Find Your Forest in Yoga Tree Pose

Have you ever spent a weekend skiing in Steamboat and enjoying its famous deep Champagne powder?  There's nothing more thrilling than dropping into a snow laden forest to realize the awesomeness of God's beauty.  Get me off a groomed run not only in pursuit of a series of fresh tracks, but to feel my simple LOVE for the forest.  And, the rule of tree skiing is to always go with friend; use the buddy system for support and safety.

Before I sold real estate, I pursued Environmental Conservation.  I'll admit it. I am a tree-hugger at heart.  The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, is the mindful taking in of the sights, smells and sounds of the trees to reduce the overactive modern brain.  Two studies have shown that the forest reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and reduces blood pressure and increases the protein adiponectin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.  There's knowledge to gain by putting yourself in the middle of some trees.
One of the most beautiful yoga poses that we take as a community in Frog Pose Yoga is the Tree Pose.  Individually, we come to our mats with our unique shapes, strengths and struggles.  Collectively we rise in solidarity as a mighty forest as we enjoy the benefits of balancing on one foot, an opening of the hips, and lengthening of the spine.  

Are you the righteous oak, the cedar of Lebanon, a fruit baring tree and still trying to find your forest? Just like with tree skiing, don't go it alone!  Please plug into our loving non-judgmental community at Frog Pose Yoga.  Join us any Wednesday at noon for a beginner power flow class and establish new roots!

Genesis 2:9 - The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good an evil.

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