Blessings to you from my heart to yours.
Welcome to day 11, I am so glad you are here.
In today’s practice we will be exploring a powerful shoulder opening stretch and posture. If you know you have some limitations in the joints of your shoulders, you may want to grab a towel or yoga strap (if you have one), just as an extra support.
Before we start, please take a few moments to ground yourself and tune in with your breath.
From a comfortable seated position (either in a chair, on knees, or sitting crossed legged), we’ll begin by rolling our shoulders back and bringing our arms out to our sides at shoulder height (arms are straight). From here, if you’re using the strap please grab it, then position your right palm up towards the ceiling, left palm facing the wall behind you with the thumb down. Right arm comes up over head resting behind your body and left arm travels down also resting behind the body. This will make sense once you see the video.
I would ask you to invite your elbows back to the wall behind you, close your eyes and focus your attention on your heart center. Breathe deeply, expanding through the front of the body. This helps to release restriction in the muscles of your shoulders and really brings a beautiful opening to the front of the body. We want to create a safe container for you to experience your body with a strong back and soft front.
If it’s available, try to take 3 – 5 full deep breaths coming into the posture on both sides, ideally twice on each side.
To view the practice click here
In her book Braving the Wilderness Brene shares the following powerful quote opening us to the concept of strong back, soft front and wild heart. Bring this reflection into your practice while you’re breathing in the posture today.
All too often our so-called strength comes from fear, not love; instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open………How can we give and accept care with strong back, soft front compassion, moving past fear into a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes about when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly – and letting the world see us.
– Roshi Joan Halifax
Thank you for letting the world see you, there is only one of you remember, and I think you’re pretty great.
See you tomorrow!
Much love, Amber
