![]() ![]() These backbends bring the heart above the head. For a deeper backbend try Camel pose ( Ustrasana) or Upward Bow pose ( Urdhva Dhanurasana). Begin with gentle backbends such as Dog Tilt pose ( Svanasana), Cobra pose ( Bhujangasana), or Bridge pose ( Setu Bandhasana). Forward folds give your heart a chance to recharge and rest. Backbends energize and physically open, expand, and lift the heart. ![]() After any deep back-bending yoga pose, neutralize the spine with a simple twist and then counter with a forward folding pose. When practicing heart opening backbends, it is important to maintain balance by using counterposes. The mantra for the heart chakra is “yam” pronounced similar to “young” or in English, “I love.” If using “I love,” think “I” as you inhale and “love” as you exhale. As you grow comfortable with the mudra, use it with different poses throughout your practice. Use Anjali mudra at the beginning of practice while seated and in Mountain pose ( Tadasana). To practice Anjali mudra, bring the palms together at the heart and press the thumbs into the sternum. Incorporate mudras into your practice to energize the heart. MudrasĪ mudra is a gesture or seal that channels our life force. Again take note of any feelings that arise. Feel the chest rise and fall with your breath. Imagine you are breathing from the heart and into the heart. Breathe into the heartįocus your breath work on your heart. Then rest one or both hands on the heart. Lift the chest and open the shoulders to bring the heart to the front. Is your chest collapsed or lifted? If your chest is collapsed, you are physically protecting your heart. ![]() Sit in a comfortable seated position and check in with your posture. Thanks! Body Scanīegin your yoga or meditation practice with a body scan. It’s represented by the colors green and pink, the stones rose quartz and watermelon tourmaline, and essential oils of rose and jasmine. The heart chakra is located in the physical heart and governs love, kindness and compassion. Use colors, stones, and essential oils related to the heart chakra in your yoga practice space and on your body. Explore the following yoga practices to open your heart, cultivate gratitude and bring more love into your life: Set up your practice space Opening the heart teaches us to be humble, vulnerable, and lead with our hearts in both practice and life. Including backbends in your practice encourages an even deeper physical opening of the chest and heart center. They also elongate the spine release tension and stress from the neck, shoulders, and back create space for the lungs and deeper breaths and energize your practice, body, and mind. In addition to backbends, focusing on love and gratitude while practicing will open your emotional heart. How many times in yoga class have you been told to open your heart, lift your heart, or draw your heart forward? This is a very common cue indicating students should drop their shoulders away from their ears, lift their chest, and bend through the thoracic spine. ![]()
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