Yoga · Beginner

Tree Pose (Vrikshasana)

Stand on one leg like a tall, quiet tree - balance for the body and focus for the mind.

  • Builds balance and steadiness
  • Strengthens legs and ankles
  • Trains focus - the mind follows the still gaze

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with your feet together and your weight even.
  2. Bring your palms together in front of your chest.
  3. Shift your weight to the left foot. Place the right foot on the inner left calf or thigh - never on the knee.
  4. Fix your gaze on one still point in front of you.
  5. If you feel steady, reach your arms overhead. Breathe slowly for 5 breaths.
  6. Lower the foot and arms gently, then repeat on the other side.
Go gently: Stand near a wall if balance is new to you. Keep the foot off the knee joint.
From the Vedic texts · Bhagavad Gita 6.13

The Gita asks the yogi to hold the body, head and neck straight and still, with a fixed gaze. Tree pose practises exactly that steadiness - while standing.

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This is general wellness information, not medical advice. Move slowly, never force a pose or a breath, and stop if you feel pain, dizziness or breathlessness. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart, lung or eye conditions, or recent surgery, ask your doctor before starting.