Pose of the month - Vrksasana

Vrksasana (tree pose) - is another popular and iconic pose that helps to strengthen the legs and develop balance and stability in the body. It also requires and develops mental focus and alertness, and is suitable for all abilities and experience levels. 

This pose requires us to remain grounded through the standing leg, while growing tall through the spine and stretching the arms up towards the sky. 

Our "feet are like the root of a tree," the body is like the trunk and our arms are like the branches. In this pose we experience a balance between earth and sky - "our feet  on the earth and our head in the heavens," as BKS Iyengar says in Light on Yoga. 

Basic Instructions: from Tadasana (mountain pose), bring your weight  into the left foot\, lift and come onto the toes of the right foot. Lift the right foot up and bend the knee out to the right. Place the right foot to the inner, left thigh with the toes pointing down. Balance on your left leg - keeping it straight and steady. Bring the palms together at the chest, and extend the arms straight up over the head. Remain in the pose for 20 - 30 seconds. Lower the arms and right foot and repeat on the left side.  

Tips: stand near or with your back to the wall if you find balancing difficult. Hold the ankle/ foot or use a belt around the ankle if the foot does not stay up on the inner thigh.