Sitting on the floor isn't always easy. But with some instructions and props it just might be possible. In this Mindful Monday video I offer some tips so that you can try for yourself and see. You just might surprise yourself.
Many people think that they can't do yoga because they can't sit on the floor. They see this as an obstacle to doing yoga.
One of the best things about yoga is that it is accessible to all. So if you truly can’t or choose not to sit on the floor, know that you can always do yoga from a chair.
But that being said, it’s good to challenge yourself from time to time. It’s good to check in and see what you truly can and can’t do. Rather than assuming you can’t do a particular pose, perhaps try it and see how it goes.
For sitting on the floor, there are many things that you can do to make it more comfortable.
Start by giving yourself a support to sit on. Grab a bolster or a rolled up mat or a rolled up towel. You could use a pillow from your couch or your bed or any kind of support that will lift your pelvis off the floor. Place this support underneath of you. Fold it, scrunch it, smoosh it until it feels good. Then sit to the front edge of whatever you decide to use. Sit so your pelvis rocks forward helping your spine lengthen.
What happens is if you sit too far back then you're spine will round and collapse. This is usually uncomfortable and not good for your back.
You can also try blocks to be more comfortable on the floor. If you don’t have blocks, you can use cushions or books or anything that lifts your knees to a comfortable place. With the blocks placed under your knees, the hips will release taking a lot of tension and tightness out of the hips.
Keep experimenting with different props until you can get comfortable sitting on the floor.
And remember… if you do sit on the floor and you feel uncomfortable then get off the floor and move to a chair. Chair yoga is just as effective as doing yoga on the floor.
Try it at home or on the yoga mat. You just might surprise yourself and discover that you really still can sit on the floor.