Heart Opening Kriya
Heart Opening Kriya
Heart Opening Kriya
1. Chest Flys
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
Oh I love this one but its the trickiest to get right, because our natural
inclination it to let the alignment slip. But our alignment is absolutely key not only does it protect our lower back, but it also allows the energy to
flow effortlessly up the spine.
Start by extending your legs out straight in front of you, and lean back
slightly. Just enough so youre able to still hold yourself up strongly!
Flex your toes toward you, engage your quadriceps and firmly press your
legs down into the ground. This is the support that allows your torso to fly
up towards the sky.
Keep your core engaged and lift your sternum up towards the sky. Dont
sag through the belly!
Make two fists and put your thumbs inside your hands.
Fix your gaze skyward and reach up with your hands, alternating pulled
one down and then the other. Its like youre ringing a bell.
Check your foundation again as you continue to strongly ring the bell.
Flex the feet, engage the thighs, engage the core, lift the sternum!
Keep a moderate to fast pace in this exercise. You can do it!
If youre familiar with Breath of Fire Pranayama (see page 9 for
instructions), use Breath of Fire to help turbo-charge this posture.
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
5. Shoulder Flys
This is the last intense working exercise in this series, so any energy
youve got left, use it up here!
Were doing a similar exercise to the first one - only this time, instead of
bringing the arms together in front of us, were bringing them together
above our head.
Sit cross-legged, bring the arms out shoulder-height, palms face up,
straight arms.
As you exhale, bring the arms together above your head. Dont clap, but
make sure the hands almost touch.
Inhale as you bring your arms back down to shoulder-height. Dont let
them sag any lower than that.
Stay smooth and controlled, going at a reasonable pace.
You may be tempted to give up on this one, but stay motivated. Its only
one minute out of your life and you have the strength to do this!
Again, counting can help with motivation. Count to ten, and to ten again.
And ten more, until your timer goes off.
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
You may feel some tension around the neck and shoulders area as a
result of the arm exercises. Now is your chance to release it. If youve got
any neck issues, move slowly and with caution and dont go too deep.
Sit cross-legged again, with your hands on your knees.
Close your eyes and open your mouth - this is important. Opening the
mouth keeps the jaw relaxed. Youre likely to unconsciously close it during
the exercise, so keep reminding yourself - open mouth!
Move your head around in a slow circle, in one direction. Allow yourself to
sped up to a pace which feels freeing without straining your neck at all.
There may be some strange cricking sounds as you move around, pay
attention to those sounds and if it feels like you need to slow down, do so.
Slow to a halt with the eyes still closed, and when you feel centered,
repeat on the other side.
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
If youre menstruating, you may not want to use Breath of Fire, as the
navel centre is a strong part of this practice. However, I find it makes no
difference to me, and generally practice Breath of Fire whether Im
menstruating or not. That said - maybe theres subtle things going on Im
not aware of that are not that beneficial to me...
Breath of Fire is also contraindicated for high blood pressure, heart
disease, hernias or suffer from stroke or epilepsy. Plus use caution if you
have acid or heat related gastric issues such as ulcers, or if you suffer
from vertigo. And if youre pregnant, its also advised not to do this.
Any doubts, dont do it, and consult an experienced yoga teacher in
person. Keeping you safe is what its all about!
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0
Created by Kara-Leah Grant for The Yoga Lunchbox * August 2013 * Version 1.0