First a tree, then an eagle. Our regal eagle pose is a complex, single-legged standing pose worthy of your attention. It's a good brain teaser that increases coordination while being yet another great challenge in your repertoire of balancing poses. 

Balancing poses come in all shapes and sizes. Standing balances, sitting balances, inverted balances. As we know, some poses, like the twisting triangle, are a combination of multiple categories of poses. Twisting triangle is a lateral extension, a forward bend combined with a twist, and it culminates in challenging your sense of balance.

One of the beautiful aspects of the eagle pose is how it requires a right-brain left-brain handshake. In addition to balancing on one leg, which takes core engagement, strength and balance, the opposing leg crosses over the midline and hugs the standing leg while you are in a demi-squat. Whew! While you are challenging and maintaining your center and your equilibrium, next the arms must complete a double-cross over the center of your torso lead by the arm opposite to the leg crossed on top. This creates an elegant tangle and puzzle that the brain eventually adores. 

Important note on practicing this pose. We do not recommend taking the foot of the top leg in for the double-cross with toes tucked behind your shin. This can compromise your knee and stress your hip. It not only adds nothing significant to the pose, but it can stress your joints. The eagle is a beautiful  challenge without this addition. . There is also no need to go into a deep squat which can put too much into the knee of the standing leg.

Remember to breathe and to gently focus your gaze out in front of you. Let this be a pose of strength and a study the art of balancing. And fly like an eagle with grace and ease.