Some of the best sex positions are accomplished by taking risks, from our bodies achieving new levels of flexibility to giddily hopping on top of our nicest furniture, but the position that perfectly melds physical and mental vulnerability is none other than the Lotus position. While the Lotus doesn’t necessarily have the boldness and playfulness of some of our other favorite poses, the sheer intensity of this position makes it one of our absolute favorites. This pose encourages a lot of eye contact, hot, heavy breaths close to one another's mouths (pro tip: brush your teeth ahead of time for this one) and striking a perfect balance with your bodies so you can meet together for some deep, toe-curling pleasure. If done correctly, you’ll both feel yourselves, ahem, open— just like a vibrant fuchsia lotus flower in bloom.

Let's start with the basics: the Lotus position will require each partner to wrap their arms and legs around each other. To begin, have one partner sit cross-legged, sitting on your knees (also known as Hero pose in the Yogi community), or seated with their legs outstretched. If you're looking for additional balance or comfort, you can sit with your back against a wall or other hard surface. The second partner will sit in between their legs (or atop, if they are cross-legged or on their knees), facing their partner. Next, the second partner will wrap their legs around the first partner, and they will each weave their arms around one another and meet at the chest. The first partner will stay grounded in their position, while the second partner will have more freedom to move and grind against the other—  but no worries, if done correctly, you'll both be feeling lots of pleasure! This position is perfect for some sensual rubbing, slow, circular movements during penetration, or stimulating pleasure through simultaneous fingering and/or hand-jobs with your hands or a sex toy. This position calls for a lot of touching, holding, and kissing, and makes it easy to collapse in each other's arms after reaching orgasm.

Perhaps you’re starting to get a bit overwhelmed by the Cirque du Soleil-esque coordination (we feel you), but do not fret! This position can seem a bit daunting at first, but is totally achievable with some patience and support. Grab a spare pillow, cushion, or sex-wedge/pillow (seriously— once you commit to a sex wedge you will never go back) to sit on or lean against to prop yourself up at the right height and angle to meet your partner. Additionally, the second partner can put their arms behind their back and lean, shifting their body weight and lifting the lower half of their body up and making it more accessible to their partner. If you’re having a hard time achieving penetration, don’t sweat it! Use this position as foreplay to titillate one another by rubbing against each other, massaging one another, or doing whatever turns you on. Feel free to make this position your own by taking your favorite aspects and tailor it to your pleasure.

Because you're literally meeting face-to-face, one of the best parts about the Lotus position is how it requires each partner to physically and emotionally open-up to one another, prompting some intense sexual energy. Who knows? After achieving the Lotus, you may walk away feeling more connected to your partner than ever before.