Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Balancing Half Moon Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Very few people can practice the full expression of this pose. However, with the tree, it is possible for everyone. Begin an arm’s length away from the tree, then step back an additional 1 or 2 feet. Plant one foot with the toes facing towards the trunk. With the same-side arm, reach for the tree and plant the hand on the trunk. With the other hand on the hip, begin to lift the other leg. The hips, belly button, and toes of the lifted leg should be perpendicular to the toes of the planted foot. Taking the hand from the hip, extend the arm up. Reach through the fingertips and press back through the heel of the lifted leg to create maximum space. Practice for a couple of breaths on each side — mindfully entering, and mindfully exiting.
Original book text by Alex Julian. Line wrapping and page breaks have been normalized for reading on the web. Personal accounts and energetic interpretations remain part of the original text.
Make the practice fit you.
This is a reference entry, not a required step in a beginner course. Use a comfortable range, keep breathing naturally, and stop if a movement hurts. Inversions and suspended exercises need appropriate instruction and equipment; a tree is not a certified anchor.
Explore the gentle introductory lesson →Keep exploring