My mind was doing tree pose while my body sat on a mat

The hardest part is getting started

In 2010, as I sat quietly on my yoga mat, three months after my diagnosis and my doctor’s proclamation that this would be “as good as it gets”, all I could do was try to understand the words my teacher was saying. When she said “Tree Pose,” I watched the other students move into the posture. Then, an Ah-ha moment hit me — I knew Tree Pose.

So there I sat, eyes closed, breathing deeply, and in my mind, I became that tree. Not a small, fragile sapling — but a tall, strong tree, rooted firmly with the sole of my foot pressed high on my leg. And it felt absolutely wonderful.

I was doing yoga. To anyone watching, it may have looked like I was just sitting on my mat. But believe me, I was fully present, fully engaged — and my spirit was soaring.

This was the beginning of rebuilding the communication highway between my brain and my body. It was slow, steady work — like road construction — but every mile was worth it.

The hardest part is always starting. And it’s a journey only you can take, with your mind, body, and soul working together.

I encourage you to begin that journey. It may be long and challenging, but if I can do it, so can you!

Share the Light,

Christi

Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

1. Set Your Foundation
Stand tall. Let your arms rest by your sides, shoulders soft, crown of the head lifting toward the sky. Take a deep breath in… and exhale fully. Lift your toes to engage the four corners of your feet.

2. Shift Your Weight
Begin to shift your weight gently onto one foot. Keep the knee soft, not locked. Feel your foot spread wide, grounding through the heel, the ball, and the toes.

3. Lift the Opposite Foot
On your next inhale, draw your opposite foot up. You can place your toes on the mat with the heel against your ankle… or place the sole of the foot against your calf… or, if it feels steady, press it into your inner thigh. Avoid placing the foot directly on the knee.

4. Engage & Balance
Press your foot and leg firmly into each other — equal pressure both ways. Draw your belly button in slightly, lengthen your spine, and keep your hips facing forward.

5. Find Your Focus
Let your gaze rest softly on one unmoving point in front of you. Breathe deeply. Imagine your standing leg as the strong trunk of a tree, and your breath as the breeze moving through your branches.

7. Hold, Breathe and Smile :)
Stay here for 3–5 breaths. If you wobble, smile — that’s part of the practice. Feel the strength in your standing leg and the lift in your heart.

Whether your roots are planted in the floor or just in your imagination, grow your Tree Pose—standing tall or sitting still.