“There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance." -John Lennon
Imagine filling your heart so full of love for yourself and others that no space for fear exists! One of the most powerful aspects of yoga is the ability to create openings in your physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. The heart chakra is the seat of compassion, love, joy, and happiness.
This week, our focus is all about opening and nourishing your heart.
February 14th is known around the world as the day of love and it’s not just limited to romance. Documented celebrations as long ago as Roman times emphasize that the power of the heart justifies rejoicing. Our heart is the connection point where we are magnetically drawn to others. Love stems from our powerful fourth Chakra, the heart chakra, anahata.
The heart is a muscle and the more you exercise it, the stronger it will become. We’re not just talking about opening the external muscles either. Practicing compassion for those less fortunate than you, cultivating an attitude of gratitude for the blessings you have, and choosing to focus on the positive, will enlarge your capacity to love.
If you’ve been betrayed or hurt, sometimes you can close off your heart and become paralyzed with fear. We turn away from the kindness of others or the potential for connection because we’ve been metaphorically bloodied and bruised. When we discourage others to access the true beauty in our hearts, we only harm ourselves.
It’s vital to release pain and cultivate an outlook focused on forgiveness for a healthy and happy heart.
We cannot control the behavior of those around us, but we can control our reactions to life's circumstances. Through targeted practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation, we can strengthen our heart, while keeping it open to all the possibilities of love that surround us. Cultivate your self-love in order to operate at your highest vibration and live your fullest life. Love conquers fear, if you allow it to.
This week's four practices provide heart openers and heart nourishment, for your heart to be healthy, happy, and overflowing with love. Choose love. Choose happiness. Choose to shine bright.
1. Shy Sayar Therapeutic Alignment: Camel Pose
2. Mark Morford Absolution Flow : Wheel of Fire
3. Keith Allen Meditation: Heart Focused
4. Denelle Numis Yoga for Heartbreak