Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 3
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<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | Balance /41<br />
Heart Opener (Partner): Rotate arms back<br />
towards partner, who firmly grasps forearms. The<br />
front partner will open heart, draw shoulder blades<br />
together, lead with an open heart, and trust the<br />
partner’s support in back. The back partner should<br />
keep firmly grounded with knees bent or staggered<br />
stance, tall spine, strong core, and equally open<br />
heart and lean back to match the partner’s strength.<br />
Neither partner is trying to overpower the other but<br />
to fall into the support of open hearts.<br />
Camel Pose: Start in a high kneeling position,<br />
knees lined with hips and ankles. Focus on<br />
maintaining core engagement with the tailbone<br />
tucked under to protect low back. Move slowly,<br />
draw hips forward, while heart center lifts upwards.<br />
Shoulder blades draw towards each other while<br />
arms spiral backward. Options of hands: on hips,<br />
pelvis, or low back for support; or grasping heels<br />
or ankles. If comfortable, gently allow the head to<br />
release backward slowly and safely to protect your<br />
neck.<br />
As you come out of these poses, move out slowly<br />
in reverse. Pause in stillness in a mindful seated<br />
posture. Just notice the exhilarating effects<br />
throughout the body when we tear away the armor<br />
of fear or hate by bursting the heart space open<br />
to love and acceptance. The reward will always<br />
outweigh the risks.<br />
Dr. Meghan Nelson, a licensed physical<br />
therapist and professional yoga therapist with a<br />
passion for using yoga as medicine for optimal<br />
health, injury prevention, and overall health<br />
and wellness. Meghan is co-owner of Lumin<br />
Therapy, which provides integrative healing of<br />
the mind, body, and spirit through the practice of<br />
physical therapy, medical therapeutic yoga, and<br />
mindfulness.<br />
Photo Credit left page Meghan Nelson. Heart<br />
Opener (Partner) Photo Credit Sarah Gil. Heart<br />
Opener (Supported) Photo Credit Amy Focht.<br />
Camel Pose Photo Credit Meghan Nelson.<br />
Heart Opener (Supported): Find a supported tall<br />
kneeling or seated posture where the assisting yogi<br />
can encourage hips and heart-center up and forward<br />
while serving as support for the head and neck of the<br />
practicing yogi.