Tree Pose Grounds Us in Yoga

It’s sweater weather!  With that comes all things pumpkin spice and breathing in the colors of the season.  Today was one of those rare days when the beautiful snow peaked mountains and Colorado blue sky served merely as a backdrop to the glorious red and orange tree leaves of fall.  “God’s country” is what people call this place and I can’t argue.  From the infamous yellow aspen to fiery flaming maple, I can’t help notice God’s joyful fingerprint on His creation through trees.
I feel the same observable joy when I see my first palm tree upon arriving on a tropical vacation.  I understand God’s generosity and provision for me when I encounter fruit baring trees; they seem to produce more food than what I comprehend as possible.  Once I stood in the presence of the great Redwoods of California and felt the sheer awesomeness of God.
In Frogpose yoga, one of the more practiced balancing poses is “tree pose” as it’s a great way to grow into equanimity, balance and sturdiness.   We work up to the pose once we have warmed up both the spine, legs and abdominal core.  From standing at the top of the mat, start by planting one leg as the firm foundation (such as the word of God), and then bend the knee of the other leg, set that free foot onto the standing leg.  Breath and balance.  And then try the other leg to make things equal. 
​ Whether you are new to stretching on a yoga mat or have many years under your belt, balancing poses can prove challenging.  Wobbles and wiggles are welcomed because we practice being present in God’s word, not being perfect.  Sometimes one leg feels easier to balance on than the other.  We don’t judge ourselves or those on the mat around us because we are single minded: to grow sturdy and strong in Christ.
Join us this week as we use breath, physical postures and a focus on God’s word about trees to learn more about healthfulness and faithfulness.  Together, in community, let’s come to an understanding that it’s the most flexible trees that withstand the strongest winds and life’s change of seasons.

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