I am so grateful you are here as we explore this weeks Wednesday Wellness Reflection.
As I ponder our practice today the snow glistens on the tree branches and the sun is shining, nourishing the earth and the trees that take root upon her sacred ground. Personally I love the snow (for brief windows that is), gazing upon the magical white flakes – each so precious and so incredibly unique, hmmmm like each of us. I consider the winter as an invitation for a little deeper introspection, a time to cocoon so we are clear when the spring arrives.
Today I offer you the exploration of tree. Take a few moments to connect with your breath, feeling into the rhythm you arrive with – in this moment. Notice how you feel today, are there parts of you that need a little extra care? Take as much time as you need here, and then when you feel ready we’ll explore this powerful posture.
In Sanskrit tree pose is translated as Vrikshasana, Vriksha means “tree”. In this posture we explore balance, steady and rooted as we bring one foot against the lower leg or inner thigh of the other. Your arms may raise from prayer pose at the heart and slowly stretch over head just as the limbs of a tree stretch up towards the sunlight. You will wend your own way into your perfect tree today. Some days my tree is found lying on the ground covered in moss, somedays I embody a brilliant Charlie Brown Tree, and others I rise into my favorite majestic white pine.
As you approach your practice today, I suggest you also call on the support of a chair, a tree, or wall if you’re working with your balance, being gentle with wherever you are.
To come into tree feel your feet grounded, sensing your own roots traveling from the soles of your feet down deep into the earth. We steady ourselves on one leg, engaging the muscles so our trunk is strong – but our knee remains soft. Our opposite leg slowly lifts either resting toes on the ground with your heel against your lower leg or ankle, or perhaps it raises up from the ground resting against the inner aspect of your calf, or it may go even higher pressed against your inner thigh. We create stability by counter balancing our lifted leg and our sturdy trunk. As we find strength here, our hands come up to rest at heart center in prayer pose or they may lift up towards the sky, stretching your branches out exploring. Keep your gaze at a steady point, and don’t forget to breathe.
I offer you some reflections to ponder in tree pose:
Where are my roots, are they solid or just skimming the surface?
Have my roots spread? Do they continue to deepen?
When the wind blows do I stand tall, or am I blown out of the ground?
Where do my roots get their nourishment? Am I feeding my roots, or depriving them of that nourishment?
Which roots are mine, and where have my roots become tangled with something or someone else’s?
Am I willing to prune my tree, releasing that which stands in my way for optimal growth?
There is a lot of medicine in the tree. I recommend coming into the posture 2 times on each side if that resonates for you, stay focused on your roots, feel your breath, invite ease into your body as you stand strong.
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” —Dalai Lama
What are you grateful for today? Take some time, and feel your gratitude right in your heart, send it out into the world.
I am grateful for the trees; they provide shelter, oxygen to help nourish, homes for so many, medicine in it’s bark, needles, leaves, flowers and for all the bounty they offer us in numerous ways.
I am grateful for the history of my own roots, and all the rocks along the way.
With so much love from ME to YOU
Amber
A morning walks reflection