Tree Yoga School · Practice beside a tree
Sweetgum · About five minutes
One point in a changing scene.
Read once, then give your attention to the tree. Spend a few minutes, or less if that suits you.
Find a comfortable place.
Sit or stand on stable ground in a permitted place, keeping your usual supports. A bench, wheelchair, or accessible path is enough. Keep paths clear and let your breathing stay natural. There is no need to touch the tree.
Choose even ground
Sit or stand comfortably in a permitted place with clear footing. Avoid rolling seed heads underfoot. Keep living leaves and fruit attached.
Follow one outline
Choose a leaf, seed head, or branch you can see without strain. Follow one part of its outline with your eyes while breathing naturally.
Widen the frame
Include the branch, neighboring leaves, or surrounding space. Notice how the small detail belongs to a larger scene. Nothing needs to be solved.
Take one part forward
Think of a complicated task or change. Name one question or action small enough to approach today. Let the remaining parts wait while you finish your visit.
An optional five minutes
You can practice without a timer. Start it when you are ready to turn your attention to the tree.
5:00
Silent by default. Begin whenever you like.
Keep this page open for the closing sound. A locked screen or backgrounded browser may delay it; the time will catch up when you return.
When you are ready
What felt more manageable when you began with one part?
Reflect quietly, or write a sentence in your own notebook. Let the visit be enough.