Question
i have trouble sitting in a lotus position, i can just manager a half position with my left foot up but it hurts, specially if i leave it there for a while. also i can not get my heal to point up. i have heard that putting my foot closer to my outer thigh is helpful but i can stretch it there and if i do manager to get it there it begins to pull back and stretches the skin on my thigh painfully. do you have a solution or helpful advice? I'm using this lotus position also for Falun Dafa (gong).
Answer
The lotus position comes out of hatha-yoga, and all reputable hatha-yoga teachers will tell you that you should never, ever push or unduly stress the muscles.
Also, one should never feel pain or discomfort. Rather, one should build up very slowly, over the months (and possibly years), to be able to stretch out and attain the various postures (to include the lotus).
I suggest you do some research into increasing flexibility... either through ordinary means or by contacting an experienced hatha-yoga teacher.
I hope this helps.
