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OPEN MIND OPEN BODY The Yoga of Connection |
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Week 5: Heart Vibration Breathing Practice This week, practice a heart vibration breathing practice. The basics are described below, and the 5-minute audio track takes you through it in more detail. The intention of this practice is to dissolve restrictions of the heart - both the physical heart center (chest, lungs, rib cage) and the symbolic heart center (which is the source of love and compassion). If you practice this breathing exercise with that intention, it can have a beautiful heart-opening effect. Place your hands over your heart. Begin to observe the breath. Notice how the belly moves freely with the breath. Begin to cultivate that "strong center" we discussed in last week's breathing practice - keeping the deep abdominal muscles very lightly engaged as you inhale, and more strongly engaged as you exhale. Let the breath move into the rib cage and chest, and feel the wave of the breath under your hands. Inhale through the mouth, and exhale the sound: "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......" with your mouth open. This will extend the exhalation (take your time) and send some gentle vibrations to the heart center. Then, inhale through the mouth, and exhale a humming sound with your mouth closed: "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......" This will extend the exhalation (take your time) and send some stronger vibrations to the heart center. Continue alternating these two breath forms of exhalation. Enjoy the vibrations massaging the heart center. You can end this practice with a dedication to someone of something you love, or someone or something you would like to invite into your heart and your life.
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