Jane Hirshfield - Iyengar Sunday Fun, Sept 13

For my first Ever Joyful Yoga class, I chose to focus on humble Tree Pose (Vrksasana). Despite being one of the first asanas we learn in the Iyengar tradition, for many it remains challenging. Stability in particular, is elusive. Vrksasana has always been a favorite of mine, I believe that it’s component parts prepare us for many, many other asanas. Its overall essence, balancing between grounded roots and open sky, is beautiful and a little mysterious. Jane’s poem is the same.

Tree

It is foolish

to let a young redwood

grow next to a house.

Even in this

one lifetime,

you will have to choose.

That great calm being,

this clutter of soup pots and books—

Already the first branch-tips brush at the window.

Softly, calmly, immensity taps at your life.