In the Moment with the Tree Pose to Get You Balanced!
Issue #020 - June 15, 2012

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Centennial Goal Progress

Well summer is progressing nicely and my husband and I were able to complete our first centennial peak, near Aspen, Colorado, called Lackawanna Peak! (13,223') For us, it was number ninety-three, of the highest 100 peaks in Colorado. This peak was one of the easier mountains, a pretty straightforward climb. However, "easy" is relative term, as it took us 7 hours and 15 minutes, for the 8.2 mile, 3,000 vertical feet elevation gain. Our new adopted dog, "Avie" did great. She was not a dog, but a Billy Goat! Now, we have only 7 more to go.

You can see my Lackawanna Peak Album by clicking the link to Facebook.

For me, mountain climbing is one of the most significant ways in which I reconnect to all that heals my body, mind and soul! You can follow the fun, if you like, on Facebook at Body Window. If anyone wants to join me on a hike, please let me know!

In the Moment with the Tree Pose, to Get You Balanced!

"Yoga is the study of balance, and balance is the aim of all living creatures. It is our home." ~ Rolf Gates

I have spoken quite a bit, on my website, regarding the importance of balance, in all things in your life. You may wish to review some of this information at Body Balance.

One of the ways that you can improve your emotional and mental balance is by learning how it "feels" in your body. To balance in a physical way requires effort and concentration of the mind. Paradoxically, by focusing and relaxing the mind through concentration on one point, balancing the body will take less effort.

The ease that you learn, when you balance your body, will spill over into your life. By taking a moment now to learn how to balance your body, you can effect changes in your entire life, your body, mind and soul!

We are all the results of what goes on in our cells, so one atom at a time, we will learn how to improve our function! Practicing this yoga pose will dramatically improve your body-mind-soul and help you maintain balance in your life!

Tree Pose, foot to ankle

The Tree Pose is a classic yoga pose that we will use in this Body Moment to learn how to balance our lives. Start by just standing on both feet, solid on the ground, and place your hands in the prayer position at your heart center.

Now, shift your weight to one leg. With all your weight on that leg, lift the foot of the other side and place it so that the bottom of your foot rests primarily on your ankle, with the toes balancing on the floor. Feel the sensation of the balance. If you are tottering, adjust until you can find a comfortable place where you can balance. Breathe deeply in and out.

Tree Pose, foot to calf

When you do balance exercises, it is helpful to pick a spot on the floor, just in front of you, or a point on the wall, or a close object at eye level, to fix your gaze. This single-point-of-focus will help you center your energy inward to better feel the physical, emotional and mental balance! I always know when my students are doing this correctly because their eyes will have a slightly vacant look. In yoga we call this point of focus, the "drishti" point.

This concept of single-point-of-focus is very important for you to practice in this multi-tasking world! It is essential for your to find this focus in order to balance your body and metaphorically to balance your life. It will help you enormously in your quest to go inward to discover yourself and where your own personal focus needs to be.

When you feel comfortable at the first level of balance, go ahead and try placing the bottom of your foot on your calf just below your knee. Try to avoid placing your foot directly on your knee, especially if you have any knee issues. Really focus on your drishti point to find your inner balance.

Practice at whatever level you are able to ground through your one leg and breathe deeply and hold this pose for at least a minute without wobbling, before you progress to the next level.

Tree Pose, foot to thigh

Really go inward and find that sweet spot of balance, where there is ease in your body as you breathe deeply without effort! Trust me, it will all depend on how well you clear your mind and focus on one spot!

When you are ready to go deeper, try placing your foot on the top of your thigh, just above your knee, or as far up as your crotch, wherever is comfortable to you. Keep your single-point-of-focus. B-r-e-a-t-h-e. Hold this level for as long as you are able.

If you are stable and comfortable at this level, try raising your arms. Hold as long as you are able, maintaining your focus and your balance.

And finally, try placing your arms over your head with your hands in the prayer position.

To add even further difficulty at any level, see if you can close your eyes! Then you will truly know that you are balanced.

All the while, remembering to b-r-e-a-t-h-e!

Tree Pose, arms up
position #1.

Tree Pose, hands over head in prayer position #2

Always make sure you spend as much time on the other leg, as on the leg you first chose. Notice which leg you chose to stand on first. Usually, the one you choose to stand on is your stronger leg, and even maybe, your stronger side of the body. What significance does this hold for you?? Are you more right or left side dominant? Remember that the left side of your body is controlled by your right brain, or your "feminine" side. The right side of your body is your "masculine" side and controlled by your left brain. Go to my article on Body Balance again, to review this very interesting left/right brain subject.

While holding the Tree Pose of your choice, you may wish to affirm:

• "In this moment, I am balanced in all things!"
• "I focus on myself and I balance with ease!"
• "I am relaxed and balanced in my body-mind-soul!"
• "I have all the time I need to renew my balance!"
• "My life is in complete balance!"

'May you empty your mind and focus on balance when you do the Tree Pose. May you be filled with ease when you take the time to notice your body's position in space to find your inner balance, when you spend this moment with your body!'

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