How to Do the Seated Flowering Lotus

Flowering lotus pose, more commonly called blossoming lotus, is an asana practiced in Sharon Gannon and David Life's Jivamukti Yoga. This challenging rotated pose opens both the hips and the back. Because it is a bound pose, requiring you to thread one arm under your leg and clasp the other arm behind your back, it may take you a while to achieve the flexibility necessary for blossoming lotus. Work toward this asana in stages, starting with the hip-opening pose Baddha Konasana.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit on the floor in Baddha Konasana. Straighten your spine, press the soles of your feet together and place your hands on your ankles. Use your hands to pull your heels in toward your groin. Hold the pose for five inhalations and exhalations.

    • 2

      Open your legs wide and rest the outer edges of your feet on the floor. Continue holding your ankles. Hold for five breaths.

    • 3

      Exhale, lean forward and thread your left arm under your left knee. Keep your left palm on the floor. Extend your right arm above your head with your palm facing forward. Gaze toward your right thumb and hold for five breaths.

    • 4

      Bend your left elbow and reach your left hand toward the small of your back. Lower your right arm behind your back and clasp your right wrist with your left hand.

    • 5

      Gaze over your right shoulder. Hold the pose for five breaths.