Tree Pose is Vrksasana
(vrik-SHAS-anna) in Sanskrit (an ancient Indian language)
Benefits:
- Develops balance
- Increases your mind/body awareness
- Stretches your inner thighs, groin, and shoulders
- Strengthens your thighs, calves, core, and foot muscles
- Strengthens your posture
- Calms and relaxes your mind and central nervous system
- Stand tall with your feet parallel to each other and hip width apart
- Keep your spine nice and tall and focus on a spot in front of you
- Tighten your core and shift your weight to your Right foot
- As you inhale raise your left foot and place the sole of your left foot on your ankle, calf, mid-thigh or upper thigh with your toes pointing down
- Keep your gaze at one point as you breathe
- Press your left foot gently into the right leg
- Keep a light contraction in your core muscles
- Place your hands together to heart center in prayer position. As you inhale slowly raise your arms above your head with hands still in prayer
- Continue to press your right foot lightly into the ground as the crown of your head lifts
- Stay here for a few breaths
- Slowly lower your palms to heart center
- Place your left foot on the floor.
- Shake out the right foot and repeat on the other side.
