Valentine's Day: Open Your Heart with Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

It’s so easy to close our hearts, both emotionally and physically. (Are they really that separate?)  Every day we are bombarded with negative messages.  Intolerance and greed seem to permeate the political and psychic landscape.  Most days it seems like all the news is bad news and sad news. 

Yet amid it all, love prevails.  The sun still shines, the birds still sing, and people are often kind to one another.  There are many yoga poses that help us tune into what’s beautiful by physically opening the heart area.  One of the classics is Camel Pose. This pose feels so good because it counters the tendency to hunch forward.   By opening the intercostal muscles of the chest – in other words stretching apart the bones in the upper front rib cage – you can positively affect your perception.  Add an affirmation, such as “I love and approve of myself” or “I am open to love” to create a love feedback loop in your mind.

To practice Camel Pose (Ustrasana), begin in one of three ways: kneeling, standing or even sitting in a chair, which is a great way to take a micro-break at work.  Align your feet, hips and ankles.  If seated, keep your feet flat on the ground under your knees.  If kneeling, your toes can be tucked or untucked.

Support your lower back with your hands.  Place your palms on the small of your back with your fingers facing downward or upward.  If seated you can grab the sides of your chair for leverage.  Inhale and lift your chest upward.  Tuck your chin or tilt your head back.  Press your hands on your lower back for support.  If you’re standing up, flex the thighs toward the back.  Keep your hips over your knees.  

If you’re kneeling, release your hands and reach toward your feet.  Grab your heels if available, but keep lifting your chest skyward.  Lift your chest with each inhale as you breathe slowly in and out.  Speak your affirmation and allow your heart to open to all the beautiful things in the world. 

After 5-10 deliberate breaths, tuck your chin and come out of the pose the same way you came in.  Press your palms into your lower back for support and come back up slowly. 

P.S. If you like teddy bears, you won't want to miss today's special.  VALENTINE'S DAY ONLY!