Overview

Padmasana, or the Lotus posture, is one of the most important yogic seats. It is one of the best positions for pranayama and meditation due to the energetic opening it creates in the lower body combined with the stability and firmness it brings to the spine.

For many, this posture presents challenges due to stiffness in the hips, groins, ankles, and knees. This workshop will help those challenged by padmasana to better understand the structure of the pose, as well as the pathway of practice that will allow it to unfold over time.

The workshop includes a 15-minute lecture and a 90-minute guided practice that prepares you to comfortably approach the pose of full padmasana. The practice features joint mobilizations, and a combination of long-held seated postures and simple vinyasas to both stretch and stabilize the joints and connective tissues principally involved in the lotus posture.

This workshop is appropriate for students with a good grounding in the basics of Hatha yoga. Note: the workshop would not be appropriate for anyone with serious knee injuries or other orthopedic injuries or conditions. Please be sensitive to your body's particular needs and limitations and approach any challenging poses with care and respect.

Buyer's Guide

• Audience: Students with a good grounding in the basics of hatha yoga
• Focus: Stretching and stabilizing the joints to prepare for the Lotus posture.
• Intensity: Non-strenuous but possibly intense stretching postures.
• Props: Several yoga blankets (optional), yoga strap
• Style: Short lecture and full practice

Customer Reviews

Also from Mark Horner

About Mark Horner

Mark Horner has been teaching Hatha Yoga for 18 years throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. His primary guide is Zhander Remete, the founder of Shadow Yoga, with whom he has studied continuously since 1992.

In 1997, Mark founded Moksha Yoga Shala in Walnut Creek, California, where he leads teacher training courses, and a comprehensive program in Shadow Yoga. In addition, Mark leads frequent retreats and workshops in northern California, Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico.

Mark's teaching is enhanced by 8 years experience as a Certified Rolfer, many years of classical piano study, rock climbing, and the study of Ayurveda and the Taoist Internal Arts. Another major influence is the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, as transmitted by the great Indian sage Nisargadatta Maharaj.

Mark’s focus is on imparting an in-depth understanding of practice, based on the methods and wisdom of the classical Hatha Yogic and philosophical texts. For Mark, the practice of yoga is a means to awaken the light of discriminative awareness, leading to a better quality of life, and the possibility of ultimate freedom.

You can read more about Mark and his work at www.horneryoga.com. You can also read more about Mark and his work in a recent Special Feature post on our blog The Sacred Cow.