Reclined Bound Angle

A reclined restorative posture with the soles of the feet together and the knees opening outward, often supported by props for ease.

“Rest back. Let the knees widen. Allow the breath to arrive.”

Reclined Bound Angle invites the body into a supported shape of openness without asking for effort. The floor, and any props used, carry the weight. The posture offers a quiet place to notice the front body, hips, pelvis and breath as they are today.

The purpose is not to make the knees reach the floor. The purpose is to find a version that feels spacious, steady and kind enough to remain in. Support is part of the posture, not a lesser version of it.

1. 1Sit on the floor with the knees bent and the feet placed in front of you.
2. 2Bring the soles of the feet together and allow the knees to open outward.
3. 3Place support under the outer thighs or knees if the hips feel strained.
4. 4Recline slowly onto the floor, a bolster or folded blankets.
5. 5Let the arms rest wherever the shoulders feel at ease.
6. 6Allow the pelvis to settle.
7. 7Soften the jaw, belly and eyes.
8. 8Breathe naturally.
9. 9Remain for several breaths or longer if comfortable.

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

• •Do the knees feel held rather than hanging?
• •Is the lower back comfortable in the reclined position?
• •Can the feet rest without gripping?
• •Are the shoulders able to soften?
• •Does the breath move without feeling compressed?

Let the breath show you how supported the shape feels. If breathing becomes tight, shallow or effortful, explore more height under the spine or more support under the legs.

Observe the student's first settling. The knees, lower back, face and breath often reveal whether the shape is restful or subtly demanding. Offer support before offering more depth.

Reflect after practising:

• •What changed when the knees were supported?
• •Did the lower back feel spacious or compressed?
• •Where did the breath move most clearly?
• •What helped the body trust the floor?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Knees hanging without support
• •Feet pulled too close to the pelvis
• •Lower back arching uncomfortably
• •Shoulders lifting from the floor
• •Holding the belly or jaw

• •Place blocks or blankets under the outer thighs.
• •Move the feet further away from the pelvis.
• •Support the spine on a bolster.
• •Place a folded blanket under the head.
• •Practise with the legs wider and the feet further forward.
• •Come out sooner if the hips or back feel strained.

• ✓The legs feel supported.
• ✓Breathing remains comfortable.
• ✓The lower back feels at ease.
• ✓The face and shoulders have softened.
• ✓The posture feels sustainable rather than intense.