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Valentine’s Day is often a time when we focus on relationships with others, but it’s equally important to foster a deep love and appreciation for oneself. This year, why not give yourself the gift of self-love with a yoga practice designed to open your heart? Here are ten heart-opening yoga poses that will help you embrace self-love and compassion.

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1. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)

Begin by lying flat on your stomach, with your legs extended and tops of your feet on the mat. Place your hands under your shoulders and gently lift your chest. Cobra Pose offers a gentle opening of the chest and helps to release tension.

2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet hip-width apart. Press your feet into the floor and lift your hips, interlocking your fingers under your back. This pose stretches the spine and chest, promoting relaxation and a sense of opening.

3. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

Begin on your knees with your legs hip-width apart. Place your hands on your lower back for support as you gently lean back, opening your chest towards the sky. Camel Pose is a powerful heart-opener that helps confront vulnerability.

4. Fish Pose (Matsyasana)

Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms by your side. Lift your chest and create an arch in your upper back, resting the crown of your head on the floor. Fish Pose enhances emotional release by opening the throat and chest.

5. Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)

From a prone position, place your palms beside your ribs and lift your body into an arc, opening up through the chest and upper back. This pose revitalizes the body and raises energy levels, fostering positivity.

6. Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)

Lying on your back, position your hands beside your ears and press up into a full backbend. A deep heart-opener, Wheel Pose invigorates the spirit and promotes emotional openness.

7. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Lie on your stomach, bend your knees, and grasp your ankles. Lift your chest off the ground by pulling on your ankles, creating a bow shape with your body. This stretch helps open the chest and develop grace.

8. Reverse Plank Pose (Purvottanasana)

Sit with your legs extended. Place your hands behind you and lift your hips, opening your chest towards the sky. Reverse Plank Pose energizes the body and mind, offering a refreshing new perspective.

9. Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)

Sit with your knees stacked and feet by your sides. Stretch your right arm up and bend the elbow, reaching down. Bring your left arm behind your back, reaching to clasp your right fingers. This pose increases flexibility in the chest and shoulders.

10. Wild Thing (Camatkarasana)

Start in a downward dog, lift one leg and flip it over your body, landing the foot behind you. Open your chest to the sky, creating a heart-opening extension. Wild Thing is a beautiful expression of freedom and joy.

Conclusion

Practicing these heart-opening poses encourages us to focus inward, tapping into our inner well of love and compassion. This Valentine’s Day, dedicate some time to yourself on the mat and embrace the self-love that these poses cultivate. Remember, self-love is not a destination but a journey—celebrate every step!

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