Cobra (Chair)

It’s not uncommon to feel tension and tightness in the shoulders from years of protecting the heart—both physically and emotionally. This forward-holding pattern can even affect the upper spine. Practicing Cobra begins to gently retrain the body, allowing blood and energy to flow more freely from the heart through the shoulders, down the arms, and into the hands. The arms carry the action of the heart into the world, helping us both give and receive love. Over time, this practice opens that energetic pathway.

Cobra also awakens the back of the heart, bringing to awareness feelings we may have tucked away. It invites us to hold those emotions compassionately, witnessing them as they arise and dissolve. As the posture opens, it is as if the heart moves toward the light of the sun—filling with warmth, compassion, and love. This pose trains us to be softer, lighter, and to trust the buoyancy of our own being.

Benefits: Expands the chest and lungs, increases flexibility in the spine, improves circulation to and from the heart, and opens the energetic flow between the heart and arms. Helps release tension in the back, shoulders, and neck.

Contraindications: If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm or mobility challenges, practice Cobra in a chair rather than lying on the belly.