Ustrasana is a challenging yoga backbend that elongates the spine, strengths core muscles and balances the heart chakra. Also known as Camel Pose this yoga pose takes continuous practice and achieving a full Ustrasana is a gradual process, so it’s important not to push too hard too fast. Find you own connection.
The backward bend allows the spine and shoulders to stretch and find strength in a direction opposite to how we normally find ourselves, leaning forward over our devices. If you are continuously leaning over your phone, this pose will help you realign, open up your heart centre, and balance your energies.
Explaining the need to redirect energies, yogi Stephanie says, “By bringing awareness to our habitual patterns we can intentionally introduce opposing movements and redirect energies into stagnant spaces. For example, if I am reading or knitting for a couple of hours my front body will be closed as my hands work in front of me.”
“This action tightens the front of the shoulders and the chest muscles, and the heaviness of the front body in this position can begin to affect our availability for alignment and good posture. Camel pose is a beautiful way to air out your heart.”
And as Yogi Nikki reflects, “The true power of the human heart lies not in how it’s kept whole or safe or strong and solitary. No. The strength of the human heart is found in all its beautiful scars, places wrecked and ruined, and then healed in those broken places, put back together with a desire to love again. And with that, a vast and open willingness to give and receive without measure, pretence or premeditation.”
“There is no denying heart openers connect us to the world around us a little more wholly and honestly. The miracle is in how they connect us more deeply to ourselves and that infinite well of love and light we alone are meant to press out into the world.”
Today, as you focus on your own version of Ustrasana reflect on that connection. As Yogi Alissa Kepas says, “Choose love in every situation. Be wise, slow, steady, and discerning. Trust the universe. Empower yourself by taking small steps each day to live the life of your dreams as the best version of yourself.”
Join in the #empoweredyogis yoga challenge, happening this month on Instagram, and follow Alissa Kepas (@AlissaYoga) there.
For more on Ustrasana Camel Pose and step-by-step instructions click here http://www.trybellemag.com/open-your-heart-chakra-with-camel-pose/
As with any exercise program you must know yourself and understand your own health before attempting.
