A Little Note on Love

Hello yogis!

Since it's Valentine's Day I wanted to share a note on the heart chakra, aka Anahata, the fourth primary chakra. If you're not familiar with the chakra system allow me to touch on this briefly. They are energy centers that run along the spine through the top of the head and they correspond with various organs and systems. Each has different meanings, colors, symbols, and practices that allow you to keep them open. There is a wealth of information about the chakras online or you could check out a book from your library or buy a copy from a local bookstore or bookshop.com.

The heart chakra corresponds with our cardiac and pulmonary systems and the organs are the heart and lungs. So, the yoga postures are typically heart (and shoulder) opening - think arches vs. forward folds. This chakra has several meanings one of which is love, including self-love. The latter is important. Why? Because we can be very loving and kind to everyone around us but if we don't extend this treatment to ourselves this chakra will remain blocked. To fully open your heart chakra you need to love yourself. If this is a new idea for you or if you've tried to do this unsuccessfully here are some ideas to help you fully open your heart chakra along with ideas of how to extend love and kindness to others:

For You:

• Allow yourself time for yoga or other mindfulness activities daily

• Enjoy quiet time with a novel and a cup of tea or coffee

• Take walks in nature

• Take a bubble baths

• Make time for a hobby - sketching, painting, knitting, birding

• Rest - contrary to popular belief, rest IS productive

• Turn on your favorite music...add singing and dancing for extra credit

• Give yourself a facial at home or schedule a professional one if your budget allows

• Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated (easier said than done, I know)

• Stay on track with doctor and other wellness appointments

• If you find yourself talking negatively about yourself ask "Would I say this to a friend?" If not, try to extend this to yourself and think of the positive things you bring to the world

For Others:

• Practice random acts of kindness

• Be extra kind to front-line workers

• Surprise a loved one by doing one of their dreaded chores for them

• Check in on loved ones going through a hard time (or just because)

• Grateful for someone? Let them know, it will make their day

• Cook a loved one's favorite meal

• Take time to do something fun - visit your favorite park, see a movie, or visit a friend who energizes you

• Volunteer your time to give back to your community, this could be as simple as picking up litter when out walking or you could commit to volunteering weekly or monthly

If you're not used to loving yourself, start slowly and notice what happens over the coming weeks. You're so worth it!