During times of uncertainty, it’s easy to close off the heart. To brace emotionally, even physically—especially as the colder, darker days draw in. So we invite you to gently inquire, what or who could you open your beautiful heart to? Whether it be a person, a new healthy habit, or perspective. With a new year around the corner, it’s a pivotal time to reflect and begin anew. And while many aspects of life may feel in flux, look around you—yoga is still serving humanity in the way it’s always done. It is a practice that has withstood the test of time to deliver its gifts again and again.
Let’s dive into a beautiful heart opener, reverse prayer pose. A great pose to experiment with, either modify with fists if it’s inaccessible right now, or combine with tree pose, warrior I, or…explore!
Reverse Prayer Pose—Paschim Namaskarasana (PAH-sheem-NAH-mah-skar-AH-SUN-ah)
This heart-opening posture increases flexibility and strength in the arms, shoulders, and chest. The pose gets its name from the Sanskrit words paschim, meaning west, namaskar, meaning greeting, and asana, meaning pose.
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate