Let’s face it, balancing is hard! Whether it is balancing work and play, balancing the checkbook or balancing in a yoga pose, most of us struggle with finding the balance in our lives. And if you know anything about yoga or have seen anyone in a yoga pose, chances are you know that yoga helps with balance and you are acquainted with tree pose.
It looks simple enough and is one of the first balancing poses learned. But it is physically challenging for the hips, for the ankles and feet, and just to stay balanced! One yogi compared herself to a bird flying out of the tree—flapping her arms wildly as she tried to regain balance!
And it is simple enough to see how the tree pose acquired its name, as we imagine roots growing from the bottoms of our feet, planting firmly in the ground, growing/stretching, strong and steady, yet still swaying with the wind.
Another simplicity in tree pose is that it is easy to find the life lesson in the pose. . . when we fall, we get up again. When we “fail,” we try again. We find balance, on and off the mat.
Some of the physical benefits of tree pose include strengthening the thighs, calves, ankles, and spine; stretching the groins and inner thighs, chest and shoulders; relieves sciatica and reduces flat feet. There are mental benefits as well. Tree pose helps calm and relax the mind and central nervous system; develops balance and focus; increases mind/body awareness.
There are several arm variations in the pose. When the arms are lifted above the head, the side body and shoulders are stretched. Other options include Cactus, Eagle or Reverse Prayer, which will open the heart/chest and shoulders. A favorite of mine is the palms together at the center of the chest, which encourages me to focus on my deeper breath, thus improving concentration.
So if you are having a whirlwind (pun intended) day, tree pose can ground you and help create peace in the mind and body.
Karen Watson Reeves was born and raised in Mount Holly, lived in several Arkansas towns, and has called Hot Springs home since 2006. She became a registered yoga teacher in 2011 and has travelled Arkansas teaching her passion. She owns The Yoga Place, is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff, is an adjunct instructor at National Park College, as well as teaching in several other fabulous venues.
When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle, as well as reading, listening to music, hanging out with special friends, and playing with her grandsons as often as possible.
