Half Lotus

Sit in Staff Pose (Dandasana). Bend your right knee and draw your right foot towards your body.

Using your hands, gently lift your right foot and place the outer edge of the foot as high as possible onto your left thigh crease, with the sole of the foot facing upwards. The heel should be close to your navel.

Ensure your right knee feels comfortable and is moving towards the floor (it may not touch). If there's strain, lower the foot or use props.

Your left leg can remain extended straight (as in Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana prep), or you can bend your left knee and bring your left foot under your right thigh/knee (similar to Easy Pose with one leg in lotus).

Sit tall with a long spine. Rest your hands on your knees or in your lap.

Hold, breathing steadily. To exit, carefully release your right foot, extend the leg, and gently move the ankle and knee. Repeat on the other side, placing the left foot in Half Lotus.

Sit on a folded blanket or cushion to elevate hips, making it easier for the knee to release down.

Place a block or cushion under the lotus knee if it's high off the floor and feels unsupported.

Focus on rotating from the hip joint, not the knee. If there's any knee pain, release the pose immediately.

Practice with the bottom leg extended straight first before attempting to cross it underneath.