This past week we've celebrated the love of our bodies and have truly found that loving your body comes from within. Yoga is a wonderful, honest and humble way to show your inner self some love. We've asked one our of ambassadors, January Newland, to show us a few practices that will help open us up to self love. Coupled with ujjayi breath, these poses should help you with opening your heart to yourself and the world.
ustrasana, camel's pose
Camel's pose is known as a heart opening pose. Sometimes for those who are not open to love, self love or external, have difficulty getting into this pose because it can make you feel vulnerable. If you focus the energy in this pose toward a love for yourself it may become easier. The pose in general helps to relieve tension and stress.
Learn more about getting into camel's pose.
urdhva dhanurasana, wheel pose
Wheel pose is also great for opening your heart up as it helps to increase your energy, and counteracts depression. Breathe easily and stay grounded through your feet and hands, which should help you trust and be open, allowing you to open up your heart space.
Don't be discouraged if you are unable to accomplish this pose right away. Even attempting this posture without successful completion holds great benefits. Accept where you are with this pose every time you try it, and patience and acceptance itself will reflect inward.
Learn more about getting into wheel pose.
lotus mudra
Mudras in yoga are typically hand gestures that send energy throughout your body and an intention to your brain invoking an overall intended feeling and presence. Lotus Mudra belongs to the heart chakra, and is a commonly practiced when one is feeling lonely, misunderstood, or sad and in need of releasing tension.
Lotus Mudra can be practiced by placing both hands at your heart's center, and touching only the tips of your fingers and edges of the hands to each other. Sit and breathe easily focusing your attention inward. After a few breaths you really cannot help but reflect on all the beauty in your life.
You can use lotus mudra during seated meditation, or in an extension of a posture to open your heart up to change and light.
Find your breath, heart's center, and love your body everyday. Namaste.
