Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Supine Centering
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
In a world of speed and stimulation, it is highly beneficial to get low to the ground. When you bring the body close to the ground, negative energy is released. This works through the nervous system. It works best if you can bring areas of highly concentrated nerves close to the Earth. Nerves are not just concentrated in the brain, but also in the heart, stomach, and trunk — as well as in the hands and feet. The closer you bring these areas to the ground, the better the energetic connection is established between you and the Earth — allowing negative energy to flow out, and positive energy to flow in.
Facing either towards or away from the tree, lower yourself onto the back. Extend the arms and the legs out, or into a position of choice. One option is to have the knees bent and the feet down. Consciously relax the body as much as you can. Let all the negative energy flow right out of you into the ground. Stay here for several minutes, breathing deeply.
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