Treasure

To TREASURE is to regard or treat as precious, to cherish. What do you treasure? Fresh air and outdoor activities? A happy home? Good health? Positive energy? Friends? Clean water? Take a few moments every day to reflect on what is important - truly important - to you. Your gratitude time might be when you are making your to do list for the day or as you sit quietly at night before heading to bed. It might be when you take a walk or do your morning meditation. Whenever it is, make it a consistent practice to give thanks, to truly appreciate and completely cherish what you have in your life...to treasure all that is wonderful.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, Arizona

"I treasure my energy & enthusiasm."

Yoga Pose: Tree Pose Vrikasana

Treasure this balance pose that offers so many variations. Feeling less stable today? Place your raised foot lower on the standing leg. Feeling balanced and sure of yourself? Place the raised foot high on the standing leg thigh. Strike this pose whenever and wherever you feel the need. In front of an old oak tree is just perfect.

Foundation. Start in Tadasana - Mountain Pose. Set your intention.

Stance. Shift your weight into your right leg, maintaining a strong foundation through the right foot. Keep your right leg straight without locking your knee.

Legs. Lift your left foot up and place the sole of the foot against the inner side of the right leg. Use your hands if necessary to place it where you want it. Keep the left knee pointed out to the left side.

Torso. Lengthen the spine. Relax the shoulders.

Arms. Allow your arms to float up and stretch your fingertips the reach the sky or place your hands in Anjali Mudra (prayer). Treasure this moment of balance.

Gaze. Soften your jaw and eyes. Keep your head in a neutral position. Smile.

Timing. Stay balanced for several breaths. Exhale to come out of the pose and return to Tadasana.

B R E A T H E

[Repeat on the other side]