Vrksasana. Tree pose. One of the most easily recognised and familiar yoga asanas. Simple to explain. But not easy to hold. Because it’s all about balance. And balance is never easy.
Balance demands an increased body awareness. There’s a precision to it. A fine tuning of alignment. It slows everything right down.
Prepare. Plant the standing foot. Sense the contact. Spread the weight evenly. Experience the ‘groundedness’.
How is your balance?
Think of yourself as a tree and your standing leg as a trunk. With roots reaching deep down below the surface. Grounded in the earth beneath your feet. You’re standing on a firm foundation. Stability and strength flow up through every point of contact. Building everything from the ground up.
Only then can you close your eyes. Only then can you sway with confidence and know you will not fall over. You are rooted. The wind can blow and the storms may come, but you can stand firm.
Natarajasana. Dancer’s pose. A graceful asana that demands a great deal of balance. It looks effortlessly beautiful, but you are working. Balance is one of the most overlooked and under-rated elements of fitness. You dig deep and draw on stamina and determination. There’s a consciousness that’s required. Every tiny movement is amplified. Muscles are strengthened.
How is your balance?
You may need support to start with, but balance improves with practice.
Find a point of focus to help you avoid distractions and maintain stability.
And then breathe. Don’t forget to breathe. Breath powers the balance. Calmness is key. Breathing focuses the mind and body.
And of course, you get it wrong sometimes. Sometimes you lose your balance. Sometimes you wobble. Sometimes you fall. Sometimes you fail.
Which is true on and off the mat.
Just think about it. When you come to your yoga practice after a tough, stressful day, physical balance doesn’t come easy, does it? You find it hard to focus. You’re all over the place, physically, mentally and emotionally. You’re easily frustrated. Easily distracted. Easily defeated.
But as you breathe and begin to find a sense of calm, you centre yourself. Your body, mind and spirit start to find alignment on the mat. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself. It will come.
And as your body starts to find a balance, let this balance spread across your whole life. Because balance is key.
Consider work and rest… How is your balance?
Maintaining a balance is never easy.
Consider healthy eating and indulging in treats… How is your balance?
Balance demands an increased body awareness.
Consider family and friends… How is your balance?
You need roots reaching deep below the surface.
Consider helping others and time for yourself… How is your balance?
You need to stay grounded.
Consider being active and being still… How is your balance?
Balance takes stamina and determination.
Consider giving love and receiving love… How is your balance?
You may need support to start with.
Consider being available and creating boundaries… How is your balance?
Balance improves with practice.
Consider the things you enjoy and the things you have to do… How is your balance?
Avoid those distractions that make you lose your focus.
Consider being sociable and being alone… How is your balance?
Keep calm and breathe.
Consider pushing yourself and enjoying the ride… How is your balance?
Balance is key.
And remember, just as in Vrksasana and Natarajasana, you’ll get it wrong sometimes. Sometimes you’ll lose your balance. Sometimes you’ll wobble. Sometimes you’ll fall. Sometimes you’ll fail.
At those times, on and off the mat, be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself.
Balance will come.