13
www.CSEcenter.org
Standing straight on the left leg, bend the right leg,
and place the right foot on the left thigh. Stand thus, like a tree
on the ground. This is called vrksasana.
—Gheranda-Samhita II.36
Nature is miraculous!
Every year millions of deciduous trees get through
the challenges of colder winter months by naturally drawing energy to their
core, and thickening the sap into a sort of dense sweetness that is self-
sustaining.
We are also called to draw our energy within during winter months and
can support this innate inclination by the simple practice of Tree Pose
(Vrksasana). With strong energetic "roots" moving towards earth, and energy
rising upwards, Tree Pose shows us how to be centered in the core of our
being. As we are connected with our breath in each moment, and maintain
steady focus—we fan our inner fire with just the right amount of effort.
Too little attention to form, our tree will be limp; too much effort, our tree
will break. Tree Pose is a practice in striking a balance between effort and
surrender. When we experience this balance in the pose, we can recognize
that it is merely a reflection of our innate state of balance within.
Vrksasana
(vrik-SHAHS-anna)
vrksa = tree
asana = stable posture
Step by Step Practice
1. Stand with the feet hip width apart (Tadasana). Bring hands together, palm
to palm at the heart center.
2. Root strongly through the left foot and open the right hip. Bring the sole
of the right foot to the inner calf or inner thigh (not knee); or modify by
keeping the right toes on the floor and placing the right heel on the inner
left ankle.
3. Experience being grounded at the base and uplifted through the crown,
while breathing gently through the nostrils for 6 to 10 complete breaths,
with eyes gently focused and still.
4. Lower the right leg and return to Tadasana, standing position with arms
relaxed by the sides. Pause for a few moments with awareness inwardly
focused. Then repeat on the opposite leg.
Rev. Sundari Jensen is the Executive Minister at CSE.