Simple Practices to Soften the Heart

Music, Meditation & Asana

Oct 06, 2024

Your breath is the nourishment the heart needs to thrive, to live, to open and to heal.

Just breathe.

-Kristen Rose

Everything I teach in my yoga classes and share in this newsletter comes directly from my personal practice, and my personal practice is often inspired by the themes I choose to teach and write about.

Lately, I’ve been preparing to teach a series of heart themed classes. So, my personal practice has been dedicated to various heart opening techniques— mantra, pranayama, meditation and asana. It’s been a sweet and tender time on my mat, where I’ve noticed a natural rise in gratitude, compassion, and gentle acceptance—of myself and others—that has carried into my daily life.

Since most of you won’t be able to attend the in-person classes inspired by these insights, I decided to share some of them here. I’m keeping this reflection section light, making space for a practice section filled with simple yet effective ways to connect with your own sweet and tender heart.

I Am Surrounded By Love | Beautiful Chorus | Mantras in Love

2 minutes

Beautiful Chorus describes their music as “High Frequency Love Music,” and after listening for years, I wholeheartedly agree. Their harmonies, paired with uplifting lyrics, create a sound that truly resonates on a deep and fulfilling level.

Every week, I listen to their album Resonance Meditation on my drive to teach Sunday yoga. It’s become a ritual that helps me enter the mindset I need to hold space for my students.

This week, I have had this song, I Am Surrounded by Love, on repeat whenever I’m in the car, and it’s been a such a source of comfort. I can really feel the energy of love when I listen.

Heart Chakra Yoga Nidra | Kristen Rose Yoga

32 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly

I practiced this Yoga Nidra nearly every day this week. My initial plan was to explore a variety of Nidras, but after experiencing this one, I wanted to stay with it for a while.

The only day I strayed was when I tried the longer version of Kristen Rose’s heart chakra Nidra, which was also lovely. You can find that here: Heart Chakra Nidra for Love & Compassion

I truly enjoyed returning to this practice each day, noticing how it deepened and expanded with every session.

10 Minute Heart Opening Yoga Stretch | Relieve Mid-Back Stiffness & Improve Posture

Yoga with Eliana

11 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner Friendly

Like the Nidra above, I practiced this asana class all week long. I appreciate it’s simplicity and the way Eliana guides our attention to the physical aspects of the heart space.

Asanas that focus on the chest, upper back and arms are a tangible, practical way to connect with the heart. This lovely class will guide you through key postures to help you do just that.

Love (Heart) (Anahata Chakra) | Faith Hunter

10 Minutes | All Levels | Beginner

This offering from Faith Hunter is, in my mind, less of a meditation and more of an invitation to learn about the qualities of the heart. The music, the delivery and the wording perfectly capture the tone of this precious space.

Because this meditation is so rich, I feel like there are a multitude of ways to engage with it— in traditional seated meditation, nestled in to a cocoon of cozy blankets, while taking a walk or even doing the dishes!

Honestly, I can see myself listening to this over and over and over again…in all of the aforementioned ways. I just want to soak in the sweet energy Faith has created here.