Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Teacher featured in image: Tawny Cortes
Category: Seated
Difficulty: Beginner
Sanskrit: Sukhasana (soo-KAHS-uh-nuh)
Main Focus: Hips, Posture, Relaxation
Props: Yoga Brick, Bolster, Blanket
Easy Pose (Sukhasana) is a comfortable seated yoga pose that encourages an upright posture while gently opening the hips and creating length through the spine. Practised with the legs loosely crossed, the pose is often used for breathing practices, meditation or as a starting position for seated sequences. Sitting on a folded blanket, bolster or yoga brick can elevate the hips and make it easier to sit comfortably with a long spine. Yoga bricks can also be placed beneath the knees to support the legs, reducing strain through the hips and allowing the body to relax more fully into the pose.
- Sit on the floor with legs crossed comfortably in front of you
- Allow each foot to rest beneath the opposite knee
- Sit evenly on both sitting bones
- Lengthen through the spine, lifting the crown of the head towards the ceiling
- Relax the shoulders away from the ears and rest the hands on the knees or thighs
- Soften the jaw and breathe naturally
- Hold for 1–5 minutes or longer during meditation practice
- Encourages good posture and spinal alignment
- Gently opens the hips and groin
- Promotes relaxation and mental focus
- Creates a stable foundation for meditation and breathing exercises
- Sit on a folded blanket, bolster, or yoga block to elevate the hips and improve comfort
- Place cushions or blocks beneath the knees for support if they don't comfortably reach the floor
- Sit against a wall for additional back support
- Avoid forcing the legs into a deep cross-legged position if the hips feel tight
Sitting on a meditation cushion, foam block or folded blanket raises the pelvis, allowing the hips to tilt slightly forward and helping the knees release more naturally towards the floor. This can reduce strain through the hips, knees and lower back, while making it easier to maintain a comfortable upright posture and create length through the spine.
Props to Support Easy Pose (Sukhasana)
Props can help create a more comfortable and supported seat in Easy Pose, allowing the hips to relax and the spine to lengthen naturally. Meditation cushions in different shapes and sizes, such as a crescent cushion, zafu or larger zabuton, can provide cushioning and elevation, while a foam block can be used to raise the seat and reduce strain through the hips and knees.
