Vrksasana – The Tree Pose
Begin standing and look straight ahead focusing on an unmoving point.
Take all of the weight into one leg and get well grounded. Bend the other knee and bring the foot to rest somewhere on the straight standing leg, AVOID the knee.
The foot does not have to come all the way up to the top of the leg, it could just be down by the ankle of calf. The knee should face directly out the the side, the toes point down and the hips squared forwards, try to avoid the temptation to sink into the hip of the standing leg.
Depending on how good your balance is the hands can stay on the hips, come into prayer in front of the heart, or you can even take your prayer up over your head!
To help your tree feel more stable make sure the standing leg is strong and push the foot and leg against each other for support. Make sure too that the belly is lifted and strong.
As it is a balancing posture Vrksasana quietens the mind and brings balance into both the mind and the body.
It builds concentration and awareness and strengthens the legs and the spine.
Tree pose also helps us to build confidence and learn not to give up – each time you fall out smile and have another go 🙂 You’ll soon learn how to have the strength and firm foundations of a tree!