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Tree Pose
Of the balancing poses, perhaps Tree is the easiest for people just starting out. Balancing poses bring about many benefits. They're a great way to test and improve balance, of course. To practice them we must concentrate intensely while literally balancing body and mind, strength and flexibility.
Begin by standing in Tadasana or Mountain Pose, with your feet together and your big toes touching. Feel the energy rising up through your legs and spine. Your tailbone should be gently tucked, abdominals lifted. Your shoulders should be relaxed, chest open, neck long and head high. Focus straight ahead at eye level. Use deep ujjayi breath. Bring the right foot up high onto the left inner thigh. Press the foot and thigh firmly into each other. Next, bring the hands together in a prayer-like position in front of your chest. Remain focused. Breathe. Balance. Keeping your hands together, bring them straight up the center, past your face and then above your head. Keep your elbows straight, but keep space around your neck (shoulders down). Your hands can stay together or come apart reaching straight up. Hold this for a few slow, deep breaths. Over time, you will be able to stay up longer.
Become a tree: Firmly rooted to the earth. Branches reaching for the sun. Patiently persevering all challenges and distractions, standing tall, balanced and centered. Repeat the pose on the other side by changing legs. As we balance the two sides of the body and brain, we increase myriad skills: patience, perseverance, focus, concentration, relaxing through challenge and breathing.
Nature is a wonderful teacher and we have much to learn from trees.
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