Which of Rodney Yee's Yoga DVD's will eventually allow me to sit in full-lotus?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

If none of Rodney’s DVD’s will do the trick let me know of another DVD that will. I used to use David Swensons Ashtanga DVD but it is too long and hard, I would prefer something between 30-60mins. That seems to focus a lot on strength building, I would like to cut it down to just (or just mainly) flexibility.

Full lotus is my goal, I am thinking Rodney’s flexibility DVD but I don’t know if that will work or not.

I get a good vibe from Rodney, that’s why I would prefer one of his DVD’s but of course I don’t mind a different one.

Any help is appreciated, Thank you.
Calvin

#2

Only you would know what ultimately works for you. There’s no one answer.

The ability of a one to sit in padmasana has very little to do with strength. Furthermore, like a mathematics formula, there are several variables which include but are not limited to diet, rest, living, thoughts, and the unique range of motion for said human being.

If this teacher speaks to you that is wonderful and may be enough to continue to practice “with him” though a DVD is clearly not practicing with him since he cannot see you and provide you feedback.

The challenges in opening the hips can take time to unwind as they are typically built up over time and are tied to emotional issues which most of us are unwilling to address.

#3

I have to agree with IA. Just focus on poses and positions and stretches is not likely to give you the flexibility in the hips you’re seeking.

I personally can attest to the fact of emotional issues being a huge factor in tight hips, as I’m seeing the results of that personally right at this time.

It is this tightness in the hips that has brought my emotional issues to my awareness, making me realize I’d better address them, or it will just get worse.

IA has vastly more experience than I, but I just wanted to pop my own thought and experience in.

#4

have you heard of cradle the baby? that where you cradle your leg like a baby, which helps you slowly open up your hips. I’ve heard full lotus pose is 95 percent hips and 5 percent knees. Practice sitting with legs spread wide open, and bending down, before your practice lotus. Cradle the baby is sitting, take the bottom of your foot and place in right elbow pit, wrap arm around knee, and cradle, while squeezing your leg close to your chest. You’ll feel your hip start to open up. Practice boths sides for a long time. Took me 6 months of practice before i got into full lotus, and i still can only get into it after im fully warmed up. Doug Swenson, David’s brother, taught me cradle the baby.

#5

Do some Work in the Butterfly. Taylor or cobblers pose.

Triangle will help.

Sit in the Half lotus and alternate legs.

Sitting put one leg out bring other ankle to half lotus. Apply nice pressure to the knee to open the hips.

Anything you can think of within reason to open the hips. Be creative.

#6

[QUOTE=childofthetao;29056]
Full lotus is my goal, I am thinking Rodney’s flexibility DVD but I don’t know if that will work or not.

Any help is appreciated, Thank you.
Calvin[/QUOTE]

I wan to tell that if the lotus pose is you ultimate goal…when go for it.

From my experience thought, yoga is about experience, not about the goal. This is a paradox:
everything we desire too much will slip through the hands.

#7

Why can’t I edit my posts? I think of things sometimes later.

Half Lotus / Yoga Mudra.

Gracious pose.

LOL Foot behind the head pose. WHich is kinda the graduated version of Cradle the Baby.

Reclining Cobblers pose.

Cow face pose and frog to go the other way with the hips.