How I did it: My yoga teacher says that yoga is about linking the body and breath and stilling the mind ... NOT about performance. Now that I'm becoming a yoga teacher myself, I completely understand that sentiment.

But I have secretly harbored this goal for lo these many months. I have succeeded in being able to stand in tree pose and sway with the breeze for a minute-plus, on each side.

Now, I am going to practice some nonattachment and put this goal to rest. Truly doing yoga is not about being goal-oriented. It is very hard to let go of judgment: I did this pose well today, I didn't do that one so well. But letting go of judgment is essential.

Lessons & tips: I found it easier to balance with the bent leg turned out 90 degrees.

I also found it easier to balance with my arms overhead rather than holding my hands at heart center.

Everyone is different, so you have to experiment to find the way into the pose that is right for you.

Relax.

Steadiness and ease....

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Sep 25, 2009, 09:47AM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers