Tree

Instructions

1. From Mountain pose, bend the right knee shifting all the weight into the left leg. Turn the right knee to the right wall resting the heel against the left leg.

2. Look down at the floor and stare at one point. Slowly slide the right foot up the left leg, only as high up as you can maintain your balance. When you are balanced here, slowly bring the palms together, prayer position in front of the heart.

3. Keep staring at your focal point on the floor. Keep the left leg strong pressing the foot into the floor. Keep the right knee bent 90 degrees towards the side wall. The shoulders are down and back and the chest is pressing forward.

4. If you are very balanced here, try the next stage by inhaling the arms over the head. The arms are in an H position, or the palms are together with the thumbs crossed, or the fingers are interlaced with the index finger pointed up. The fingers are reaching up and the shoulders are down and back.

5. Breathe and hold for 4-8 breaths.

6. To release: slowly exhale the arms down and then release the legs back into mountain.

7. Repeat on the other side.

Benefits + Contraindications

Benefits: Tree pose increases balance, focus, memory and concentration and strengthens the ankles and knees.

Contraindications: Recent or chronic knee or hip injury.

Modifications + Variations

Modifications: A) Bring the arms out to the sides for more stability. B) Practice next to a wall, placing a hand on the wall for support.

Vinyasa

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence leading up to this pose: Mountain, Crescent Moon.

Use one or more of the following postures to build a sequence ending after this pose: Crescent Moon, Standing Squat, Standing Forward Fold, Five Pointed Star, Standing Hand to Toe, Dancer.