Vrksasana (Tree Pose)

It’s National Take a Hike Day!

And while I’m not quite sure what the spirit of this day was supposed to be (is it “Let’s take a hike!”😃 Or “Hey you, take a hike!” 😠) – I’m going to take this opportunity to tell you how to do one of my favorite yoga poses for balance – Vrksasana (Tree Pose), as shown here from my recent hike on the trail behind my house. 

It’s harder than it looks at first and your sense of balance will be different every day. Don’t get frustrated if you wobble or even fall over at first. Just keep at it.

1. Take a moment to feel both your feet root into the earth with your weight distributed equally on all four corners of each foot.
   
2. Begin to shift your weight into your right foot, lifting your left foot. Keep your right leg straight but don’t lock the knee.
   
3. Bend your left knee and bring the sole of your left foot onto your inner right thigh, either above or below the knee. (Not ON the knee, that’s a no-no, keep the joint safe.) 
   
4. Press your foot into your thigh and your thigh back into your foot with equal pressure. This will help you keep both hips squared toward the front so your right hip doesn’t jut out. If it does jut out, mindfully “pin” your hip back in towards the middle.
   
5. Focus your gaze on something that doesn’t move to help you keep your balance.
   
6. Take 5 to 10 breaths, then lower your left foot to the floor and do the other side.

You can keep your hands in prayer pose or “extend your branches” by raising your hands up as pictured here.

Let me see your Tree Pose by tagging me on Instagram @yogafordentist or posting in our private Facebook Group – Yoga for Dentists!