The Tree Pose.

Observing Nature, ancient yogis developed asanas, or yoga poses, that mimicked animals, plants, and minerals with qualities they wanted to embody.

What would it be like to meet each day more present, grounded, open-hearted, balanced, and confident, no matter how challenging or ordinary the day seems? Our value as a friend, lover, parent, co-worker, or co-creator depends on these qualities: There is one asana, Vrksasana or Tree Pose, which can help us claim them all.

Consider a tree. Its roots grow deeply into the earth, making it incredibly grounded. That quality of grounding enables the tree to stand tall. Unambiguous. Firmly rooted, yet rising up into the sky, expressing itself through a strong trunk with unique branches and leaves.

Go outside. Walk until you are drawn to one particular tree. Stand or sit and look at it until you really see it. You will notice that even if its leaves are gone, there is a quality of deep presence in that tree that you may have overlooked at first. Most of us do. But when you really see the tree, you will experience a quality of sentience in that tree that would be harder to find in some humans.

Stand in front of the tree, get quiet, and let the tree teach you and inspire you. Move into tree pose. Experience that you too, can send your roots deeply into the earth for nourishment and grounding. You too, with steady, deep breath, can draw earth nutrients up through your roots, feeding your trunk, branches, and every part of you. Spread your branches out and feel how the reach of the arras opens your heart.

Re-create yourself. The ancients saw trees and humans to be vital links between heaven and earth. There is one Love, one Presence, one Power that is living through and as this tree. It's also living you. Feel your roots. Stand tall. With regular practice, these qualities will increase your inner radiance and empower you to give your gifts to a world that needs them.

Vrksasana, Tree Pose

Grounding. Tones legs. Opens hips, chest, shoulders. Improves mind-body integration, confidence, balance and poise. If unsure about the appropriateness of this pose for you, ask a physician or qualified yoga teacher.

1) Stand tall. Spreading your toes, send your roots down your left leg, into the earth.

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2a) Bend your right knee and press the sole of your right foot into your left leg. Avoid the left knee joint. Pressing the foot and the leg into each other, draw your right knee back, opening the hip and groin, but keep the pelvis facing forward. To assist balance, imagine that both of your legs are your root system, and that everything up to the top of your pelvis is underground. Gaze at a tree, or a spot on the floor or ground in front of you.

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2b) If your range of motion is restricted, place your right foot lower on your left leg.

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3) It's okay to sway. Trees sway. But if balance is a problem, stand with your right knee just touching the walL Or lightly touch the wall as needed.

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4) Hold your hands in prayer position at the chest, or extend your arras up and feel yourself, like a tree, growing in all directions. Gaze up. Breathe deeply.

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5) Stand in Mountain Pose, and feel how grounded you are. Repeat on other side.

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6) Brace yourself on the wall or with a chair if needed.

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Graham Fowler owns Atlanta's Peachtree Yoga Center, certifies new teachers, leads retreats, and, rumored to be slightly brain-damaged, talks to trees every chance he gets. He can be reached at 404-847-9642. Email [e-mail].