The sitting on heels thing...

[householder]

...I'm probably doing it wrong and killing my feet!

When I move back onto my heels the pain is pretty bad and I can only hold it for around 20 seconds. It also seems that that part of the foot around the big toe seems to be taking the brunt of it so I wonder whether I'm placing the toes/feet right.

Any stretching exercises I can do for more supple feet so I can hold this position for longer?

[Cittasanto]

how exactly are you doing it?

if on your toes, massage your toes on the sole side, I found this helped with pain, but just being patient with it also helped, after a year I still couldn't keep it up due to other issues with my legs so don't worry about it just do what you can, but be persistent.

[householder]

how exactly are you doing it?

if on your toes, massage your toes on the sole side, I found this helped with pain, but just being patient with it also helped, after a year I still couldn't keep it up due to other issues with my legs so don't worry about it just do what you can, but be persistent.

Toes planted on floor, leaning forward and kneeling then sitting back.

[Sam Vara]

If you mean what Japanese call seiza, I would advise caution if you feel pain.

Despite studying martial arts for years, and doing daily stretching, I never could manage it. Things are made easier if you stretch the big thigh muscle (various techniques, including standing on one leg, holding onto your other foot, and gently stretching it up behind your buttock). Pain in the foot is sometimes also caused by contact with the floor, so a softer mat might help.

Knee pain is always worth paying serious attention to. I know several people who persisted in fighting joint pain in the interests of achieving flexibility, and who are now suffering for it. It might just be that some of us are not by nature meant to do this stuff!

[daverupa]

how exactly are you doing it?

if on your toes, massage your toes on the sole side, I found this helped with pain, but just being patient with it also helped, after a year I still couldn't keep it up due to other issues with my legs so don't worry about it just do what you can, but be persistent.

Toes planted on floor, leaning forward and kneeling then sitting back.

Put the tops of your feet on the ground, not the bottoms of your toes, and see if that helps.

[Dmytro]

I would recommend using a bench:

http://www.zafu.net/benches.html
http://www.catizone.com/
http://www.dharmacrafts.com/100xMB/Medi ... ating.html

Exercises:
http://www.ashtanganeworleans.com/Old%2 ... usGrow.htm

[householder]

Thanks all. Bench not an option when in robes.

[daverupa]

Thanks all. Bench not an option when in robes.

I cannot envision why that should be so. Ones legs are underneath the seat platform, not straddled to the outside of the support legs, so the robe is allowed to cover the knees. Awareness and habit makes the sitting/standing transition smooth and effortless, including bench-wrangling over the massed cloth.

[miriamshookaf]

Hmmmm by reading above post i guess this forum will lot of spiritual feeling and more health i think you are not siting as well or giving to much pressure on your toes that is why it is giving you pain