Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Standing Pigeon Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Begin in a standing position, facing the tree. You should be close enough to the tree so that you can firmly grab on to the trunk with both hands. Cross the left leg over the right leg so that the left ankle is just above the right knee. Additionally, you want to keep the foot flexed — toes going towards the left knee. Keeping the heart up and the spine long, slowly lower the hips down by bending the right knee. You should immediately start to feel a nice stretch in the left hip. Practice for a couple of breaths, and then exit in reverse order. Repeat on the other side — crossing the right leg over the left leg.
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