Bound Angle

A seated posture with the soles of the feet together that explores the relationship between the pelvis, spine, hips and breath.

“Sit with support. Let the knees widen. Allow the spine to rise.”

Bound Angle is a seated foundation that invites the legs to fold outward from the hips while the spine remains responsive. It is often treated as a hip opener, but its quieter teaching is about support, patience and listening. The shape asks less of the knees when the pelvis is well supported.

The purpose is not to press the knees down or create a deeper fold. The purpose is to find a seated version where the pelvis can rest, the breath can move and the legs can soften without being forced.

1. 1Sit on the floor or on folded support.
2. 2Bring the soles of the feet together.
3. 3Allow the knees to move away from each other.
4. 4Place the feet at a comfortable distance from the pelvis.
5. 5Hold the ankles, feet or rest the hands behind you.
6. 6Let the pelvis settle evenly.
7. 7Allow the spine to lengthen without strain.
8. 8Relax the jaw, shoulders and belly.
9. 9Remain for several breaths.

Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:

• •Does the pelvis tip back or feel supported?
• •Are the knees asking for extra support?
• •Can the feet stay together without gripping?
• •Is the spine rising with effort or with ease?

Let the breath reveal the amount of effort in the pose. If the breath feels held, sharp or narrow, explore more support, move the feet further away or reduce the time in the shape.

Observe the relationship between the pelvis, knees and spine before offering depth. A student may need height under the sitting bones or support under the thighs long before they need a cue to move further.

Reflect after practising:

• •What changed when you sat higher?
• •Did one knee feel different from the other?
• •Could the spine stay easy as the legs softened?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Rounding the lower back
• •Pressing the knees down
• •Pulling strongly on the feet
• •Gripping through the inner thighs
• •Holding the breath

• •Sit on a folded blanket or bolster
• •Place blocks or blankets under the knees
• •Move the feet further away from the pelvis
• •Rest the hands behind the body for support
• •Practise with the back against a wall

• ✓The pelvis feels supported.
• ✓The breath remains comfortable.
• ✓The knees do not feel forced.
• ✓The spine can rest in a natural length.