MIND

BALANCE

Parkinsonia florida | Palo Verde | Ko' Okma Ki

 Activities in the roots must be balanced with those in the canopy, where photosynthesis occurs. Excessive or incorrect pruning disrupts the balance between organs effectively starving the roots and weakening the canopy. If the tree canopy is properly cared for, the leaves and shoots produce sugars and hormones that feed and direct the roots to expand and grow.

The roots then return the favor by delivering water, minerals, and hormones that promote canopy health. Palo verde roots mine the soil for minerals and nutrients that feed the canopy, producing flowers that are edible and seed pods that can be ground into nutritious flour.

Wellness Experience

Palo Verde

 Looking at the Palo Verde is a reminder of balance. Balance is a combination of resilience, compensation, and deep rooted strength. Take a moment to find your own balance by adopting the Tree Pose. The Tree Pose is the basic ready stance in many forms of martial arts. This stance roots us much like a tree.

To adopt the tree pose, place your feet shoulder width apart, toes open at 45 degrees. Allow for a slight bend in your knees. Now tuck your pelvis ever so slightly, up and forward. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides and let your shoulders relax downward. Lift your chin so that your head feels like it is in a neutral position and faced forward.

You are now in tree pose, just like the Palo Verde. Notice how strong and rooted you feel in this pose. Remain in this position as long as you like.