“That looks pretty easy.” “You’re standing on one foot, right?” “How hard can that be?” Those are the comments I hear when I show a student how to get into the tree pose until they try it. This pose is especially good for balance and focus. Now let’s get into it…

-Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart, hands at your sides. Feel like the trunk of a strong tree.

-Now picture your right foot growing roots into the ground below you.

-Lift your left foot and place it on the left side of your right calf or move it up to the left side of your right thigh. DO NOT place your foot on your knee since this can potentially cause a knee injury.

-You should be facing forward, standing on your right foot with your left leg bent and your left foot flat on your right calf or thigh.

-Your hands can be on your hips, in prayer position at your heart center (center of your chest), raised above your head like branches in the sky, or together above your head.

What kind of tree are you? A strong Oak? A flowing Willow? You decide.

Stay in this position for 3-5 breaths and then switch sides.