Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Eyes-Closed Balance Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Balancing with the eyes open can be tough, but balancing with the eyes closed takes it to the next level. For most people, it is a challenge to balance for just a couple of seconds with the eyes closed. Use the tree to help you find balance. By doing this, you can cultivate greater balance than you ever thought possible.
Begin an arm’s length away from the tree, with the side body facing the trunk. Root down through the foot closest to the trunk as you place the same-side hand on the tree. Close the eyes, and lift the other foot. Alternatively, you can keep both feet in contact with the ground, and shift more weight towards the foot closest to the trunk instead of lifting the other foot entirely if that helps you in the beginning. To develop better balance, get progressively lighter with the hand on the trunk — to the point where you only have one finger in contact with the tree. Eventually, you can let go completely. Practice balancing for a couple of breaths on each 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