Incorporating these detailed instructions, here’s an expanded guide on how to do the Saddle Pose in Yin Yoga:

Starting Position: Begin by sitting in your heels. Pay attention to how your ankles feel. If there’s discomfort, consider placing a blanket or folded towel under them for padding, especially on hard floors.Ankle and Knee Adjustment: Check your knees since this pose involves deep knee flexion. If discomfort in your thighs and calves is considerable, place blocks or cushions between your feet to sit higher, reducing knee stress.Leaning Back: Next, lean back on your hands. This Position creates stress along the top of the thighs and front of the hips. This might be as far as you go in the Saddle Pose, and that’s perfectly fine.Listening to Your Body: If the pose becomes too much at any point, you can exit and switch to a Sphinx Pose, resting on your elbows and lifting your chest.Using Bolsters: If you’re a bit more advanced (Track two students), consider resting your back on a bolster, supporting your spine better. You can open your arms to the sides or overhead to increase the hip sensation in this position.Full Saddle Pose: More flexible individuals (Track three students) can lower to the floor. Here, you can also bring your arms overhead. It’s normal if your knees lift off the floor slightly, indicating tightness in the quadriceps.Focus on Sensation: Remember, it’s not about how the pose looks but how it feels. The goal is to experience the sensation, not achieve a particular appearance.Relax and Close Your Eyes: Once you find the version of the pose that works for you, close your eyes and settle into the sensation, focusing on your breath and the stretch.

This approach ensures you respect your body’s limits and gradually progress into the Saddle pose, making it a nurturing and beneficial experience.