Practicing Yin yoga is an effective way to unburden your heart. When you're feeling dragged down by emotions, creating space to tune into your body can bring you back into a state of flow. Yin is a slower, more introspective style of yoga where poses are held for longer periods of time. These three poses in particular will open up your heart meridian line and help you release any heavy energy that might be lingering there.
Anahatasana
Also known as down puppy or "melting heart pose." Keep the hips above the knees here and walk your hands forward. Gently sink the heart towards the mat. You can bring a blanket under the knees if you'd like some extra cushion. It may be nice to rest the forehead on the mat or a block. Stay with this pose for 3 to 5 minutes. Breathe into the heart space and think of your melting heart.
Matsyasana
Also known as fish pose, this pose becomes wonderfully restorative when you place a block or bolster between the shoulder blades and along the length of your spine. You can also place a block under the head for additional support. Allow the shoulders to drop down and the heart space to draw open. Stay for 3 to 5 minutes, inviting the breath to move freely through your body.
Supta Baddha Konasana
A beautiful pose that can be held for 5 minutes or more. I often offer this pose as an alternative to savasana because it so calming for the body and mind. Lying back onto a bolster or cushion, bring the soles of the feet together and allow the knees to bend and fall out to the sides. You can rest the arms down alongside you or draw them above the head to increase the flow of energy through the heart space. Breathe and rest here for as long as you like.
If you're curious about yin or would like to gift yourself more heart unburdening yin magic, I'm teaching a heart focused virtual practice at @barefootmovement next Wednesday at 7 PM PT.
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