Melting Heart

A quiet kneeling yin posture that invites length through the arms, shoulders, chest and spine while the hips remain lifted.

“Soften the chest towards the earth. Let the breath find space.”

Melting Heart explores the meeting point between surrender and support. The knees and hips offer a steady base while the arms reach forward and the front body moves towards the floor. It is a posture of listening, especially around the shoulders, chest, upper back and breath.

The purpose is not to force the chest down. The purpose is to find a version where the body can yield without strain. Stillness should feel spacious rather than imposed.

1. 1Begin on hands and knees.
2. 2Keep your hips above or slightly behind your knees.
3. 3Walk your hands forward.
4. 4Allow the chest to move towards the floor.
5. 5Rest the forehead, chin or chest if that is available.
6. 6Let the arms remain active enough to feel supported.
7. 7Soften the belly.
8. 8Breathe naturally.
9. 9Stay for a comfortable amount of time.
10. 10Come out slowly by walking the hands back beneath the shoulders.

Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:

• •Where do you feel the first clear sensation?
• •Can the shoulders soften without collapsing into pressure?
• •Does the neck feel easy?
• •Are the hips drifting far forward?
• •Can the breath move while you remain here?

Let the breath show you how much depth is useful. If the breath becomes sharp, shallow or held, explore lifting higher, widening the arms or adding support.

Observe the relationship between the shoulders, ribs and pelvis. Some students will seek depth by sinking into the joints. Others may hold themselves away from sensation. Offer support before offering more intensity.

Reflect after practising:

• •What changed when you raised or lowered your chest?
• •Did your breath feel different with the forehead supported?
• •Where did you feel effort, and where did you feel release?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Sinking into the shoulder joints
• •Holding tension in the neck
• •Letting the ribs drop suddenly
• •Sliding the hips too far forward
• •Holding the breath
• •Forcing the chest towards the floor

• •Place a bolster under the chest.
• •Rest the forehead on a block.
• •Widen the arms.
• •Bend the elbows and rest the forearms.
• •Place a blanket under the knees.
• •Reduce the hold time.

• ✓Breathing remains available.
• ✓The shoulders feel supported.
• ✓The neck feels comfortable.
• ✓Sensation stays steady rather than sharp.
• ✓Exiting the pose feels unhurried.