Easy Seated Forward Bend
In Easy Seated Forward Bend (or cross-legged forward bend) you sit with your legs crossed and tilt your pelvis forwards so that you ribcage moves towards the floor.
If you want to work at stretching your hamstrings (which generally involves tilting your pelvis forwards relative to your thigh bones) you can use this posture to practice tilting your pelvis forwards
However, prior to bending forwards, you may find it helpful to first practice tilting your pelvis forwards and backwards while sitting upright.
Feel Your Pelvis
To feel your pelvis first practice rocking it forwards and backwards while keeping your ribcage upright. As you rock your pelvis forwards allow your spine to bend backwards. As you rock your pelvis backwards, allow your spine to bend forwards.
In both cases, feel the movements of your sitting bones, pubic bone and even your hip crests. Then try to feel the entire mass of your pelvis as it rolls forwards and backwards.
Bending Forwards
Once you've got the hang of feelng your pelvis, then roll it forwards and allow your ribcage and arms to move forwards.
Try and keep your spine reasonably straight while doing easy seated forward bend. To give yourself room to sink down reach your head, arms and ribcage forwards, away from your pelvis.
Once you've lengthened your bodythen you can allow your ribcage and head to sink down whilst allowing your spine to bend forwards at the same time.
Reaching With One Body Element at a Time
You can work towards feeling your body reach forward one element at a time in time with your breath.
- The first element is your head. Slowly lift it and reach it forwards as you inhale. Let it slowly hang down (relax your neck) as you exhale.)
- Next focus on your ribs. As you inhale reach them forwards away from your pelvis. Try to create the maximum amount of space between your ribs and your pelvis each time you inhale. Relax while exhaling.
- Next, with your spine and neck long focus on reaching your shoulders forwards, away from your hips or if you like, towards you ears. Straighten your elbows, straighten and spread your fingers and the bones within the palm of your hand.
- Use your spine and arms to reach your fingers away from your pelvis each time you inhale. Relax while exhaling.
Note, if you have difficulty tilting your pelvis forwards in easy seated forward bend you might find it helpful to sit on some books or a block.
You could also focus on reaching your ribs and head away from your pelvis. That may mean that you end up reaching upwards more than you reach forwards! If that is the case, then practice sitting upright as tall as possible. From here then work at increasing your ability to tilt your pelvis forwards. And then relax.
