As we step into a new week of practice, we turn our focus to Satya, the yogic principle of truthfulness. Satya invites us to live authentically, to align our actions, words, and intentions with the truth that resides within us. It challenges us to look inward and recognize where we might be holding back or disguising our true selves, offering us a path toward greater clarity and self-awareness.
This week, we'll dive into heart-opening asanas, a Reiki visualization for the heart space, and a nurturing herbal salve to bring a compassionate touch to both body and soul.
Opening the Heart to Satya
Just as the heart is the energetic center of love and compassion, it is also the center of our truth. When our hearts are open, we can more easily access our inner knowing and express ourselves authentically. This week, let’s focus on creating space in the heart—both physically and energetically—so that we can connect more deeply with our inner truth.
In our yoga practice, we’ll use Reverse Table Top and Cobra Pose to expand the chest and invite openness. With each breath, we allow space for truth to emerge, letting go of what no longer serves us and embracing what feels aligned with our most authentic selves.
Yoga Asanas
🔄 Reverse Table Top (Ardha Purvottanasana)
Reverse Table Top (Ardha Purvottanasana) may feel challenging, but it's a powerful posture for opening the chest and strengthening your core and arms. This pose can be done with blocks beneath the hands for some added support. 🌿
✨ Benefits:
Opens the chest and shoulders.
Strengthens the arms, wrists, and core.
Encourages balance and body awareness.
🧘♀️ How to:
Begin seated with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent, and hands placed behind you, fingertips pointing toward your body. You can rest your hands on blocks for some added support.
As you inhale, press firmly into your feet and hands (or the blocks), lifting your hips up. Feel a sense of grounding through your hands and feet.
Engage your core as you open your chest, gently lifting through your heart. Allow your spine to lengthen, creating space for energy to move freely throughout your body.
Hold the pose for a few breaths, focusing on the expansion in your heart space. With each breath, invite openness and a sense of truth to flow into your practice. When you feel ready, slowly lower your hips back down to the mat.
🐍 Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) is a heart-opening pose that increases spinal flexibility and promotes emotional release. 🌸
✨ Benefits:
Opens the heart and chest, promoting emotional release.
Strengthens the spine and lower back.
Enhances lung capacity and improves posture.
🧘♀️ How to:
Begin lying on your stomach with your palms placed beneath your shoulders and elbows close to your body. Feel the grounding of your body as you connect with the earth, preparing to lift and open.
Inhale deeply as you gently lift your chest, either halfway for Baby Cobra or all the way for Full Cobra, engaging your back muscles to create a graceful arch. Allow chi (life force energy) to flow through your heart center, opening up to truth and clarity.
Keep your hips grounded, and direct your gaze softly ahead or slightly upward. This alignment fosters a balanced flow of energy, inviting openness and alignment.
Hold for a few breaths, expanding your heart space with each inhale. Embrace the expansion as a symbol of your inner growth and healing.
Visualization Exercise
Once you’ve moved through your practice, we’ll transition into a Reiki visualization to deepen our connection with Satya. Find a comfortable seated position and place your hands gently over your heart. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. As you inhale, visualize warm, loving energy flowing from your hands into your heart space, aligning you with your deepest truth. With each exhale, imagine releasing any blocks or hesitations around expressing your truth.
Repeat the affirmation:
"I honor my truth and express it with love and compassion."
This simple practice can be revisited whenever you need to realign with your authentic self or find clarity in your path.
Herbal Support: Rescue Salve
As we focus on Satya and aligning with our inner truth, it’s essential to extend that compassion to ourselves, especially in how we care for our bodies. This week, I encourage you to integrate Rescue Salve into your self-care routine. Whether you’re soothing irritated skin or nurturing a minor wound, this herbal blend offers a loving touch that resonates with the spirit of Satya.
Imagine a moment when you notice a flare-up of inflammation on a sensitive area—a reminder that your body sometimes needs extra care. Despite your best efforts, the discomfort lingers. It’s in these moments that a touch of pure, loving support can make all the difference.
Rescue Salve is crafted with nurturing herbs like Comfrey, Yarrow, and Marshmallow, this salve is more than just a balm; it’s a compassionate embrace for your skin. As you apply it, you’ll feel its soothing effects begin to work. The carefully selected ingredients, chosen for their gentle and supportive qualities, start to ease the discomfort and bring relief.
Just as Satya encourages us to be truthful in how we live, Rescue Salve reminds us to listen to our bodies and provide the care they truly need.
🌿 The Herbal Goodness Inside
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Often referred to as "knitbone," comfrey is celebrated for its reparative touch. This herb is known for its ability to swiftly mend minor wounds, thanks to its regenerative properties. Comfrey's soothing presence helps to repair and restore your skin, guiding it back to health with gentle care.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Cherished for its nurturing qualities, Yarrow offers a blend of anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that work harmoniously to soothe inflammation and keep wounds clean. Its astringent nature helps to tighten and heal, providing comfort and protection to irritated areas.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
This herb adds a tender touch to your skin with its gentle, soothing effects. Its mucilaginous qualities create a protective layer, easing irritation and promoting overall comfort. Marshmallow’s nurturing properties help to hydrate and calm delicate skin, making it a cherished addition to any self-care routine.
Journal Prompt
After your practice, spend a few moments reflecting in your journal. Consider the following prompt:
Where in your life are you holding back from expressing your truth?
How might embracing Satya and aligning with your inner truth bring more clarity and peace into your life? Write about a time you acted from a place of authenticity—how did it feel, and what impact did it have?
As we move through this week’s practice, may you find the courage to live your truth with love and compassion. Let the heart-opening qualities of Reverse Table Top and Cobra Pose guide you toward deeper self-awareness, and allow the warmth of your Reiki practice to connect you with your innermost truth. With each step, breath, and moment of mindfulness, remember that living authentically is a form of self-respect and love.
Thank you for joining me in this journey toward Satya. Wishing you a week filled with love, compassion, and gratitude.
Namaste, Samantha Lynn
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