Tree Yoga · The original pose reference
Tree Pose
See this pose in the original book ↗From the original book
The practice.
It wouldn’t be Tree Yoga if there wasn’t a Tree Pose. There are 2 primary setups for this pose. For the first, begin close to the tree — only a few inches away from the trunk. With the side body next to the tree, wrap the same-side arm around the trunk as you root down through the foot closest to the tree. Externally rotate the outside hip, and place the sole of the foot on the inside of the planted calf or thigh. Alternatively, you can keep the toes lightly touching the ground as you bring the heel to the ankle. Do not place the lifted foot on the knee. This puts the knee in a vulnerable position. The outside arm can be relaxed down, or extended up. The second setup for this pose is exactly the same as the first, only you are not wrapping the arm around the trunk. Instead, the hand is planted on the tree. Thus, you want to start slightly farther away from the trunk. Practice for several breaths on each side.
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