This post contains a few tips on Sukhasana (where in the posture is held), and some thoughts on why you should do this pose. It is the first of many posts in this series. In the next post, we will learn about the other side of Sukhasana.
Sukhasana is sometimes called; the Unicorn Pose. This is because it looks a bit like a Unicorn and is sometimes even referred to as a Unicorn pose. There are several reasons for this. One of them is the shape of the torso, and how it can be stretched or flattened out to accommodate the head.
The posture was developed by the sages in India over two thousand years ago. The meditators in their deep meditation sessions were constantly stretching their necks in all directions, as if to make the unicorn turn around. The unicorn was an Indian mythological creature with a horn coming from its forehead, but it's a beautiful image nonetheless. Sukhasana is used in conjunction with other postures such as aakrasan, in order to achieve a relaxing, tiring, yet rewarding meditative pose.
This posture is especially suited for those interested in developing an equally powerful postural pattern. If you have developed some flexibility and strength in your lower back, you can use this poses to stretch it farther while strengthening your shoulders, neck, and upper back.
Sukhasana is a slightly curved forward leaning forward pose, with your feet placed on a folded blanket. To begin, place your right foot along the center of the back of your left thigh, and your left leg hanging straight down from your right hip. Then, place your right hand on the left knee, right index finger pointing downwards. The left knee should be just slightly wider than the left index finger.
Next, use a round tip pillow to rest your left arm against. Place your left elbow on top of the pillow, and the other hand on your thigh, so that your forearm is flat against the pillow. Your right hand should be facing downwards, with your fingers pointing downwards, and the thumb pointing slightly upwards. As you breathe in, let your chest rise up and forward towards the ceiling. It should look like you are doing a kind of chest tilt.
Sit up, and arch your back as far as you can, while keeping your torso straight. Bring your upper body forward, while gently rolling your left foot over the pillow. In order to achieve a gentle curve, begin by relaxing your chest, and then slowly roll it upwards. Keep breathing smoothly, and all the while, try to keep your upper back fully engaged.
When you feel ready, bend at the waist, and let your body gently move forward to form the side of the sutrikhanda. You can then begin to relax your arms, and follow through with the rest of the pose. Just before you are ready to come back down, stretch your body out in front of you, while keeping your spine points still.
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