Tree Pose or what I call Heron pose is one of my favorites.
It centers you, balances you, & forces focus. 
After spinal cord injury (due to blunt force trauma) it was the pose I used frequently and naturally. 
The amount of force you place upon the Earth, is the same amount pushing back upon you.
When you have one leg raised this will lessen the force of gravity and therefor pressure upon oneself and one’s spine.
Photo-Pre spinal cord injury this pose in a tree. On One of my favorite Mountains. 
Post spinal cord injury-on the ground. 
The changes in my body are so noticeable for me and yet attempting to adjust each new day to bring forth the stillness necessary required for me to move forward in life.
I received my strength and joy through movement. 
It’s how I felt happy and beautiful. 
It’s how I dealt with my emotions and kept myself mentally strong and physically agile. 
Many variations of this pose exist for all levels of fitness.
Beginners-place one foot upon the opposite ankle, slightly above the earth-hold posture, leg of the raised foot should make a ‘ bow’ shape. If this is easy, gradually raise up to your knee. Hold posture with hands in prayer pose. Lightly gazing in front of you. Do not press against the knee with the foot.
Intermediate-repeat above direction or place foot on opposite leg near groin area of opposite leg. Hands in prayer pose. Gaze lightly ahead, breathing steady.
Advanced-try pose in a tree.
Don’t forget to raise your prayer hands into the air-separate your palms and open your arms to mimic the boughs of the tree.
Then bend to right and left to imitate breeze.
This will also work on balance and strengthen abdominals. Targeting obliques. 
Blue Herons are a bird I am particularly connected to.
They have been consistent companions of mine throughout life, finding me on a regular basis. 
They are a bird representing strength, stillness and agility.
Focus and power.
Be still. Be strength. Hone in on your power.
Pictures are taken with a 30 second timer camera, by me.
Tree pose- pre spinal cord injury-in a tree.
Tree post post spinal cord injury-home
My dog on my kayak and Blue Heron
Blue Heron
I pray you find stillness to move forward in your day and week.
~Katherine Lily Mae Harris