Tree Yoga School · Practice beside a tree

Kentucky Coffeetree · About five minutes

Let the spaces count.

Read once, then give your attention to the tree. Spend a few minutes, or less if that suits you.

Find a comfortable place.

Sit or stand on stable ground in a permitted place, keeping your usual supports. A bench, wheelchair, or accessible path is enough. Keep paths clear and let your breathing stay natural. There is no need to touch the tree.

  1. Find a broad view

    Choose a permitted viewing place clear of damaged branches and fallen pods. Settle with your usual supports. Keep your head in a comfortable position rather than straining upward.

  2. Look into an opening

    Find one opening between branches, or between groups of leaflets. Let the background be part of what you notice. Keep your breathing easy and unforced.

  3. Alternate space and shape

    Move your attention from the opening to its bordering branch or leaf, then back. Notice how the whole scene includes both. You need not fill the interval with a thought.

  4. Give something time

    Name one unfinished thing you can approach patiently. Choose either a small next step or a deliberate pause, according to your needs. Return to the full scene and close the practice.

An optional five minutes

You can practice without a timer. Start it when you are ready to turn your attention to the tree.

5:00

Silent by default. Begin whenever you like.

Keep this page open for the closing sound. A locked screen or backgrounded browser may delay it; the time will catch up when you return.

When you are ready

What did you notice when the spaces became part of the view?

Reflect quietly, or write a sentence in your own notebook. Let the visit be enough.