admin Valentine’s Day is all about love. Traditionally characterized by roses, chocolates, and cards, it is a day to celebrate gratitude and compassion toward yourself and others.
A compassionate, grounded practice is based on an open heart. The physical heart organ and the Anahata chakra are located in your chest. This area of your body can help you to breathe more deeply, stand up taller, and be more open and compassionate towards yourself and others.
Sphinx
Salamba Bhujangasana opens the chest, shoulders, and spine. This pose is good for your lower back and opens up the chest and shoulders. Hold this pose for up to 5 minutes to prepare yourself for deeper backbends.
Reclined Cobbler Pose
Slowing down is sometimes necessary to show compassion towards yourself. Supta Baddha konasana, a restorative posture that promotes circulation and opens your hips and chest, is a pose to restore. This pose prepares the body to perform hip and chest openers while lying on your back.
Bridge with Clasped hands
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana cultivates focus by strengthening the core and lower body. Open the chest by gently bringing the shoulder blades together and clasping the hands. As you inhale, gently press the forearms and hands together to lift the chest. Hold the pose and gently tuck your chin into the bin.
Camel
Ustrasana opens the chest by stretching the front of the body. Listen to your body and either place the hands at the lower back as support or reach backward to explore a backbend and open up the chest. Relax and breathe.
Warrior II
Virabhadrasana I II improves concentration and opens the hips and chest. This pose also helps you connect to your breath and improves breathing. Take your time to explore the pose. It will make you feel more powerful.
Warrior III Cactus Arms
Virabhadrasana 3 is a pose for intermediates that improves balance, concentration, and strength of the whole body. By bending your elbows and gently reaching toward each of the shoulder blades of the body, you can add a variation called “cactus arms.”
Goddess Pose
Utkata konasana opens the chest and strengthens the lower back while stimulating the respiratory system. This powerful pose allows you to connect with your breathing and boost confidence.
Half Moon
To enter Ardha Chandrasana and find your balance, you need confidence and courage. In this pose, the primary focus is usually on opening the hips and strengthening the lower body. Consider shifting your guide to the hands. Reach the bottom hand towards the ground and the top arm upwards while gently touching the fingertips.
Sugarcane Pose
Ardha Chandrachapasana is a variation of Half Moon Pose that introduces a chest opener and backbend. Bend the top knee in Half Moon and bring the heel toward the back. Reach the full hand towards the back foot and kick outward using your balance and concentration.
This pose challenges your balance while opening the chest and hips. Finding the balance “sweet spot” where you feel challenged and strong is key.
It is important to open your heart. This will benefit both the mind and body. Yoga can improve your circulation and, your body and open your heart holistically to be compassionate towards yourself and others, both on and off your mat.
