balance and the Tree Pose

the tree

balance is a journey. as you explore the tree posture, allow balance to come and go...as a metaphor for exploring balance in your own life. as you steady yourself, watch how it translates to your life.

find a place to settle your eyes as you look down, just a couple  of feet from where you stand. use this place, perhaps a rock, or a spot on the floor and embrace it as a resting place for you eyes. gaze gently and find your breath. bring awareness here. bring  your breath to slow and steady, allowing the breath to quiet your mind.

ground one leg, firmly, as if roots extend from below your foot,  and  anchor  to mother earth. raise the other foot, perhaps just the heal, perhaps the foot and glide it  up the anchored leg.  start low, only bringing it as high up you are comfortable.  eventually you may settle it at the knee. Open the free leg at a right angle to the anchored leg. breathe, slow and steady.

relax here.  raise your hands over your head, ever so slowly, reaching up to the sky (I'm copying the sculpture, that's why my hands reach playfully to one side). feel the strength in your arms and the freedom of your finger tips and explore the sensation here. open the chest. breathe, slow and steady.

flow in and out of balance, dropping any judgments you might be saying to your self and return your gaze to the spot on the floor as an anchor for your mind along with your slow and conscious breath.

sense the anchored leg and the feeling this stance provides, perhaps grounded? what is the sensation in your  raised leg?  perhaps openness or freedom?    be curious about these sensations and the difference between holding and letting go, judging and accepting.

Do this with the other leg, exploring  balance on this side. what's different about each side?

Enjoy the tree pose  and see how long you can balance. watch how it mirrors  balance in your life and savor in the blessing of balance.