Wide angle seated forward bend (Upavistha Konasana in Sanskrit) is a forward bend pose that can be difficult to fully achieve in the beginning. Fortunately, in yoga there is no pressure or competition to reach the full pose before you are ready.
However, there are some tips that can help you get into the correct position to make it easier to reach the full forward bend. Proper placement of the legs and the knees can help you move into the asana easier.
To begin in wide angle seated forward bend, sit on your yoga mat in staff pose with the legs out in front of you. Lean back slightly and open the legs. Breathe and on the exhale, push down into the mat with your hands and move the buttocks forward to open the legs further.
Keep the legs active and move the thighs, so the knees are facing directly to the sky, the feet are flexed and outer thighs pushed into the mat. Take a few breaths and continue to lengthen the waist and legs, all the way to the bottom of the feet.
Move from the hips and not the waist. To do this, keep the back straight as you walk the hands in front of you and begin to bend forward. Focus on keeping the sides of the body elongated and avoid bending from the waist.
Continue to move into the pose with the breath. On each inhale breath, make the sides of the body longer and on every exhalation, move further into the pose. When you are ready to come up, move in the same way, with the torso long and take your time.
Lift the buttocks and align the pelvis with a blanket, if needed. This method is great for support and comfort, but also moves the pelvis forward and into the correct alignment to move forward into the bend. Yoga cushions can also be helpful if you are having trouble with this pose.
It may take time to master this one. (It did for me.) But, there are good reasons to stick with it. Wide angle seated forward bend stretches and strengthens the spine and leg muscles. This pose also has a calming effect and is great for releasing tension and stress.