16 Sep 2011

Vriksha means ‘tree’ in Sanskrit. Tree pose is a balancing posture standing on one leg. The legs represent the roots of the tree and the trunk of the tree is the trunk of the body. The arms represent the branches reaching up towards the sun.

How

  • Stand in Tadasana (Mountain pose).
  • Bring your weight onto your right leg.
  • Lift your left heel and place the sole onto your right inner thigh.
  • Place your hands to your hip bones to check that your pelvis is in neutral alignment (both hips are sitting balanced).
  • Bring your hands to your heart centre in the Anjali Mudra. Pressing your palms together will help stabilise you.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed and gaze forward. Gentle engagement of your core.
  • Take a moment to centre yourself, connect to your breath and establish your balance on your standing leg.
  • On your next inhalation raise your arms above your head, keeping the palms together.
  • Let go of your thoughts and connect to your body and your breath. Hold the posture for 5-10 breaths, or as long as you feel comfortable.
  • To come out of the pose lower your hands back down to your heart centre and carefully lower your left foot to the floor.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Variations

  1. If you find it too difficult to maintain your balance, try placing your left foot on your right calf (never place your foot against the joint of the knee).
  2. Or place your foot to the floor with your heel against your ankle, and turn your left knee out to open your hips.
  3. Or place one hand on the wall for support.

Benefits

  • It develops concentration
  • It teaches balance
  • It strengthens the ankles, calves and thighs
  • It stretches the muscles of the legs, groin and chest
  • It opens the hips
  • It soothes the mind and nervous system

Precautions

  • Be mindful not to lock or hyperextend the knee joint on the standing leg.
  • If you have high blood pressure keep your hands at heart level – don’t raise them over your head.
  • Don’t arch your back or push your rib cage forward.

Spiritual

The trees that can survive storms are the ones that have deep roots, supple strength and can sway in the wind. While the trees that blow over are the ones that are rigid and inflexible.

“Equanimity allows you to stand tall and secure no matter what storms life brings your way.”  Baron Baptiste