Romancing Divine Love with Yoga: Heart Openers

By: Virginia Iversen, M.Ed

Scholars to mean union or yoke to the divine often translate the term “Yoga”. Through a systematic and diligent practice of asanas, breathing exercises, meditation techniques, chanting, and studying the ancient scriptural texts of Yoga, a practitioner’s whole being may become yoked to the divine essence that animates all living beings. A balanced practice of Yoga very systematically leads a practitioner to a state of union with God or divinity. By romancing this divine love with Yoga, an ebullient sense of well-being and optimism will arise within your own heart. You will also, most likely, lose any extra pounds, as you strengthen and tone your entire body.

This connection to the energy of God/Goddess will also uplift you and free you from a sense of dependency on external circumstances and people. As many of us try to navigate our lives with integrity, healthy self-esteem, and a generous and giving heart, we are often challenged to move on from situations and relationships that may no longer be serving our own highest good, or the good of the other person. Of course, some relationships will be beneficial for many years, while other relationships may prove to be less supportive of your well-being from very early on. 

Clarifying which type of relationship you are in is often quite challenging, to say the least!  By romancing your connection with the divine love that pulsates in your own heart, you will be afforded the internal freedom to make wise and compassionate choices, in terms of your relationships with other people. Generating a sense of expansive freedom and well-being in your own body and mind is one of the most profound benefits of a regular Yoga practice. There are many ways to promote a sense of expansiveness in your body and mind through Yoga. 

A regular practice of heart opening Yoga postures, in the context of a balanced practice, is one such way. Heart opening postures release muscular constriction around the heart and the throat. These areas often become blocked when we experience painful situations or emotions. By incorporating heart opening postures into your Yoga practice or class, you will be able to systematically release any somatic holding in these areas. Back bending or heart opening Yoga postures also help to offset symptoms of depression and are quite energizing. 

* Modified Upward Plank Pose or Purvottanasana

Upward Plank Pose is an incredibly effective heart opening Yoga posture. When it is practiced in a modified style, most students can safely practice this pose. Upward Plank Pose is usually practiced towards the end of a class and as a counter pose to seated forward folds, including Paschimottanasana. This heart opening Yoga posture stretches the upper chest area, abdomen, tops of the feet and shoulders. It is also very strengthening for the core abdominal muscles, gluts, arms, and wrists. 

Additionally, Upward Plank Pose helps to relieve fatigue and increases energy levels, while simultaneously calming the vrittis or thought waves of the mind. To practice Modified Upward Plank Pose, sit comfortably on your Yoga mat with your legs extended. Take a few breaths, and then bend your legs and place the soles of your feet flat on your mat in line with your hips. Place your hands behind you on the mat with your palms facing down and your fingers pointing towards the front of your Yoga mat. Keep your wrists and arms in line with your shoulders. 

With your next inhale, raise your hips off the Yoga mat so that your upper torso forms a flat surface, just like a plank of wood. If you have a neck injury, keep your head in a straight line with your upper body. If your neck is healthy, gently drop your head back to increase the stretch through the throat and heart chakra areas.  Hold Modified Plank Pose for three to five complete breaths, and then release the posture and gently move into Baddha Konasana or Extended Child’s Pose, in order to release any tension in your lower back, before moving on to the next posture in your Yoga practice.    

Virginia Iversen, M.Ed, has been practicing and studying the art of Yoga for over twenty years. She lives in Woodstock, New York, where she works as a writer and an academic support specialist. She is currently accepting Yoga and health-related writing orders and may be contacted at: enchantress108@gmail.com.