Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Extended Side Angle Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Begin facing the tree with the feet very close to the trunk — a few inches or less. Keep one foot next to the tree, with the toes pointed directly at the trunk. Keep the same-side hand on the tree as well. Step back with the other leg. The back heel should be melted down to the ground, with the toes angled out. Keeping the back leg straight, bend the front knee and drop the hips. Take the arm closest to the tree and reach down towards the ground — placing the hand just inside the foot. Take the other arm over the head and grab the trunk of the tree. Use the hand on the tree as leverage to tilt the chest and shoulder up. This results in a huge opening of the side body. Stay here for a couple of breaths, then practice on the other side.
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