How can I build up to being able to get into the full lotus position? When I meditate, I usually sit in what is referred to in the United States as Indian style.  The problem with this position is twofold: 1) It isn't very stable and 2) after ~15 minutes I find myself straining to keep upright.  I have been told that the full lotus position is more stable since the legs are symmetric and both knees are on the ground.  I've tried to get myself into the position, but I am not even flexible enough to get into the half lotus position (one foot on the other knee).  

My question is: If I am willing to work at it daily; what is the best way to get my legs flexible enough to sit in the full lotus position?  


*Picture from "Tanumânasî en Meditacion Loto Padmasana" by Jesús Bonilla (Tanumânasî) - Retiros de yoga. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Yoga is very helpful, especially aspects that deal with opening the hips and stretching the legs. It is best not to force it or you could hurt the body.
A cushion or zafu under the tail bone and buttocks can elevate the body sufficiently so crosslegged is more comfortable.
Some people sit Japanese style with legs folded under sitting on your heels and or supported by a zafu.
Sitting in a chair with a straight back and feet on the ground is a valid method of meditating. The position will open up and be comfortable over years as the practice opens up the locked up sections of the body.

Here is a youtube video that especially works on opening for beginners. Adrienne has many yoga videos. She seems like a meditator as she encourages mindfulness expecially in 2nd video. She is conservatively dressed and friendly in her approach. I find her a helpful teacher that does not provide unneeded distractions.

20 minutes complete beginners - very doable sequence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7AYKMP6rOE

40 minute longer more meditative from the preview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ6NfFIr2jw&amp;list=PLqkIhuaKSFbuaG3i9cBpO7E0dAKnd-MAu

Accepting where you are is important. You are right where you need to be. You are opening in a very natural way. Namaste.