4 Ways to Play in Tree Pose

We are in the middle of a snow storm here in the Bluegrass.  It's super cold. Uggs, fuzzy sweater and sweatpants are my continual attire and I'm watching it snow, admiring the trees out my office window as my old man cat, stares me in the face.  Like "Hey, your not working are you?" in his obnoxious, snooty cat way. Where are my cat people?
       Sorry, I digressed, now back to the view; glistening trees, standing strong, their branches bending low to the ground, some have snapped under the weight.  And I'm reminded how much I LOVE Tree Pose! (Vriksasana, for the yogis in the house!) It's always been one of my favorites.
       It is true, a balance pose can evoke strong emotions. Most people love them or hate them with little room in between.  Hmm.  Why is that?   Sometimes Tree might be a challenge but  sometimes it's an invitation to throw caution to the wind and play.  The entire essence of Tree is about finding balance with the freedom to move and sway, right? It gives us the opportunity to notice how we react when we feel unstable, teaches us lessons in how to maintain focus and offers curiosity about patience, persistence and humility. OH, my! 
I love playing in Tree and trying new things. Here are four of my favorite variations.  

1. Try shutting your eyes.  Come into your favorite variation and then close your eyes and see how that challenges you.
2. Add a block or bolster under your supporting leg.  An unstable surface is a fun way to get curious about your reaction to feeling unstable.
3. Practice Active Tree.  Instead of resting your foot against your calf or upper thigh, hold the foot out in space, leaving an open chain (no connection which usually requires more effort). You might also add toe taps. Tap front, then tree, tap side, then tree, tap back then tree.  You will feel those hip and glutes fire for sure!
4. Supine Tree.  I love this one at the beginning of my practice. It's a way to check in with my hips and range of motion. Lie on your back, keep one leg extended and press that foot into the wall.  Then bend your other knee, like you would in tree pose.  If your knee doesn't lie flat on the ground, ( I know mine doesn't) add a block or blanket under your knee for support.  Stay here for 5-10 breaths.  

So I invite you to roll out your mat and get curious.  Explore your reactions to various versions of tree. And remember, "the more difficult a thing is , the more it requires softness.." (I don't remember who said this, but it's one of my favorite quotes)

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