Tree

Tree pose is usually one of the first balancing postures that makes us realize how difficult standing on one foot can actually be! Here are our top three tips to help make YOUR tree pose work for you:

• Root down through your grounded foot by evenly distributing weight through the four corners of your foot. You can also imagine roots extending from your foot into the ground.

• If you’re feeling off balance, step off of your mat and try the pose on the bare floor. Some mats can provide too much cushion when it comes to balancing postures and sometimes it helps mentally to just try a different surface!

• Stand tall like a tree! Imagine a string going through the center of your body up to the ceiling to help prevent sinking down into your hip.

As always, modify the pose to fit where you are in your practice! Modifications include placing your lifted foot on your ankle or calf (see below for examples and remember to place your foot above or below the knee, never on it), placing your hands on your hips or at heart center to help with balance, or standing next to a wall for additional support. Once you feel comfortable in this pose, you can always further it by reaching your hands toward the ceiling and maybe, just maybe, closing your eyes - as long as you are in a safe environment where you can catch yourself if you start to fall!

Example of tree with the raised foot placed on the ankle. You can use your raised foot as a kickstand to help with balance.

Example of tree pose with the elevated foot on the calf.