Tree Pose
This standing balance strengthens both the thighs, calves, ankles and spine. It stretches the chest and shoulders, as well as the inner legs and groin muscles. It is reputed to cure sciatica and prevent flattening of the feet. It provides gives clarity of mind since one must really focus to remain in balance. No wonder it is my husband Ian Hatter’s favourite pose. There are many variations. Arms can be folded in front of the chest, with hands in prayer position (Anjali Mudra), with the gaze downward just over the fingertips, or straight ahead or upward. Arms can be raised skyward, with the palms facing one another or pressed together, with the gaze straight ahead or up, the crown of the head reaching skyward. Arms can be in Eagle Position or Cow-Faced Position, or Chest Opener Position. The raised foot can be beside the ankle, calf, or inner thigh. For additional challenge, make this into a bit of a backbend; or bring movement to the body, swaying side to side, waving the arms, etc. The most challenging version involves doing this pose with eyes closed.
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Arches National Park, Utah (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), on Abbott Ridge, Glacier National Park, B.C., (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), South Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada, (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), Needles area of Canyonlands National Park, Utah, (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), below Druid Arch, Canyonlands National Park, Utah, (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), along the Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park, B.C. (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), on Royal Ridge above spectacular Talus Lodge, B.C. (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Ian in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), on Parker Ridge, Banff National Park, Alberta (Photo by Jenny Feick).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), hands in prayer position (Anjali Mudra), at the base of one of the many huge Douglas Firs in Olympic National Park, Washington State (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) hands in prayer position (Anjali Mudra), on top of the South Peak of the Chinese Mountains on Quadra Island, B.C.(Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) hands in prayer position (Anjali Mudra), along an interpretive trail at Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with arms in reverse prayer (Pashchima Namaskarasana), which really stretches the muscles of the wrists and forearms, on the highest of the Bald Hills in Jasper National Park, Alberta (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in a modified Tree Pose (Vrikshasana), evocative of a Standing Figure 4 Pose to accommodate her muddy hiking boots, with arms extended overhead and in prayer position, along the Wilcox Pass Trail, with the Athabasca Glacier behind, Jasper National Park, Alberta (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with arms overhead, hands in prayer position and with a slight backbend, at the base of the largest Sitka Spruce tree in the world, Olympic National Park, Washington State (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with arms overhead, hands in prayer position and with a slight backbend, at the base of a very big Western Red Cedar tree in Olympic National Park, Washington State (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with tree branches (arms) extended before a kayak trip from Sidney, Vancouver Island over to Portland (formerly Princess Margaret) Island in Gulf Islands National Park, B.C. (Photo by Ian Hatter).
Jenny in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) with tree branches (arms) extended atop the final peak along the Navajo Knobs Trail, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah (Photo by Ian Hatter).
