Think of a tree. What thoughts come to mind first?

I think of stability, strength, grounding, reaching for the sky, growth, expanding and a way to link heaven and earth. What did you think of?

Breathe deeply. Stand firm. And reach for the sky.

These are the feelings that I feel when I am in tree pose (a yoga pose) too.

When I feel a little in need of grounding and when I want to find that space of stability again, or just simply when I want to practice a little self-love, standing in tree brings me right back down to the earth and grounds me.

It’s no secret that I love trees and yes, I do have a special tree here (and there). When I take the time to connect to her energy and truly feel it, it grounds me like nothing else. When I can’t get to her or another tree, standing in tree has the exact same effect. My feet sink into the earth, my back straightens, my breathing slows and my arms reach for the heavens. This is the magic that yoga and being on my mat brings to my daily life.

I practiced tree pose long before I had a regular yoga practice. It was one of the first poses I taught myself. Wherever I was, I could stand on one leg in tree pose and calmly enjoy my surroundings. I have many an interesting travel photograph with me standing tall like a tree in some beautiful spot. I still do it in strange places and it is still one of my favourite yoga poses. 😉

So today, or anytime you next feel the need to ground yourself, take a minute or ten, breathe deeply and gently flow into tree. Then feel the earth supporting you as you reach for the heavens. Now you can do anything!

And if you have never tried tree pose, I challenge you to try it just once to see how it feels to you. (Remember to only do what your body allows you to do and what feels comfortable to you and your body. Do not push yourself, this is about gentle self-care.)

Breathe. Stand. And reach.

What helps you to be present, ground yourself and show yourself some self-love? Please share your tip here.

simply now, Delicia