August 08 , Issue 23
Date: 01/08/08

 

This Month’s Posture Tree Pose - Vrksasana .... continued

 

Deepen the Pose

As with Tadasana, we can challenge our balance by practicing this pose with our eyes closed.  We should learn to balance without any reference to the outer environment, watching what arises within.  We should notice how the tiniest adjustment of our outer body is perceived in our inner body.  When we turn our focus inwards, practicing pratyahara, everything is greatly intensified.
As the hips open and the ankles become more flexible, we can practice bringing the foot in half lotus as opposed to against the inner thigh.
When we are centered in the core of our bodies, we experience a deep sense of equanimity, of rooted-ness and peace.

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   The Tree

The calm quiet strength of a tree
Anchored deep in the earth
Reaching high in the sky
The calm quiet strength of a tree
The calm quiet strength of a tree
Full of life from its roots
To the tiniest branch
The calm quiet strength of a tree
And oh, how it comforts me
How it teaches me
Without a sound
Then I realize at once
That this tree and I are one
In eternity
The calm quiet strength of a tree
From the weight of its trunk
To its delicate leaves
The calm quiet strength of a tree
The calm quiet strength of a tree
Showing anyone near
All the secrets of time
The calm quiet strength of a tree

Copyright 1994 Tom Splitt
Listen to The Tree
Robert Johnson, vocals
Tom Splitt, piano
(1.2mb MP3)
To receive a CD of the complete song,
contact tomsplitt@att.net".

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Advice from a Tree
By Ilan Shamir
Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots


Enjoy the view!

 
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