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No. 02 · Balance

Tree Pose

Vṛkṣāsanaवृक्षासन

A single-leg balance that asks for soft focus rather than gritted effort.

Level
Foundational
Hold
20–40 seconds each side
Difficulty
Difficulty 2 of 5

General guidance only — work within a range that feels stable and pain-free.

Photograph · Balance

A person balancing on one leg in Tree Pose on a wooden pier beside a mountain lake
Vṛkṣāsana · वृक्षासनPhoto: GlacierNPS (Public domain)

How to practice

  1. 01

    From Mountain Pose, root the left foot and find a soft point to look at.

  2. 02

    Bend the right knee and place the sole on the inner calf or inner thigh.

  3. 03

    Bring the hands to the heart, or raise them overhead if balance is steady.

  4. 04

    Lengthen the tailbone down and the crown up; let the standing hip stay level.

  5. 05

    Release the foot down with control, then change sides.

Benefits

  • Develops balance and proprioception
  • Strengthens the standing leg and ankle
  • Opens the hip of the lifted leg
  • Trains concentration through a steady gaze

Breath

Steady, unforced breath. If the breath shortens, lower the arms or the foot.

Cautions

Variations

Toe on the floor
Rest the big toe on the floor for a gentler balance.
Eagle arms
Wrap the arms in front of the chest for a shoulder challenge.

The practice letter

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