February is know as the month of love; whether you choose to celebrate St. Valentine’s day or not, the reminders of sharing love are noticeably present… cards, chocolates, flowers, gifts. From a yogic perspective, actions of love and kindness are an important part of its philosophy. Both towards other people and yourself.
Yoga provides a unique way to cultivate self-love, emotional openness, and personal empowerment through the body.
In The Bhagavad Gita, we are reminded that “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self”.
Therefore, this series we will be focusing on poses like Wild Thing (Camatkarasana), Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana) By combining heart-opening backbends and empowering balance poses, you can stimulate both emotional and physiological growth
These postures are more than just yoga poses… they are can act as tools for emotional transformation, scientifically proven to enhance confidence, resilience, and self-compassion.
The Science of “Opening Up”
There is a reason why a deep backbend can sometimes bring a tear to the eye or a sudden sense of relief. Our bodies and minds are in a constant conversation.
- Lifting the Weight of the World: Physiologically, we tend to “curl in” when we are stressed, tired, or feeling protective. This rounds the spine and tightens the chest. By moving into poses like Wheel or Bridge, we physically counteract this “armouring.” This signals to your nervous system that you are safe and it’s okay to let your guard down.
- A Breath of Fresh Air: Heart openers expand the rib cage and stretch the diaphragm. This allows for deeper, more nourishing breaths. When we breathe fully, we nourish our blood with oxygen and calm the “alarm” centers of the brain, replacing anxiety with a sense of quiet confidence.
- The Energy of Connection: Opening the chest stimulates the area of the Anahata (Heart) Chakra. When this area is physically and energetically open, we find it easier to practice empathy—not just for others, but for the person looking back at us in the mirror.
Scientific studies on “power poses” show that upright, expansive postures can increase confidence and approachability, making heart-opening poses not only physically beneficial but emotionally transformative. In essence, opening your chest through yoga literally and metaphorically trains you to give and receive love.
Empowering Poses: Building Strength and Confidence
Wild Thing is a pose that challenges balance, strength, and courage – core elements of empowerment. These postures engage muscles, enhance proprioception, and stimulate confidence through body awareness.
- Core and upper body strength: Balancing poses strengthen the arms, shoulders, and core.
- Body awareness and stability: Improving balance enhances emotional regulation and resilience.
- Hormonal support for empowerment: Expansive, challenging poses may influence testosterone and cortisol levels, supporting assertiveness and reducing stress.
Wild Thing combines backbend and lateral extension, blending heart-opening with empowerment. This dynamic posture increases lung capacity, releases endorphins, and fosters a sense of freedom and boldness.
Why Yoga for Love and Confidence Matters
Yoga isn’t just about flexibility… it’s a tool to train the mind through the body. February is the perfect time to practice poses that cultivate self-love and self confidence/ empowerment:
- Backbends like Wheel and Bridge teach openness and emotional receptivity.
- Balancing and strength poses like Wild Thing teach resilience, confidence, and courage.
Together, these postures support a holistic approach to emotional and physical wellness, creating a practice that strengthens both the heart and the mind.
You Are Your Own Greatest Strength
True empowerment isn’t about being “tough”…it’s about having the courage to stay open even when life feels heavy. When you lift your chest toward the ceiling in Wild Thing or Bridge, you are telling the universe that you are ready to receive love and strong enough to give it.
This February, let’s move with kindness. Let’s breathe with intention. Let’s celebrate the incredible heart that beats inside your chest every single day.
See you on the mat!
Love, health and happiness,
Rae x
WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH
Mum and Baby Postnatal Yoga – NEW BLOCK starting Tuesday 17th February, 11:30am–12:30pm
This 6-week block course is designed to support your physical recovery, boost your mental and emotional wellbeing and help you bond with your baby… all while connecting with other amazing new mums!
£60 for the 6-week block or £12 drop-in (depending on availability).
Book online: https://balancedsoulyogaandtherapy.co.uk/book-now/
Full Moon Sound Bath – Next Sound Bath is Friday 6th March, 7-8pm
Book your space directly via the following link:
https://mycalminthecity.as.me/fullmoonsoundbath
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