Opening Heart Breathing Meditation

Place the right hand over the heart center and left hand below your navel.  Relax the jaw and forehead.Feel the vibrations inside your body, and outside your body. Visualize your breathing going in and out through the heart. Inhale through the heart center, exhale through the back of the heart center, through the shoulder blades. Now focus on someone you love–a spouse, your children, friends, siblings, parents–as well as the many blessings in your life –your home, your job, food, clothing. Send them admiration, wisdom and compassion as your continue to breathe in and out through the heart. Explore, sense and accept the emotion of love arising within. Feel your love for these people and the blessings in your life. Now send the same quality of compassion, admiration and love to yourself. Be aware of any obstacle in your way and allow the heart to melt that obstacle until you feel the emotion of self-love. Hold the feeling of self-love deep within as you begin your asana practice.