Balance – Tree Pose
Balance requires not just your ability to physically distribute your weight so you can hold a position, but also focus, grounding, and being able to find harmony between both the mind and the body. I chose tree pose as my representation of balance. Trees are tall and strong. They are firmly rooted to the ground, taking their strength from the Earth. While the tree grows strong and sturdy, it also must be able to move and sway with the unpredictable wind. In order to find balance in our lives we need to be able to roll with the punches, while keeping ourselves firmly rooted in our core values. Balance poses teach you that it’s ok to fall, just pick yourself right back up and try again! It’s the practice of learning to be ok with falling that helps you to build strength.

To get into Vrksasana (Tree Pose)
– Stand in tadasana (mountain pose)
– Shift your weight to your right foot, keeping your foot firmly rooted to the floor
– Raise your left leg and place the foot inside of the right thigh as high as it will go. Either place the foot above the knee, or below the knee – wherever is accessible to you in your practice
– Make sure your pelvis is in a neutral position as you lengthen your tailbone towards the floor and engage your core
– Press your hands together at the heart center
– Fix your eyes on one spot several feet in front of you
– Grow your braches, or raise your arms to find your full expression of the pose
– Repeat on the other side