Tree Pose

Where is the primary focus? Hips, Concentration, Balance

Where does the posture provide maximum benefits? Hips and Glutes

When and where can I feel the stretch? In the inner thigh of the bent knee. 

Why do this posture? It slows you down before savasana and increases concentration.

How can I improve?
The simplest explanation of Tree Pose is that it helps you open your hips for Lotus Pose. Good news – you never have to do Lotus Pose.

Balance and concentration are built into Tree Pose as much as anything else. Using your eyes to focus on one spot helps immensely. Using your toes to help adjust your balance rather than digging them into the floor will help as well. 

Your leg that is in the air is externally rotating and bending at the knee. This can put stress on your knee joint, which is okay as long as you pay attention to how it feels. You never need to feel pain in this pose. Go to the point of feeling the pressure, not past it. 

Bringing your hands together in prayer position look cool in this posture, but getting your lower body in a good position is more important. Keep your glutes engaged the entire time, keep your knee locked, and as long as it doesn’t hurt, gently push your knee back. Eventually, both your standing leg knee and the lifted one are in one line from the side, and as your hips and knee joint open more, then as your knees get closer and closer. 

Once your foot stays put on your inner thigh, you can bring the hand up that is holding your foot. Press your hands together and press your thumbs in your chest. Press your shoulders down and back, while you stretch your head up. 

As you do all the work with your upper body, keep your glutes engaged.