The Path to an Open Heart is Through Solid Foundations

Please enjoy this entry from our guest blogger, Derrick. He is currently taking yoga teacher training with the Maritime Yoga College.

Week 8 - March 8th:

During the Maritime Yoga teacher training this past weekend we explored some back-beding asanas. Back bends encourage the chest to lift, expand and broaden across - effectively 'opening the heart'. During back bends the front body stretches as the muscles of the back strengthen and the internal organs are massaged by the movement of the body, which enriches the circulation of blood. Energetically, back bends bring awareness to the heart and create a sense of freedom from fear by cultivating courage and acceptance. 

We also had the opportunity to partner-up and assist in the 'lifting' sensation of the backbend, allowing our partner in the asana to experience a sense of lightness as they lifted their chest, thanks to the support of us holding them. This provided the opportunity for us as teachers in training to not only to explore greater potential in our back-bending asanas but also to cultivate courage and build trust in each other. 

These experiences we generate through our yoga practice on the mat are carried with us throughout our lives. Living ones life with an open heart requires solid foundations. Similarly as in the back-bending asanas, we need have solid roots by engaging the core of our body and grounding into the Earth. This gives us the strength and stability in order to expand and reach towards our fullest potential.

Living with an open heart is to live passionately, vulnerability, and with a sense of trust in those around us and the universe in which we exist.

Namaste.