Heart-Opening Yoga to Enlighten Hridayam

February is a sacred time to honor and nurture our relationship with the Spiritual Heart, also known as Hridayam in Vedic philosophy. There are many ways to foster a deeper connection with Hridayam, for example, engaging in dinacharya (daily Ayurvedic self-care routines), dedicating to meditation and/or actively listening to those around you with openness, empathy and love. One of our favorite ways to align with Hridayam is through the practice of yoga.

Today we share 3 gentle yet effective heart-opening yoga asanas(postures) that will deepen your connection with the Spiritual Heart. The three notable postures are Sphinx (Salamba Bhujangasana), Seal (Bhujangasana variation) and Restorative Fish (Salamba Matsyasana). Sphinx pose gently opens the chest and promotes self-reflection, while Seal pose builds on this by deepening the heart opening and encouraging vulnerability. Incorporating Restorative Fish pose into your practice can help release tensions around the heart and cultivate a sense of compassion towards oneself and others. By integrating these postures mindfully into your yoga routine, you can enhance your connection with Hridayam and nurture a greater sense of emotional health and wellness. 

Hridayam, pronounced "hri-da-yam" in Sanskrit, means "the dwelling place of the Self." The translation is derived from breaking down the word into its components: "hridi," which denotes “in the region of the heart,” and "ayam," representing "this one” and/or “the Self." Together, these elements convey the deep essence of the concept - that the Heart is not just a physical organ but also symbolizes the core of one's existence, the seat of consciousness and the sacred abode where the true self resides. In yoga practice, Hridayam denotes the energetic focal point located at the heart chakra (Anahata), believed to be the source of love, compassion and emotional restoration. By tapping into Hridayam's energy, we can unlock more love, connectivity and awareness in our lives. 

1. Emotional Healing: Heart-opening yoga postures can help release stored emotions and amplify feelings of love and compassion.

2. Physical Health: These poses enhance posture, boost spinal flexibility and alleviate tension in the chest and shoulders.

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3. Energetic Link: Through heart-opening postures, we can tap into Anahata, or the Heart Chakra, and reinforce our connection to Hridayam. Ultimately, this can provide balance, harmony and unity in our lives.

Sphinx, also known as Salamba Bhujangasana, offers a myriad of benefits, including strengthening Hridayam. By engaging in this gentle backbend, the thoracic spine is stimulated, improving posture, increasing flexibility and alleviating tension in the back and shoulders. Additionally, Sphinx helps open up the chest, allowing for deeper and fuller breaths, which can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. Incorporating this asana into your regular yoga routine can contribute to improved heart health and a greater sense of well-being. 

Start by lying on your belly with elbows directly under your shoulders and forearms on the mat. Fan out the fingers and gently press the palms down. Keep the chin parallel with the earth, lift your chest and direct your gaze forward. Take between 3-10 breaths in this posture, enjoying the length through the spine and the openness through the heart center. 

Seal pose, also known as a variation of Bhujangasana, is a more advanced version of sphinx that contributes to overall physical and mental health. This yoga pose helps strengthen the heart by stretching and toning the muscles around the chest and upper back. By practicing Seal regularly, one can improve circulation to the heart, enhance cardiovascular health and promote a stronger connection to the Spiritual Heart (Hridayam). Further, this pose can increase flexibility in the spine, alleviate back pain and stimulate the abdominal organs, leading to improved digestion. Including Seal in your practice can be a valuable asset in cultivating a healthy and resilient mind-body connection.

Begin in Sphinx pose, then press into your palms and lift your elbows, chest and upper body up and away from the floor while keeping your hips and lower body rooted to the earth below you. Engage your core muscles and relax your shoulders away from your ears, elongating your neck. Hold the pose for several breaths, focusing on opening the heart and stretching the spine. Remember to listen to your body and only go as far as you are comfortable in this position. 

Restorative Fish pose, also known as Salamba Matsyasana, is a mild heart opener that enables profound relaxation and renewal. By opening up the chest and shoulders with the support of blocks, this posture allows for deeper breathing and relaxation, thus promoting a sense of calm. As the chest expands and the heart lifts, you may experience a greater sense of openness and emotional release, fostering a stronger bond with Hridayam. This asana provides a gentle yet profound way to nurture both the physical and emotional aspects of the Heart center, leading to a more balanced and centered state of being.

Lie on your back and place a block at its lowest position under your shoulder blades and another block vertically under your head, at the occipital ridge. Allow your legs to be straight and completely relaxed. Rest your arms by your sides, close your eyes and concentrate on deepening your breath and opening your heart. Stay in this position for anywhere from 1 to 20 minutes. 

We hope this post gives you insight on how to strengthen your connection with your Heart center (Hridayam) each day through your yoga practice. As outlined, postures like Sphinx, Seal and Restorative Fish help to create space in the chest, release tension and create a deeper connection to your emotions and the energy of the Heart. Please stay tuned for more ways to connect with Hridayam this month as we explore additional techniques to nurture and strengthen this essential aspect of your being.

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