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"This feels so natural," says Hal Pruessner, inventor of Tree Yoga.

Studies link it to lower stress, greater flexibility and better overall health.

Now, there's a new twist that takes the ancient exercise of yoga to all new heights.

It's called "Tree Yoga."

"There's this joy of innocence of letting go, and being so free in that," explains Nicole Shaw, as she bends backward in a supportive sling from a large tree, "And being supported at the same time. It's childlike, it's joyous."

"It's a rush," adds Hal Pruessner as he dangles 30 feet off the ground. Pruessner invented tree yoga after climbing into an old oak one day and enjoying the strength he felt under his own limbs.

"When I got up in the tree, I thought, this feels so natural," explains Pruessner. He then began doing stretches and postures, his feet gripping the bark.

Using a specially designed parachute strength support sling, daring yogis like Pruessner can bend and stretch high up in a tree's branches. Many choose to hang low.

"I just feel like I'm a little possum upside down," explains one yogi, hanging upside down in a lotus position.

For those afraid of heights, they don't have to be in the tree to practice tree yoga. Many of the poses are just as strong and effective done close to the ground.

Those who do branch out from tradition say this more than a mind-body connection.

It's connecting to nature in an urban environment.

"For me, it's just about getting outdoors, feeling the sun, the breeze," explains Helen Stutchbury, as she stretched out in an inverted backbend. "I like to look up through the canopy of the trees. We don't do those things very often."

Some say tree yoga is insanely dangerous.

But those who do it say it is immensely peaceful and relaxing. A natural way to get high.

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com