The Heart

The heart, that incredible muscle that that is roughly the size of a large fist yet can bring heartache and joy of such magnitude. Its ability to beat approximately 115,000 times each day. The capability to keep beating even when disconnected from the body and of course, the ability to be broken. Broken heart syndrome is extremely rare, but still a real condition.

Much of our lifestyle today leaves us with upper-crossed syndrome. Actions like computer work, texting, driving. Postures that leave us experiencing tightness in the upper body, a rather sinking of the chest while the upper back muscles become weakened. One of the many benefits of our yoga practice especially the action of backbends help to counteract this postural occurrence. This is due to opening up the front body while working on contracting the muscles of the back.

I would like to share this beautiful quote from Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, a Buddhist Meditation Master.

“The way to rule the universe is to expose your heart. When the ebb and flow of our heart diminishes, we feel separate from the vast world around us, a world in which everything breathes, pulsates, expands and contracts. Your shoulders, arms, neck and ribs can either be a restrictive cage for your heart or an undulating, comforting protector."

As we all experience the joys of a happy heart, we also know that there are two sides to everything. As we also know, circumstances and situations can change that experience to sadness in a blink of an eye. Whatever you are feeling in your heart now, just know that nothing is permanent. The joy we feel may turn to sadness and the sadness we feel (and oh do we feel it) will one day turn back into joy. We may not be grateful at the time when our heart is so hurting from pain, loss, and hurtful memories but that is why we keep exposing the heart, to experience all that it brings to us.

Sources: 24 Fun Facts About the Heart (healthline.com)

Broken heart syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic