Take Care of Your Heart

I actually love Valentine's Day. During the cold month of February, it's a chance to brighten up - with pinks and reds, flowers and hearts. Yes, it's a little sugary, but couldn't we all use some sweetness in our lives?

I started today reading old Valentine's Day cards from my mom and grandparents. I focused on my breath, and what sensations were in my body. I noticed a well of sadness creeping up, a slight tightness in my chest. Some tears arrived. And instead of pushing them away, I let them flow.

In yogic philosophy, grief lives in the center of the chest, the Anahata Chakra. According to Anodea Judith in Eastern Body, Western Mind, "unshed grief restricts the breath, and deepening the breath often releases grief." It can be scary to release grief. I find that when I talk about my mom, or the grief I'm feeling because of COVID restrictions, my throat clenches up and it's hard for me to communicate. I'm working with a yoga therapist, and together, we are working on freeing up my heart chakra, Anahata, so I can better communicate. When my heart is blocked with grief, communication can be a challenge.

How do I free up the heart chakra? First, I take deep breaths. I feel my lungs expanding. I do my best to relax my stomach and my throat, so the energy can flow freely throughout my body.

Since my mom passed, I've been struggling with who I am now that she's gone. When she was alive, I was a bright shining star. Reading these valentines from her, I was fearless, motivated, talented, and vivacious. Who am I now that she's gone and COVID is causing me to stay locked in my house? My yoga therapist and I are adding a mantra to the deep breathing.. I place both hands on my heart and on the inhale think "I am". On the exhale I think, "here."

I am here.

How are you taking care of your heart during this season?