The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now. ~Chinese Proverb
Arbor Day: (Arbor is Latin for Tree) is an annual event in countries all over the world that encourages people to get out, plant and care for trees.
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After you are done planting your trees, honor them with Vrksasana!
TREE POSE (vrksasana) is a standing posture that focuses on Balance, it stretches and strengthens calves, thighs and ankles.
Begin in Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
Allow all of your weight to sink into your right foot.
Begin to raise your left foot into kickstand, (left heel on the right ankle, left toes on the floor) or bring your left foot onto your right calf, or bring your left foot all the way up to your right thigh.
When you find your balance (concentrate your attention onto a stationary object),
Grow your Branches (arms) anyway you like:
Hands together in prayer position at heart center
Hands together over your head
Arms over your head in a ‘V’ position
Interlace your fingers and press your palms to the sky
Bring your elbows parallel to the floor (Palm Tree).
Repeat on the opposite side.
Want to make it more challenging? Try closing your eyes in balance poses.
Tree Pose Variations:
Swaying Palm Tree
Come to a Tree Pose
On your next exhale bend towards your bent knee and hold.
Repeat on opposite side
Twisted Tree 1
Come to a Tree Pose
Extend arms out in ‘T’ position at shoulder height.
Then, on your next exhale twist torso towards your bent knee. Hold
Repeat on opposite side
Twisted Tree 2
Come to a Tree Pose
Cross your arms into Eagle Arms (Bring your arms to shoulder height. Wrap your right arm under your left arm, elbows bent. Try to bring the palms of your hands together).
Repeat on opposite side with Left arm Under Right arm.
Tumbling Tree
Tumbling tree is basically Warrior III with a chest Expansion
From Tadasana, take a step forward with your left leg
Come onto your Right toes
Interlace your fingers behind your back
Slowly transition your weight onto your left foot
Begin to raise your right leg into the air
Full expression: Body is in ‘T’ position with arms raised into the air (fingers interlaced)
Repeat on opposite side
Tree Plank
Tree plank is a side plank with your top leg in Tree Pose
Begin in Down Dog
Roll onto the outside of your Right Foot
Raise your Left Arm into the air
Bend your Left Knee and place your Left Foot on your Right Calf or Thigh
Repeat on opposite side
Reclining Tree Pose
Corpse Pose
Bend Right knee, Right foot on the Floor
Exhale and open your Right Knee to the Right side
Hold for several breaths
Inhale Right knee to center
Switch Sides
Do you know of more Tree Pose Variations? Please share.
How to plant a tree, CLICK HERE.
Become an Arbor Day Foundation Member ($10) and receive 10 FREE TREES!
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
~Joyce Kilmer, “Trees,” 1914
More Calendar Theme Yoga Poses
See more POSE FOCUS posts HERE.
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January 4, 2012 at 10:57 am |
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