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Basic SittingBeginner

Lion Pose I

Simhasana I

Lion Pose I (Simhasana I) kneels on the heels, stretches the arms, and releases a fierce exhale with tongue extended to cleanse throat and jaw tension.

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How to Perform

  1. 1

    Sit on heels in Vajrasana, crossing ankles so left foot rests under right buttock.

  2. 2

    Lean forward slightly, placing palms on knees with fingers spread wide.

  3. 3

    Press through hands, lift sternum, and draw weight into thighs and knees.

  4. 4

    Inhale through nose; exhale forcefully through mouth while opening jaw and extending tongue toward chin.

  5. 5

    Gaze toward third eye or tip of nose, hold for a breath or two, then release and switch ankle crossing.

Benefits

  • Relieves tension in jaw, throat, and facial muscles.
  • Improves clarity of speech and breath awareness.
  • Stimulates platysma and stretches front body while strengthening wrists and shoulders.

Alignment Cues

  • Ankles cross neatly beneath sit bones.
  • Arms stay straight with shoulders away from ears.
  • Tongue stretches fully without collapsing chest.
  • Keep spine tall even as head leans forward slightly.

Common Mistakes

No common mistakes listed.

Contraindications

  • • Recent knee injury
  • • TMJ inflammation aggravated by wide mouth opening

Recommended Props

Blanket under kneesBolster between calves and thighs