how do you fall out of tree pose?
How do you fall when you are in tree pose? Silly question? Actually, it is a very important question.
Picture this. You are in a yoga class and you are balancing in tree pose. You are steady, strong and then you lose your balance. What thoughts go through your mind?
“Why am I falling again!!” or “I am so clumsy!!” or “I wish I was stronger!!”
or do you think……
“It happens. I can always get back into the pose.” or “I think I balanced longer than last time.” Or are you so present in the moment you just observe it without judgement?
Do you get angry with yourself, feed your mind negative thoughts and let your blood pressure rise? Or do you witness the experience patiently, calmly and try again.
This is why yoga is so amazing. While you are moving your body to keep it healthy you are cultivating mind skills like patience, focus and kindness that make you even more fabulous than you already are!
The ancient yoga text Yoga Sutra 1.2 Patanjali lays out the definition and purpose of yoga. Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah: yoga is the cessation of the modifications, or fluctuations, of the mind. This is the purpose of yoga. Not a perfect tree pose. It’s about where your mind goes when you are in tree pose and modifying the thoughts to quiet the mind and be present in this very moment.
Come to my class this week and fall in tree pose! Practice how you want to show up in the world when things don’t go your way.
If these times don’t work for you that’s ok. We can send you a recording of the class to do at your leisure. Just let us know you need the recording.REGISTER FOR CLASS HERE. (Classes are held via zoom.)
If a group class is not for you I also offer PRIVATE and SEMI-PRIVATE yoga. These are great options for those with a limited schedule or if you want more personalized instruction. To inquire about these options email me at carlatanz@gmail.com or text/call me at 646-301-1363.
