The Half Lotus

1.  Sit on the floor with both legs stretched out in front of the body.

2.  Bend the left leg, grasping the left foot and sliding it against the right thigh.

3.  Bend the right leg and place the right foot on top of the left thigh.

4.  Rest the backs of the hands on top of the knees, or at the juncture of the thigh and the abdomen.

5.  Keep the head and trunk erect.

6.  A thin cushion may be placed under the buttocks if one wishes to remain in this posture for an extended time.

 

Benefits:  The Half Lotus Pose limbers the legs and ankles, improves the posture, and calms the mind.  It is an excellent position for practicing breathing exercises or for meditating.  The metabolic process reduces to a minimum when the body is kept in a seated position without movement for long periods.  Seated poses free the mind from all physiological disturbances caused by activities of the body.