Tree Pose – Vkrsasana

Yoga in general has so much to do with balance…  Balancing your mind and body through your practice.  This pose is no exception.

Some Benefits of this pose include strengthens legs, ankles and spine, Stretches inner thighs, chest and shoulders, improves balance, and eases sciatica pain.

Begin by standing in Tadasana. Shift your weight slightly onto the left foot and bend your right knee. Reach down with your right hand and clasp your right ankle.   Draw your right foot up and place the sole against the inner left thigh; if possible, (or on to your calf, but not against your knee) press the right heel into the inner left thigh.  Firmly press the right foot sole against the inner thigh and resist with the outer left leg.

Make sure your pelvis is in a neutral position. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor.  Bring your hands together in prayer pose.

Gaze softly at a fixed point or drishti in front of you on the floor about 4 or 5 feet away.  Note:  a drishti is a point of focus where the gaze rests during asana (form of exercise) and meditation practice.

Stay for 1 minute. Return to Tadasana and repeat on the other side.

You can vary this pose by stretching your arms straight up toward the ceiling, or form a V with your arms, similar to a standing tree.   Additionally, to help aid in balance, you can stand with your back against a wall in this pose. For more of a challenge, try practicing this pose with your eyes closed, balance can be very challenging without the ability to focus on an outer object or place.

Namaste