Start in the mountain position, standing with the feet shoulder withed apart. Keep the arms down and relax.
Concentrate your gaze on a fixed point and shift your balance to your left leg.
Lift your right leg, place the right foot on the side of your left thigh, you can use your hands to help with this. If the foot does not go up to the thigh, then place it on the shin or ankle.
Inhale and lift your arms up over your head until the palms of the hands get together. Keep the concentration on the breathing and the solar plexus chakra, as this can help you with your balance.
Breathe normally and hold this position for about 30 seconds or until it is comfortable. To come out, exhale and bring the arms down then release the legs. Repeat it on the other side.
Variation of the tree pose with the leg in the half lotus position
Performed as the above pose, but placing the back of right foot in front of the left thigh.
The tree yoga posture helps to improve your balance and concentration, strengthens the arms and legs, opens the chest and helps to stretch the groins and inner thighs.
Hatha Yoga Postures: Sanskrit – English
Marcia has been practising yoga for over 20 years and has specialised in the Hatha and Ashtanga schools of yoga, although has also enjoyed learning other branches such as Iyengar. As well as yoga she practices meditation, and plays a wide range of sports, including badminton, cricket, cycling, and walking.