ANAHATA CHAKRA
KEY WORDS Compassion, unconditional love, forgivenessBIJA MANTRA Yam (pronounced yum)ASANA Backbends.
When most yogis think of the heart chakra, they assume
“opening” it is the goal. And while heart-opening poses can
remind practitioners of the compassion and joy that’s inherent
in them, Mari says it can be just as beneficial to see this chakra
as a bridge between the lower and upper chakras. “It’s how
we integrate the manifest with the spiritual,” she says. “It’s
how we feel self-compassion and unconditional love toward
ourselves, and then share it with others.”ASK What are the ways in which my pain or fear
of being hurt by others has shut me down?SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA Bridge Pose
Lie on your back, bend your knees, and bring your heels toward your
sitting bones. Then, press your feet into the mat and lift your pelvis
toward the ceiling. Tuck your shoulders underneath themselves and
rotate your palms so they face upward; you can also interlace your
fingers underneath your pelvis. Press your upper arms and feet into
the mat, isometrically squeeze your thighs toward one another, and
lengthen your tailbone toward your knees while keeping your chin off
your chest. Hold here for 5 breaths, and then lower back to your mat
from shoulders to hips.
Rest for 2 breaths, and then repeat 2 more times.Bay Area–based teacher and model Giselle Mari teaches at yoga studios, conferences, and festivals around the world. She has trained with
Sharon Gannon, David Life, Sarah Powers, and Jai Uttal. Mari also received her advanced certification with Jivamukti Yoga and has served as
a faculty member in their teacher training and as a mentor for new teachers. She is also a mom and wife, and has four dogs and two frogs.
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february / march 2017yogajournal.com.sg