Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Seated Butterfly Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
You can practice this pose 2 main ways. For the first way, begin in a seated position facing away from the tree. You should be right at the base of the tree, with the back against the trunk. Bring the soles of the feet together as the knees fall away from each other. Consciously relax as much as possible — allowing the knees to melt down closer towards the ground. Breathe deeply, and relax a little bit more with each exhalation. For the second way, begin in a seated position facing the tree. Bring the soles of the feet together, and allow the knees to fall open. The toes should be close to the trunk. Keeping the spine elongated, reach for the tree and grab on. Use the tree to gently pull yourself deeper into this stretch for a couple of breaths.
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