Expand Your Love

Many people today experience a sense of isolation and disconnection from others, even in an age where we are more digitally connected than ever before. Some reasons for this include the fast-paced and often stressful nature of modern life, the prevalence of social media and online communication, and a general sense of disconnection from our communities and the natural world.

The way we are living right now makes it all the more important to make a conscious effort to cultivate meaningful connections with others. This can involve reaching out to old friends, joining groups that align with our interests, or volunteering for a cause we believe in. It can mean taking time to be in nature, whether sitting in a park listening to the birds or taking a walk in the woods.

Practices like meditation and yoga, also, have a role to play as they help us connect more deeply with ourselves and with the world around us.

By slowing down, paying attention to our thoughts and feelings, and cultivating a sense of inner peace, we find that we are better able to connect with others in a more authentic and meaningful way.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that we are all connected, and that even small acts of kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on those around us. By reaching out to others and fostering a sense of community, we create a more connected and fulfilling world for ourselves and those around us.

The practice of yoga helps to cultivate gratitude, compassion and love towards oneself and others. It does this by working with the heart centre, the anahata chakra, which is located in the centre of the chest.

Yogic practices activate the heart centre, bringing the heart online, strengthening the heart’s electromagnetic field, increasing the radiance of the heart. This can be done through specific yoga poses that stretch the chest and strengthen the upper back, as well as through meditation, mantra and breathwork practices.

As we open the heart, expanding that energy, a greater sense of ease is established within us.

And on top of all of that, yoga has also been found to have several positive effects on the health of the physical heart. Below, you will find some listed:

Reduces Stress

Stress is a risk factor for heart disease, and yoga has been found to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, improving heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Yoga has been found to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Improves Circulation

Yoga can improve circulation in the body, which promotes the health of the cardiovascular system and reduces the risk of heart disease.

Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for heart disease but yoga has been shown to reduce markers of inflammation in the body.

Improves Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) is a risk factor for heart disease but yoga has been found to reduce cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

Improves Heart Rate Variability

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat. High HRV is associated with better heart health, and guess what? Yoga has been found to improve HRV.

So, a regular yoga practice can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall cardiovascular health. But, also, yoga helps us to recognise the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. It invites us to cultivate a deeper sense of love and compassion towards ourselves and others, and to live our lives with greater awareness, presence, and gratitude.

To live this life fully, the magic ingredient is heart. Add a bit more into your life and see your life transform.

For practices to activate the Anahata chakra, awakening the heart centre, check out the Himalayan Kundalini Lab on Sattva Connect.