Warming the Heart:

February has settled in with a few snow storms and some chilling
winds.  In protecting our bodies against the weather we may find
ourselves curling into a ball, instinctually conserving body heat.
This manifests as a rounded upper back, a collapsed chest, and hunched
shoulders as we bury our faces in our coats and scarves.  The shorter
days of winter and lower temperatures encourage us to stay indoors,
turning our focus inwards.  This can be healing and rejuvenating, but
can also contribute to some seasonal sadness and lethargy.

In the perspective of yoga the physical action of collapsing the chest
puts a damper on the energetic heart center.  The heart center is
associated with emotional empowerment, inspiration, devotion, and of
course, love.  Opening up this space in the body can enhance our
compassion for ourselves and others as well as encourage us to
approach our lives with hope and inspiration in any season.

Practicing back-bending postures will open up space in the ribs and
front of the spine to better support the shoulders, neck and head.
These poses will also give more space to the heart and lungs to
operate more efficiently in oxygenating the blood and tissues.
Physical tension is released and the nervous system can relax.

Here are some yoga poses that will help open your chest and heart
center.  Try breathing through your heart, expanding the ribs with the
movement of the breath.  And remember to go only as deep as you feel
comfortable:

Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)

Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)


Suzy teaches Gentle Yoga every Wednesday at 10am.
Follow Suzy on Twitter: @jasmimyoga