Are you finding yourself sitting more than usual these days? Coupling our new behavior with the shield many of us have created around our heart-space from years of challenging or emotionally damaging experiences, and you might find your neck, shoulders, and especially chest unusually sore.
When the heart area is imbalanced, we can be angry, jealous, sad, and un-trusting. When this region is balanced, we are filled with love, compassion, and self-acceptance.
Through postures that extend, expand, lift, and add more space to the chest, we begin to remove some of the tension in the tissues and encourage more circulation of blood, oxygen, and life-force through the area.
The benefits are numerous, but a few reasons to open your chest and the heart area include:
Reverses Bad Posture
Support a Healthy Spine
Improves Breathing
Opens up Rib Cage
Clears Out Old Emotions
One of my favorite heart openers can also be used in a restorative or meditation session. There are many ways to come into a reclined heart opener. Think about keeping the spine straight (in its natural curve).
If you have blocks, you can place one under your shoulder blades and one under your head at the medium height. Arms can be out to the side palms face ups or place hands on your heart. Follow your breath or repeat a mantra.
Option: Remove the block from under the head to open through the throat and reverse “text neck”.
You can also use a rolled-up blanket under a pillow. Very relaxing. Arms can be out to the side; palms face up or place on the belly.
Option: The feet can also be placed on the floor, wide, with the knees falling towards one another. This is a great option if the low back is sore.
Practice this pose alone or use it to end your home practice. Stay in the pose for 5-7 minutes. After being in the pose, sit comfortably and quiet for several minutes, acknowledging the time you’ve spent opening the heart. Notice any changes to the body, any thoughts, and feelings that have surfaced.
Bring your hands to your heart, Namaste.