Try this Butterfly Pose Variation
Try a gentle butterfly pose variation with hands clasped, knees supported by cushions, and count slow breaths to improve flexibility and balance.
Step-by-step guide to do a gentle butterfly pose variation
Step 1
Lay your soft mat or towel flat on the floor in a quiet open space.
Step 2
Put on comfy clothes so you can move easily.
Step 3
Sit down on the mat with your bottom on the floor and your knees bent.
Step 4
Bring the soles of your feet together so your knees open out like butterfly wings.
Step 5
Move one cushion under each knee so your knees rest gently on the cushions.
Step 6
Sit up tall with a straight back and shoulders relaxed.
Step 7
Clasp your hands together in front of your chest by interlocking your fingers.
Step 8
Close your eyes and take a slow deep inhale through your nose while counting to four.
Step 9
Exhale slowly through your nose while counting to six.
Step 10
Repeat the inhale and exhale counting pattern four more times for a total of five slow breaths.
Step 11
Slowly release your hands and bring your knees together, then sit quietly for a moment to notice how your body feels.
Step 12
Take a photo or ask an adult to help and share your finished Butterfly Pose Variation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a soft mat or cushions if we don't have them?
If you don't have a soft mat, use a folded blanket or rug and if you don't have cushions for the knees, place folded towels, small pillows, or stuffed animals under each knee to support the step 'Move one cushion under each knee'.
My knees feel uncomfortable and won't open like butterfly wings — what should we do?
If your knees hurt during 'Bring the soles of your feet together so your knees open out like butterfly wings,' sit on a rolled towel or small pillow to tilt the pelvis forward and put larger cushions under each knee for gentler support.
How can I change the activity for different ages?
For toddlers, shorten breathing to inhale to two and exhale to three and have an adult help place cushions and take the photo, while older kids can follow the full inhale-to-four/exhale-to-six counts and repeat more than the five slow breaths.
How can we personalize or extend the Butterfly Pose Variation before sharing it on DIY.org?
To personalize, try slowly opening and closing interlocked hands like fluttering wings during the five breaths, add calming music while you sit tall, and decorate the photo before asking an adult to help you share it on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to do a gentle butterfly pose variation
🦋 Butterfly Pose for Kids | Fun & Easy Yoga Adventure
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🦋 Butterfly Pose for Kids | Fun & Easy Yoga Adventure
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How to teach Yoga to Kids? Kids Butterfly Pose
Butterfly Pose | Yoga Pose Universe
Facts about children's yoga and stretching
🦋 Butterfly pose is also called Baddha Konasana — its name comes from the wing-like shape your knees make when they open.
🌬️ Counting slow breaths during the pose (for example, 4 in, 4 out) introduces basic pranayama and helps calm the mind.
🧠 Mixing mindful breathing with balance poses has been shown to boost focus and emotional regulation in children.
🛋️ Supporting knees with cushions or blocks makes the pose more comfortable and safer for beginners and little bodies.
🧘♀️ Holding a gentle butterfly for 1–2 minutes can help kids gently increase hip flexibility and build balance.
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