Two things can be true at the same time. Sometimes, even seemingly opposing things. Also, simple things can be undervalued and overlooked. As is true here. We give you the tree pose.

Certain balancing poses can seem too easy to be potent, powerful poses, but you would do yourself a disservice to believe this. It can be such a joy to work with the subtleties of a posture that you think might not normally be deserving of your attention. When you do give a pose like the tree another  glance, many of the nuances of balancing poses are right in front of you, just waiting to be re-discovered and taken to a deeper, revelatory appreciation.

One-legged standing balances require a steady breath. So often we are not even aware that we are holding our breath, somehow thinking that not breathing might be the key to balancing. Another misconception is mistaking rigidity and muscle contraction for the stillness balancing requires. This is the most certain way to knock you off your center. Nerve energy must flow throughout the body to stay in touch with the minute movements that are the necessary responses and attunements that make up the ability to balance in an asana. 

Another thing the tree pose can demonstrate is thinking that the most complex variation of the pose, perhaps seen demonstrated in class or in a photograph, is the only true variation of the pose. This is a mind trick sure to have even a simple balance elude you. Ganga has a great principle in Yoga Beyond Belief  which applies here and is a koan worth riddling out. "Start where you are and stay there." It's a great concept, especially when trying to master balancing poses. Another concept from the book that will help you with balancing postures which we included in this newsletter and worth is understanding, is standing waves.

Start the tree by placing a relaxed gaze on a point in front of you that is fixed, but not rigid with intensity. Your gaze is similar to the third point of a triangle, the basic building block of geometry and the most stable foundation. The outward gaze should be feedback that connects to your inward awareness of the posture.  

Next, steady your standing leg by making conscious contact with the floor. Keep that contact constant the same way you have to keep your foot on the gas to keep the car moving. The toes of the opposing foot can even remain on the floor with the sole and heel of the foot resting against the ankle of the standing leg. Taking the foot gradually up the length of the standing leg is something to explore by degrees and is a study in the nature of balance. White Lotus Yoga teaches that balance is a verb, not only a noun. It is not fixed and is constantly responding to the small fluctuations that make up a balancing pose.  

Your energized arms and hands can rest by your side in the tree pose. Your hands can rest on your hips or be brought into namaste-prayer position. They can even be raised over your head. Just like your raised leg position, your arm position teaches you something different about balancing every time you shift it. 

You think you know this pose, but how well do you really understand and practice it?  Or do you assume it's too easy to practice at all? There is so much to be re-discovered here. Strong like a tree, rooted and grounded in your breath, your legs, and in your center. Flexible like a tree in your ability to respond to every influence on the pose, and in your resiliency not to give up the balance when challenges are presented.