September Yoga Pose of the Month- Tree Pose

Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

1. Start in Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
2. Bring your palms together at heart center.
3. Root down through the four corners of your right foot and engage your right quadricep and your core
4. Slowly lift your left leg and bring the sole of the foot either above OR  below your right knee. *Never on your knee!!
5. Inhale and lengthen through the crown of your head. Find your drishti (focal point) directly in front of you and keep it at a soft gaze.
6. Take five deep breaths here
7. You can choose any arm variation such as raising your arms over your head, keeping it in prayer or separated (but remember to keep the alignment of your shoulders)
8. Slowly release your arms back to heart center and release the left leg. Repeat on the right side.

Benefits of Tree Pose

• Promotes balance, grounding and centering
• Helps you gain both physical and mental steadiness and confidence
• Regular practice will improve your focus and your ability to concentrate in all areas of your life.
• Stretches the thighs, groins, torso, and shoulders
• Builds strength in the ankles and calves, and tones the abdominal muscles