Nacho:
Excruciating pain is 'NOT A GOOD THING!
Pain is a very important friend, teacher, guide,and should be respected ALWAYS!
It is not good to force yourself through excruciating pain. You will end up with long lived lingering problems. Respect pain and follow prudent protocol and sound exercise wisdom with your stretching.
Why rush yourself into potentially serious trouble? Take your time.
What is the rush anyway? You can still achieve all you seek without ever going into full lotus. Most important is to keep your entire spine straight - from the crown of your head to your seat bone. You can do this simply by sitting straight on an armless chair with your feet on the floor. Cover the chair with a woolen blanket and if possible a silk material over this, to insulate yourself from the ground and its draining currents. That is all you really need. And, if you can sit in ANY cross-legged position with spine straight, that is also good.
I have been sitting in full lotus for a long time, but it also took time before I was able to do this. In fact, for a long time I thought I would never ever be able to do it. Now, I often find myself in the position without even trying or realizing it. One important thing to realize is the fact that I never ever forced it. Little by little, I just gradually opened up to it. Just like all other things in life. Let it happen naturally, do not force it, just continue your stretching and exercises as Master Lin demonstates, and you too will soon be surprised.
BUT, YOU'D BETTER BE CAREFUL AND EXERCISE PRUDENT BEHAVIOR.
Mike
