THEME: “open heart, open mind”

As we find ourselves at the start of a new year, this is always a good time to check in with ourselves, find stillness, and open our hearts to welcome fresh possibility and change ahead of us. This month we focus on the heart, the place of love and compassion, forgiveness and joy. When this energy centre is not in alignment, we can feel anger, frustration, and jealousy, so this month we will work to find balance and end the year in the best way possible.

Enjoy bringing this theme into your daily life this month and as always, take what you need and leave what doesn’t serve you!

download activity pack

“I LOVE MYSELF” MEDITATION

Time: 10 minutes

When to practice: TO BUILD INNER CONFIDENCE

Settle in, close your eyes and relax whole body. Sink into the earth below... Let go here, you are safe and you are welcome exactly as you are. think of something of someone you love, breathe it into your heart… Remember all the good. Having a balanced heart means opening yourself to care, love, and forgive, yourself and also those around you.

Grab a blanket and get cosy. You can do this anytime yourself, with your students, or with your family members too. Simply click on the audio link and settle in.

YOGA STRETCHES TO OPEN THE HEART

These stretches serve to open the heart, while allowing you to rest, and breathe.

(FOLLOW ALONG WITH JEN IN THE VIDEOs BELOW.)

Breathing exercise: “joy breathing”

The element that relates to the heart chakra is air, so we can use our breath to help open this energy centre. Alongside this, the emotion of the heart is joy, so for this breath think of something that brings you happiness, something like an event, person, place or thing. This thought should only bring good feelings. Find a comfortable seat, or standing position and breathe this thought into your heart. Bask in this moment of well-being and joy.