time. I really struggle with flexibility of my ankles, which prevents me from kneeling, or I have to spread my legs out for the 'flat school' position that you do (I've noticed this seems to be the posture that most experienced sitters use).

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you learned about meditator's leg! It's definitely something to be aware of when pushing your limits. - YOGABODY Team

[@happydays3678]

Just what I was looking for, very much appreciated. 🙏❤ You're a great teacher, thanks.

[@jezmone]

Thank you for making this video

[@tommac21]

Sure sit and meditate. Whos gonna come and get me back up.

[@glockkinspielwithnochillthesav]

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@jeromereyes7589]

Thank you so much for this

[@user-jp9vz6ic2i]

I am new to your channel while I was watching this video you were doing the pigeon on the chair with me I get discomfort in my hips mainly on the outer part of the leg muscle

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Welcome to the channel! Discomfort in the outer hip area is common. Keep working slowly, and listen to your body as you go. - YOGABODY Team

[@debbielynnsmellowminutesme7909]

❤your channel I just discovered you. I been doing yoga for years but not at it at all I’m not flexible and i have attention issues and now im 49 and overweight from issue’s surgery. Im interested in the breathing cert. there just isn’t enough breathing coaches and I’ve been looking for one breathing is awesome I feel so much better kundalini yoga has alot of breathing exercises that I love and meditation and chants . I love moving meditation

[@yaki-moon]

Yes, it's awful to sit on the ground having pain everywhere, back, hips, knees, ankles, feet🙄.... Am trying for 2.5 years sit in the Lotus, doing exercises at home too. Have progressed a lot, but just that last little bit of getting the knee of the leg that sits in front of the other down to the ground is still impossible. Am by far not as flexible as you. You have your tights much more outwards than I can do. Can sit wonderfully though in that last position you showed. On a soft mat, a yoga sit cushion with on top of that a small cushion. I can hold that position easily for an hour. All because nothing hurts and my spine is straight. Nevertheless will go on trying to get my hips more flexible, cause that's my main problem for Lotus. Thanks for showing these exersices😊

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Keep up the good work! Flexibility progress takes time and patience. - YOGABODY Team

[@IK-iu4rz]

Hi Lucas, I did my 10 days vipassana in 2020.I struggled first 4 days.Thought of leaving, couldn't bear the pain. Fast forward, I sat my 6th course. Thank you for instructions and great video.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad it helped @IK-iu4rz! - YOGABODY Team

[@madalynmoth4263]

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful. 🦋

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Happy to help! - YOGABODY Team

[@tjle4900]

It’s great detail video tutorial; thanks for sharing!!!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

I'm thrilled this hit the mark for you, @tjle4900! - YOGABODY Team

[@VIPINKITHU023]

Thanku 👍🙏🥰

[@YOGABODY.Official]

You're most welcome @VIPINKITHU023! - YOGABODY Team

[@VIPINKITHU023]

@@YOGABODY.Official 🤗iam from kerala. Most welcome sir 👍

[@n1stavilo]

Brilliant stuff! Thank you!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks a bunch for your appreciation @prolazn1k! - YOGABODY Team

[@101personal]

Great video Lucas. Thanks from Mexico City

[@fmecutchen]

Awesome video !!! Helped a lot

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad it helped! - YOGABODY Team

[@berthetambo2779]

Salut luke, merci beaucoup pour vous exercices quim' ont soulagee des douleurs SI.j'ai fait trop d' etieement sans suite.merci

[@male-enhancement-explained]

Excellent content and instruction.

[@SiriusV23]

Thank you, this is very new to meditative position. I've been meditating for 20 years, but my stiff legs simply can't do the full lotus.

[@relaxation1615]

To achieve deep consciousness levels, your body must be comfortable. If this seat position is comfortable for you it’s ok, if not, we can meditate lying down, seated on a good chair or even walking (depend on where). We can meditate contemplating a beautiful scenario, in front of a lake or just in contact with nature. Positions are not mandatory, what matters is your capacity to calm down your mind and go deep.

[@relaxation1615]

But for sure it’s very good to get flexibility, and a healthy body. This breathing exercise is amazing as well (Qi Gong).

[@aguslugiman9067]

Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@user-mx5hc8od2b]

Sitting positions are important to keep focus . Actually chi flow should be good when we practice meditation.

[@Lctrvl]

Thanks!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

You're most welcome! - YOGABODY Team

[@trinityshears27]

Thank you

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you like the video! -YOGABODY Team

[@rajwateemohan2352]

Thanks so much 🎉❤🎉❤

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you like the video, Rajwatee! - YOGABODY Team

[@user-ee9ws8jq3j]

Tnx for teaching

[@YOGABODY.Official]

You're most welcome! - YOGABODY Team

[@user-es8hc2uc4h]

Thank you sir

[@acsomiT]

Very good!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you! - YOGABODY Team

[@kyawzawtun5557]

Thank u lucas ❤

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad you like the video, Kyaw! - YOGABODY Team

[@jom.a.md.s.h.2206]

Great Sir., 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you! - YOGABODY Team

[@user-ie9gk1lm9p]

Just found your channel. I'll be putting this to good use. 70+ year-old cyclist.

[@soysauceywasabi]

very important! practitioners shouldnt push too far

[@shobhitkumar9186]

This Asan is called 'Padmasasna'

[@lajosn]

You are good!

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thank you! - YOGABODY Team

[@livingpositivelytoday]

How about using a kneeling bench to help get your legs ready for hero pose?

[@alaskaseid5337]

Thank you for this video. I have a lot of pain in my mid/upper back when I just sit normal school style, it feels super tight,, i am not sure why or what to do.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Back pain from sitting is common. Our channel has some stretches that can help. But if the pain persists, see a doctor or physical therapist for a personalized assessment. - YOGABODY Team

[@lucyannbowes1]

Excellent video thank you so much for this 😊

[@JDLandscapePainter]

Hi Lucas, could that numbness/tingling be due to cutting off circulation in your legs when sitting to meditate? I have poor circulation and I’m worried a consistent practice might damage my legs more

[@vedremo9240]

It seems related to the pinching of the nerve of the legs and not for cutting circulation

[@godofdream9112]

It's call padmasana...

[@jmundstuk]

Wonderful. My knees resist the kneeling poses. Suggestions?

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hi Jason - try on your bed (padding).

[@johndougan5880]

Thanks for this. I found your comments very clear and concise. You didn't make any comments about age. Are you aware of people who've made real changes to their hip flexibility later in life, say, after 50? And any who have achieved, after that age, the flat school pose you referred to in your video?

[@YOGABODY.Official]

There are quite a few out there who even started around their 60s or 70s. It may be challenging and every body is different, but it's worth trying and starting to practice to improve one's flexibility. Hope you do too. - YOGABODY Team

[@mayur482]

Hi Lucas, I've been searching for guidance on seated meditation poses for a long time so this video is awesome! Thank you! Unfortunately, I have very pronounced and painful bunions on both feet preventing me from doing the foot flexion third exercise as per your instructions. Any suggestions please?

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Hello Mayur -what if you practice on top of your bed?

[@AleksDigital11]

Amazing video Lucas, you got a new follower. Question, how do you get rid of the numbness and the afterwards tingling sensation and dead leg when sitting in any cross-legged positions? Or at leat mitigate or reduce its duration.

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Thanks for watching, Aleks! Try adjusting your posture or taking breaks to stretch. Our programs, focusing on hip opening and flexibility, could also help alleviate discomfort. - YOGABODY Team

[@__nnein]

Thank, dude, I wanted to start Zen Buddhism meditation, but realized that I do not know how to get up in the lotus position

[@YOGABODY.Official]

Glad we could help start your journey! - YOGABODY Team

[@rameshgchokshi5561]

When person has multiple knee replacement and pin attached to bone near your knee would you show me how to sit in “Sukhasan”? Thank you

[@YOGABODY.Official]

With multiple knee replacements, Sukhasan might not be ideal. Definitely consult a healthcare professional before trying it. - YOGABODY Team

[@yesitsme6]

In bengal (indian state West Bengal) people used to sit like this to eat and still sit like this to just sit on floor. We call this "babu hoe bosha" or simply the "babu" position.

[@kalimuthunataraj4364]

வாழ்க வளமுடன் ஜி

[@mr.blaabjerg9548]

Do you have any stretching exercises to achive the front and middle split? It must be for beginners :)

[@karonsmith5037]

Should I be sitting on my feet or between my feet?

[@VC-rl5ju]

謝謝！

[@YOGABODY.Official]

不客气 - YOGABODY Team

[@user-es8hc2uc4h]

2k likes completed

[@smat208]

Use yogasan name like Sukhasana, padmasana.

[@drew78]

😂😂😂 dream on!😅

[@YOGABODY.Official]

With consistent practice, it's possible to achieve it as sooner as you think! - YOGABODY Team