06/01/2026
Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)
is a classic yoga balance pose where you stand on one leg, placing the other foot on the inner thigh, calf, or ankle, with hands at the heart or overhead, fostering stability, focus, and lower body strength by rooting down like a tree while reaching up like branches. Key to the pose are a strong, straight standing leg, an engaged core, relaxed shoulders, and a steady gaze (drishti) on an unmoving point.
How to Do Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Start in Mountain Pose: Stand tall with feet together or hip-width apart, arms at your sides.
Shift Weight: Ground firmly through your left foot, engaging the muscles in your standing leg.
Lift & Place Foot: Bend your right knee, bringing the sole of your right foot to your left inner thigh (or calf/ankle for beginners), keeping the right knee pointing out to the side.
Find Your Center: Bring your palms to prayer (Anjali Mudra) at your chest.
Extend Arms: Breathe in deeply and extend your arms overhead in prayer or with palms apart, like branches.
Focus: Find a steady, unmoving spot (drishti) to gaze at.
Breathe & Hold: Maintain a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, and deep breaths for several breaths.
Release: Exhale, lower hands, straighten the lifted leg, and return to Mountain Pose.
Switch Sides: Repeat on the other leg.
Tips for Balance & Stability
Engage Your Core: Squeeze your belly in towards your midline to create stability.
Press & Resist: Press the foot into the thigh and the thigh back into the foot.
Use a Wall: Practice near a wall for support as you build confidence.
Modify: For beginners, keep the lifted foot’s toes on the floor with the heel at the ankle, gradually lifting higher.
Benefits
Improves balance, focus, and concentration.
Strengthens legs, ankles, hips, and core.
Stretches shoulders and chest.
Cultivates groundedness and stillness.
