A few months ago, I read an article that stayed with me. It talked about how trees are social creatures, that they communicate, support each other, and form intricate underground networks through fungi that resemble the neural networks in our brains. Isn’t that amazing?

They send out chemical signals to warn one another of danger. They share nutrients with struggling neighbors. They don’t hoard their resources. Instead, they cooperate, for the health of the entire forest.

And now, every time I guide students into Tree Pose, I see that article come to life.

Tree Pose, Vrikshasana, has long been one of my favorites. Not just because it strengthens our legs and core or improves balance and focus. But because it mirrors something deeper: the balance between individuality and interconnection. It reminds us that we don’t stand alone.

In class, I sometimes ask students to imagine they are a forest. Each person, a unique tree, some steady, some swaying, some just beginning to rise. And through this posture, we begin to feel the unseen roots that link us. We realize that when we are more stable in ourselves, we’re better able to support others. When we’re centered, we can offer nourishment, and shelter. We become part of something bigger.

That’s one of Tree Pose’s greatest teachings: find your inner stability, not just for yourself, but so you can be of service to your community.

When you learn how to stand tall in your own truth, you're better able to hold space for someone who's stumbling.
When you know how to ground through chaos, you become a calm presence for others.
When your own roots are strong, your branches can reach farther, and even offer fruit.

This is not a post about how to teach Tree posr but Here’s what I often remind students in the shape:

• Ground through your foot as if drawing strength from the earth.
• Keep your hips level, and gently lift the kneecap by engaging your quads.
• Engage your core gently, your trunk, your center.
• Let your gaze settle on a steady point, find your stillness in a windy day.
• And if you wobble (you will), stay kind. Trees sway too. It’s part of their strength.

But the truth is, it’s not about the shape. It’s about the message.

Tree Pose teaches us to be steady enough to lean on and humble enough to ask for help when we need it. It reminds us we’re all part of a greater ecosystem, and that healing is never just personal, it’s communal.

So the next time you stand in Tree Pose, imagine this: your roots reaching toward those around you, offering silent support. Your branches stretching skyward to share light. Your heart steady in the knowledge that you’re not alone, and you were never meant to be.

The forest thrives when every tree thrives.

May we learn to stand tall—not alone, but in deep connection. And may our growth nourish not just ourselves, but the whole forest.