That Loving Feeling
Happy Valentine’s Day!
So, I have a confession to make. Even on a day like today, where love is in the air, I don’t always have “that loving feeling.”
After copious hours spent pondering this dilemma, I’ve discovered that I often let my need to be right, and accompanying sense of superiority, impede my ability to love others. My rational brain suffocates my compassionate heart.
Thankfully, my yoga mat is a place where I can turn to reconnect with my heart. When I do that, compassion and love arise, without any forced effort.
Traditional yoga wisdom says that the part of the body that is highest is “activated” and the part of the body that is lowest is “quieted.” So here’s the short (15-20 minute) series I practice when I need to quiet my rational brain and reconnect to my compassionate heart.
- Warm-up the body with a few rounds of Surya Namaskar (sun salutation). Linger in Bhujangasana (cobra pose) for a few extra breaths in each round.
- Spend 3 – 5 minutes in Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose) (or its restorative counterpart).
- Enjoy 5 – 10 minutes of Viparita Karani (legs-up-the-wall pose).
No matter your relationship status on this Valentine’s Day, my wish for you is that you might reconnect with your compassionate heart and discover your own great capacity to love others – today and always.
Do you ever let your rational brain suffocate your compassionate heart? If so, how do you reconnect with your heart? What other yoga poses do you like for connecting with your heart?
