Emphasis
The emphasis in Tree Pose is maintaining your equilibrium ¨C which can sometimes be easier than others.
Remember to gently focus your gaze on a spot a few feet in front of you to help your balance.
On days when you can¡¯t seem to keep your balance, don¡¯t be discouraged. Often factors beyond your control, like subconscious thoughts and difficulties during your day, may just have you ¡°off¡± balance. Try again another day ¨C never force the posture.
Benefit
Dancer pose not only helps improve your balance, but also improves concentration and posture.
Keeping your mind focused on the task of holding the pose is essential to remaining balanced. Don?t let your thoughts begin to wander or you?ll find yourself swaying and unable to maintain the pose.
Over time, you?ll find that concentrating becomes effortless.
Hint for Keeping Balance
The best way to keep your balance is to look at a spot a few feet in front of you. It can be a mark on the floor or wall, anything as long as it?s something that doesn?t move.
Don?t stare at it, just softly focus your gaze on the spot. Stay focused on the spot while you move into the pose and as you continue to hold it.
You can use this technique for any balancing pose. I find it particularly helpful when I?m in a group class because I?m not distracted by others around me who are not able to remain balanced.