Tree Pose

The lofty oak from a small acorn grows.  ~Lewis Duncombe
 
If ever there was a multi sensory experience, a walk in the woods would have to be it. There is something so energizing and invigorating about the the woods, especially on a beautiful spring day.
 
The blue sky & fluffy clouds visible through the branches; the breeze wrapping around you as it moves through the leaves; The smell of moss and honeysuckle; and each individual tree has a graceful, unique type of quality-leaf shape, color, trunk size & contour, bark texture, root structure, that gives it a distinctive personality- that speaks to us if we are still enough to listen. In that way, the trees remind me of people, especially the children that I work with: some of  tall, some small, some with lots of branches reaching up, some with rough exteriors, some weaker, some constantly swaying, some still and quiet, all different sizes, colors and shapes, lending their uniqueness to a colorful and varied  landscape we call "Life".
 
Being an educator, it seems natural to me to try and imagine the original people-the Native Americans of the area, their children-and even the old yogis of long ago walking in the quiet of nature much like I did today. I can almost see them taking in the beautiful landscape, sitting with their breath and moving to be like nature.
 

Today, as I walked in the woods by a reservoir, I stood over the water on an elevated knoll in Tree Pose. It just seemed like a natural thing to do.
 
Most children take naturally to yoga . It is an exercise system that has been around for thousands of years & can be adapted to any age or ability, making it very accessible to any child who wants to try it. Whether an artist or an athlete, an "A" student or challenged, no special skills or equipment is needed, and all will benefit.

By playing, moving & "posing" like animals, or mountains, stars, trees & other natural objects, children can better understand their own outer & inner nature. In addition, they are making new friends, moving & exercising, growing, building healthy bodies and having an experience of naturally integrated senses while learning about & becoming more connected to the world around them. When this experience happens outdoors, it gives it a whole different depth & dimension.
Yoga also is a versatile activity that can be used by children (and grownups) to release frustrated pent-up energy, or to calm and relax before a test or bedtime. It helps build physical strength, character and confidence & can be done anytime, anywhere, indoors or outside. No special equipment is needed.

"Tree Pose" is a favorite for all children. It is simple, yet challenging and is a natural object they can all recognize & relate to.They like to imagine they are different kinds of trees, with roots holding them to the earth and branches & leaves swaying & blowing freely in the wind! (In my classes we do a Tree Warm up: trees to the left; trees to the right; tall trees, short trees, swaying trees, apple/banana/cherry trees, twisted trees and logs.)

Tree Pose stretches the entire body, strengthens ankles and legs and improves posture, lung capacity, concentration and balance. You can try these at home with your child or in the classroom with your students. The directions are written so that children can easily understand them.

You can also tell the children a "secret" to Tree Pose: If they are having trouble balancing, try to look at one object in the room or yard. When their eyes are still and focused, so is their body! (you can demonstrate this for them and illustrate the point of "focus" of the eyes, mind and body.) Have them pick a spot or item to look at as they practice being a tree.

(Tree  Pose can be easily adapted for children with sensory, proprioceptive limits or decreased range of motion, by allowing them to hold on to a wall, the back of a chair, a tree, or a buddy while they practice it.)

Also below is a link to a movement game to play outside and when you have some room to move around.(courtesy of Shari at Karma Kids Yoga)

Above all, remember that yoga is called a  "practice"... it is not called a "perfect" & it does not have to be! Children's yoga should be a fun exploration! Just watch your child experiment, play & remind yourself to do the same!


Tree Pose helps you by:
~Helps your body to have better balance
~Improves your posture: helps back and stomach muscles stay strong and helps you breathe better
~Lets your feet, legs and ankles stay stable & strong
~Helps you focus and think better
~Makes you feel Tall, Strong and confident!

• Stand up tall -(like a tree-) with both feet on the ground & under your hips.(Keep your back nice and straight-but not stiff!)
• Raise your arms up over your head and put your hands together
• Bring one foot up off the floor a little and on to your opposite ankle (or knee)
• Balance on the other foot & Stand up tall just like a tree!
• Take a big breath and say "Treeeeeee..."
• (Just think of how strong and beautiful a tree is! What kind of tree are you?)
• When your leg gets tired, you can change feet and balance on the other side.
• Now try the "Tree Pose" with your eyes closed!

Click Here to find directions to play "Forest of Trees"

Click Here for the Arbor Day Foundation


For more information on children's Yoga please visit:
   
S.M.Art Kids Adaptive Yoga®
 
 
 
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