Tree Pose or Vrikshasana is a basic balancing pose that we all need in our practice. Believe it or not but this pose is a form of standing meditation which is something we could all use to clear our minds of useless negative thoughts. This pose boosts my confidence but allows me to let go of my ego. I absolutely love it!
Benefits of Tree Pose
This balancing pose improves your posture and, of course, balancing, and not only physically, but in other aspects of life too. It opens the hip flexors. Tree pose also strengthens the intrinsic muscles of the foot, muscles of the ankle and lower leg of the standing foot. This pose improves respiration as well as self-confidence and esteem.
Tree Pose Step-By-Step
- Start with Tadasana (Mountain Pose)
- Bring your palms together at heart center.
- Rooting through the four corners of your right foot and engaging your right quadricep and your core, slowly lift your left leg and bring the sole of the foot anywhere above or below your right knee. *Never on your knee!!
- Inhale and lengthen through the crown of your head. Find your focus directly in front of you and keep it at a soft gaze.
- As you take your five deep breaths here, you can choose any arm variation such as raising your arms over your head, keeping it in prayer or separated but still in alignment with your shoulders–growing your tree.
- Slowly release your arms back to heart center and release the left leg. Repeat on the right side.
Tips
- Let's roll your shoulders down and back to keep your chest lifted.
- Keep your entire standing leg strong and lift the low belly away from your thighs. We also want to make sure that we're keeping our hips leveled and squared. So lightly press the bent knee back and the hip of the bent leg forward. You should feel a greater stretch there. Ahhh.. so good.
- Often we find ourselves getting frustrated with balancing in this pose. So relax the muscles on your face and lift the corners of your mouth. Smile!
I hope you guys enjoy it because this pose will do wonders for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me through any of my links below. I'd be delighted to help!
Until next time, have a great week!