I read an article months ago where an ecologist discovered that trees are "social creatures" that communicate and cooperate, offering valuable lessons for humans. Trees are linked by an underground network of fungi, resembling neural networks in the brain. They share critical information for the health of the entire forest, warning each other of danger and sharing nutrients to stay healthy. When my students perform Tree pose, or Vrikshasana, I like thinking of them as a forest, feeling interconnected and understanding that helping each other benefits the whole community and the world.

Tree pose has, of course, physical benefits. It improves balance and coordination, strengthens the legs, core, and back, and enhances focus and concentration. It can help with postural alignment and provides a gentle stretch to the inner thighs and groin. But yoga always goes beyond the physical aspect . Yoga is a practice rich in symbolisms which enrich the practice by offering deeper philosophical and spiritual dimensions, encouraging practitioners to embody not only physical postures but also virtues and qualities inspired by each posture.

When we practice tree pose, we create a sense of community within ourselves and with others. Tree pose connects us with the power of nature, and trees, offering balance, stability, and energy to center our minds, helping us stay flexible and strong so that we might wobble while we walk through the storms of life but we don't break. Finding a perfect shape of the posture doesn't really matter; what matters is feeling its message, experiencing being part of something bigger, and knowing we're not alone. We are supported and loved. The goal is just finding a forest where we belong, where we can stay open and vulnerable to ask for help and we are willing to support other beings and be fully present for ourselves and others.

Tree pose is more than just a balance exercise; it's a powerful symbol of belonging and unity. As you stand firmly rooted, you embody the duality of life—the interplay of yin and yang, light and dark, ground and sky. These opposing forces are not in conflict but rather work together to maintain balance and harmony.

In tree pose, you can feel the grounding energy from the earth and the uplifting force as you reach towards the sky. This duality teaches us that both forces are essential and beneficial. The journey is not about choosing one side over the other but learning to move freely and comfortably between them.

While the shape doesn't matter, as you meet each posture in yoga as you are, I have some tips for performing Tree Pose in a way that is more functional:
‍
- Keep your hips level.
- Ground down by spreading your toes and pressing your foot evenly.
- Reach up through your belly, engaging your core, sternum, and the crown of your head.
- Keep the knee of your standing leg soft; don't lock it, especially if hypermobile.
- Fix your gaze on an unmoving point in front of you or on the floor.
- Engage the muscles of your leg, hips, and glutes.

Tree pose is, for me, one of the most powerful and meaningful poses in yoga. It embodies the essence of community we aim to cultivate through our practice and connect us to a greater whole, inviting us to embrace the duality of life. So next time you find yourself in tree pose, take a moment to appreciate the connection you have with the earth beneath you and the sky above. Embrace the balance, the support, and the sense of community that this pose brings.

‍