Photograph by Photograph by maryn0503

Tightness – a pain best described as the pungent bitter taste of my past. These are the things I have been feeling in my heart. Ever since I became aware of doing heart-centered meditation/self-hypnosis, I have been aware of my heart. It feels painful when I short-change myself or do things that go against my nature. It feels lighter when I laugh.

So today, as I was doing the yoga bridge pose (I needed to stretch), I noticed the feeling of physical opening as I met the pose in its fullness. All those muscles in my chests, back, and shoulders were so tight that I could feel the release as I found relaxation in the pose (it has been awhile).

I meditated in this pose. I did not time it; I just let go and did it until the my thighs nagged me to end the position. My heart, which felt tight and restrained, felt opened and pampered. I had forgotten the physical sensations involved with yoga until today. And it hit home, how much everything is tied into everything else. What we think affects us in the physical world.

I needed this lesson today.