• Dahn Yoga tip: Focus on Yourself

    Without a goal, we have no choice but to endlessly chase after the thoughts of others. We envy those who know more or have more than we do, and we live out our lives completely forgetting our own brains. Such things happen to us often unless we are focused on ourselves. - Dahn Yoga

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    Chest Expanding Exercise

    By Michela | September 27, 2008

    Speaking of exercises that open your heart chakra, here is a chest expanding exercise I found in Ilchi Lee’s book, Meridian Exercise for Self-Healing: Classified by Common Symptoms. I looked there to see if there was a specific exercise it recommended, especially one I was unfamiliar with.

    According to the book, this exercise “promotes deep and full breathing and enhances heart and lung capacity. If you sit and hold the positions in Steps 2 and 4 for 10 minutes or more, this can help to realign the spine and bones. Keep your spine straightened and focus on your heart. Ki and blood circulation will be strengthened, as will your heart.”

    Here’s how you do it:

    1. Sit in a half-lotus posture. Place both hands in the prayer position in front of your chest.
    2. Inhale. Keep your elbows bent as you open your hands and bring your arms out to the side as far as is comfortable. Focus on opening your chest.
    3. Keep your spine lengthened while holding  your breath. Gently pull your shoulder blades toward each other and hold for 10 seconds.
    4. Exhale and bring your hands together in the prayer position, as in Step 1. Inhale and slowly pull your arms apart again as far as you comfortably can, this time with  your wrists flexed and palms face up. Remember to keep your spine lengthened and your neck and shoulders relaxed. Focus on your heart.
    5. Repeat this sequence several times.

    Tip: If you experience palpitations or difficulty breathing, perform the movements gently and just breathe naturally and comfortably.

    Topics: Energy, Dahn Yoga, Exercise |

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