Balancing poses strengthen the core of the body and focus the mind. For tree pose, begin in tadasana and shift your weight onto the left foot.

Lift your toes and plant that foot into the ground. Draw your right knee up toward your chest and place the sole of your right foot on the left inner thigh. Draw your tailbone down to keep the core of your abdomen engaged.

In balancing poses there is a constant back and forth, so press into the leg with your foot as you press the leg back into the foot.

Draw your hands into anjali mudra, or prayer position at your heart, and focus the eyes on one point--it could be a speck on the wall or a book on a shelf.

Keep breathing, and remember that a tree blows in the wind, so keep your body fluid.

Try to come out of the pose with control, and switch sides.