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ACTIVITY

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Be A Tree

Mindful MOvement

INTRODUCTION

The ‘Be A Tree’ practice promotes a multitude of physical and mental benefits. Practicing this pose helps to promote balance and strengthen the body – particularly the legs, ankles and core. The Tree Pose aids in enhancing mentality clarity through amplifying  focus and concentration while fostering feelings of grounding and centeredness.

Practice Time:

5-10 minutes

Prep Time:

1 minute for practice introduction

Mindfulness Skills:

Mindful eating, Gratitude, Observation & Awareness

Supplies:

 None, just open space!

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Stand up straight and take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This practice can also be done in a seated position if that is more comfortable to you – Seated in a chair or on the floor in a criss-cross position.

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When you are ready, find your balance using extended arms as support. Lift your non-dominant leg and place your foot on your standing leg. You can place it anywhere on your inner leg, avoiding the knee area – try to place your foot on your inner calf or inner thigh. 

  1. If you are seated in a chair, place the lower calf of your non-dominant leg on your resting leg. Keep the foot of your resting leg planted firmly on the floor. 
  2. You may also wish to practice the standing pose using a chair as support for your non-dominant leg.
  3. If you are seated on the floor, sit up straight follow the next instructions;
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When you have found your balance, bring your hands together at your chest or above your head.

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Breath through this pose. Engage your core for good balance. Do not worry if you lose your balance, simply regroup and try again! 

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See how long you can stay in this pose, being mindful to breathe as you hold your balance. 

Reflection Questions:

  1. Where was your attention focused during this practice?
  2. How do you feel? Did this practice energize or relax you? 
  3. How did you feel if you fell out of balance? Did you judge yourself or others? Why? 
  4. Did you enter and exit the pose slowly or fast? How did this affect your balance?