chest opener

The Chest Opener That Brought Me to Tears

The Chest Opener That Brought Me to Tears

Think about how much of your day brings your body forward.

We sit at computers, look down at phones, drive, read, cook, garden, and reach toward the people and things that need our attention. Little by little, the shoulders can begin to round and the chest can feel closed.

And sometimes we close inward for reasons that have nothing to do with a screen or a steering wheel. Stress, sadness, uncertainty, and loss can leave us feeling protective of the heart space.

That is one reason chest opening postures can feel so valuable. They give us an opportunity to move in the opposite direction, physically and emotionally.

Simple Chair Yoga Pose for Upper Body Freedom

Simple Chair Yoga Pose for Upper Body Freedom

As a yoga teacher, one of the things I cherish most is helping my students find ease and comfort in their practice. We all have unique bodies, and modifications can make a world of difference in how a pose feels. A few weeks ago, I shared a chest-opening pose using a strap in yoga mudra, which is incredibly powerful. But I also know that for some, it can feel a bit intense. That's why I’m excited to share a gentler variation that I’ve come to love—an accessible way to achieve that same sense of openness and freedom in your upper body, using a chair.

Strengthen Your Core and Flexibility With Bridge Pose

Strengthen Your Core and Flexibility With Bridge Pose

Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandha Sarvangasana in Sanskrit, is a very accessible pose that offers a variety of significant benefits. Think of it as a prep position for a full wheel, but without the intimidating backbend. Many of us stop at lifting our hips, but there's a deeper experience waiting. This pose can elevate your practice, allowing you to feel both grounded and open. In today’s blog, we’ll discover how to do it.