Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Tabletop Alternate Balance Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
Begin in tabletop position, facing the tree. The head should be about 2 feet away from the trunk, but you may need to move closer in or farther away — depending upon the length of your arms. Extend either arm forward, planting the hand directly on the trunk. Extend the opposite-side leg back. Make sure to actively press back through the heel to fully activate the core. Additionally, maintain a neutral cervical spine — aligned with the rest of the spine. Practice for a couple of breaths, and then switch sides — doing this pose with the other arm and the other 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