Heart-Opening Stretches

Art by Marie Jørgensen

Compassion is a great resource in our lives, it can be a source of resilience and connection during times of uncertainty. But for many of us, it isn’t easy to tap into that compassionate mindset. One way that I’ve found helps me connect internally on that level is through yoga and stretching. Here are a few of my favorite stretches that help me find my compassionate mind-frame. They help me awaken and connect my heart, body and mind, plus they are simple and can be done anywhere and anytime.

Mountain Pose (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

1

Standing tall, with your hands together at your heart, inhale and reach towards the sky

Mountain Pose with Hands down (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

2

Exhale as you drop your hands back down, inhale and outwardly rotate your shoulders while lifting your heart, grounding firmly through your feet

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3

Exhale to fold forward. Bend your elbows slightly as you try to keep the heels of your hands touching

Chair Pose (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

4

Inhale, unclasp your hands and energetically sweep your arms upward as you lower your hips into a Chair pose

Standing Forward Bend (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

5

Exhale and fold forward into a standing forward bend,

Downward Dog (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

6

Inhale and step into a downward dog, making sure heels touch the ground

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7

Exhale out as you drop your knees to the ground, reaching your hands forward as you send your hips back, coming into Puppy Pose, sinking the chest to the mat. Stay here for 5 breaths. 

Childs Pose (art by: Marie Jørgensen)

8

Inhale and sit back into your heels, with arms reaching out, taking your knees comfortably wide, stay here for 5 breaths.