Hi Friends!
I introduce you to the simple but physically challenging Tree Pose. It’s a strength building whole body pose helping us to build a firm foundation so we won’t fall over so easily in life. It greatly improves our sense of balance and coordination and remind us to keep calm, focus, breathe, and let it all go. Then we can stand tall and grounded with ease and grace for all situations in life.
1.) To remain stable, focus on an object in front of you; this will provide stability.
2.) Place your left foot on your ankle. Try to gently slide your foot up higher up your leg each time you do the pose.
3.) Let your bent leg feel like a tree branch, extending out from your foot, ankle, knee and hip.
4.) Use your feet to sustain you, working all the tiny, muscles, ligaments and tendons in your feet. It’s okay to sway a little bit and even to fall. Just get back up and try again!
5.) You may place your hands on your hips the first time you do the pose. Gradually, the goal is to press your palms together in front of you, and then eventually place your hands over your head.
6.) Slow down to “tree speed”. Breathe deeply for 1-3 minutes in this pose and get refreshed.
7.) Now do Tree Pose with your right foot.
A tree a day may keep the doctor at bay!
Studies have shown that the practice of Tree Pose has positive benefits in overall balance and coordination. One 2012 study published in The Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at the health benefits of Tree Pose in seniors. They found that, even though Tree Pose is simple, it places demands on the body that can lead to improved strength and balance thus reducing falls and accidents.
Our feet contain 72,000 nerve endings which communicate with our brain giving it feedback about our body’s positioning and alignment. Standing in a Tree Pose encourages our brain to work harder finding new pathways to keep us stable and balanced on one leg.
Take the lesson of Tree Pose off the mat and into our lives we find that for true stability, balance, strength and peace, it is wise to allow love to guide us,
Living your life life rooted and grounded in the love of God.( Ephesians 3:14-21)
I hope you enjoyed acting like a tree for a few moments with me. Remember to stand tall and let love guide you where ever you may go!
