Welcome to “Yoga with Penny.” This month I present to you the simple yet elegant, Praying Tree Pose!

Although this position is a very basic yoga position, a Praying Tree Pose offers an array of vibrant healthy benefits. Best of all it is a yoga position that can easily be approached and when you are ready it can progress into a very challenging position. Where ever you may find yourself in this pose you will be continually strengthening your feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips, spine and core. With simple props like a chair, table or a wall that you can use for support, even beginners will be building a firm foundation while improving balance and coordination and focus too.

Tree Pose Directions:

• Stand with your feet hip width apart and your feet firmly on your mat with your toes spread wide.
• Find an object or piece of a wall directly in front of you to focus on.
• Place your hands on your hips.
• Lift your left foot and place it on your right ankle.
• Stay here and balance, breathing deeply for three counts.
• Now if possible, lift your foot up your leg as high as possible.
• Let your knee extend out to the side like a branch.
• Press your palms together at your heart center and breathe deeply for ten counts.
• Send up a prayer of thanks if you like.
• Remember to make a tree with your other leg.
• While balancing, ensure your shoulders and hips face forward equally.
• Also ensure your shoulders are pressed down and your is chin up.
• Try to maintain a straight back as much as possible.
• If you fall over simply get back up.
• Remember that you can always hold onto a wall, chair or table for support.

Being a “Tree” also boosts our brain power. Our feet contain thousands of nerve endings that send signals to our brain. Balancing on one leg creates new neural pathways that establish stability for balancing on one leg.

A Praying Tree is good for our heart. Sending up prayers to Heaven helps to regulate our heartbeat by allowing it to be less stressed. Less stress helps our bodies to heal faster and gives us hope which naturally relieves stress. Since stress is linked to the six leading causes of death it is worth the effort!

I hope you enjoyed being a “Tree” with me and that you practice this position everyday to maintain good balance, stability, strength and a happy hopeful heart!

Penny!