Anusara Yoga: Yoga For The Heart Chakra
ANUSARA YOGA
Anusara Yoga is a school of hatha yoga that was founded by John Friend in 1997. It is a tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness united with the Universal Principles of Alignment. It is now being practiced in communities throughout the world. The underlying philosophy of Anusara yoga is epitomized by the “celebration of the heart” and seeing good and beauty in all things. The word Anusara comes from the Sanskrit word “Anahata” referring to the heart chakra. The practice is alignment oriented in a similar way to Iyengar Yoga. However, the alignment is seen as something that develops from the inside and moves out. The intention is to align with the Divine and flow with Grace.
If you would like to learn more about Anusara Yoga and find a teacher near you, then you can check out the website at www.anusara.com.
YOGA FOR HEART CHAKRA
The camel is excellent for opening the heart chakra. Other good yoga poses for opening this channel are the cobra, windmill, arm circles, the fish and cow’s head. As the heart chakra is associated with air and is located in the chest area, breathing exercises may also be helpful. These include deep breathing, the complete yogic breath, the breath of fire, the rapid diaphragmatic breathing using your abdominal muscles to exhale and alternate nostril breathing, using your right thumb and right ring finger to close off one nostril at a time.
Camel Yoga Pose
Cobra Yoga Pose
Fish Yoga Pose
Just a clarification…the word Anusara comes from a Sanskrit word ‘anusurena” which is found in a verse from the Kularnava Tantra…shaktipata-anusarena shishyo’nugraham arhati
and is translated by Professor Douglas Brooks as “By entering the current of the Divine Shakti’s descent into heart, the trur disciple becomes capable of receiving grace.”
You are very correct in that is a heart-oriented practice of flowing with Divine Grace.
Thank you for your website –
In Light – Amber