Balancing in Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) for 60+ seconds brings noticeable muscle fatigue to my ankle, but there’s more to this iconic yoga posture than physical benefits – it provides insights through stillness.

As I attempt to balance, I find myself reflecting: Is one leg stronger? Can I relax? Where should I focus my gaze?

For beginners, resting the toes of the bent leg on the floor can provide extra stability and serve as an introduction to the pose. However, with most of the body weight on the standing leg, the ankle begins making countless micro-adjustments to maintain balance. Proprioceptive feedback also kicks in – a skill when nurtured with regular practice, can enhance stability as we age and our agility and reaction times naturally decline.

Today, the insight I noticed most was the weakness in my right ankle. It reminded me that with consistent practice, I can strengthen it with calm and focus.