One of the things I'm finding so tough right now is the contraction, the protection of hands and literally keeping people at arms length. It's a physical necessity, but there's an emotional component.

That hands are an extension of our heart space is both a lovely thought, and an anatomical fact. As an infant we first reached out and explore the world with our little hands, grabbing at care givers, toys and pulling them close, because our heart desired them. We hold hands with loved ones, put our hand on our chest when we feel touched by something.

People's hearts are getting greedy with hoarding, hearts are getting tight and tense as we withdraw, clench the hands or pin the arms down.

Look after your heart space and the emotions behind what has to physically happen right now... Fear contracts the heart, just as love and compassion expand it.

Heartprints

Author unknown.

Whatever our hands touch -

We leave fingerprints!

On walls, on furniture

On doorknobs, dishes, books.

There's no escape.

As we touch we leave our identity.

Wherever I go today

Help me leave heartprints!

Heartprints of compassion

Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness

And genuine concern.

May my heart touch a lonely neighbour

Or a runaway daughter

Or an anxious mother

Or perhaps an aged grandfather.

Send me out today

To leave heartprints.

And if someone should say,

"I felt your touch,"

May they also sense the love

that is deep within my heart.

I'm touched by all the students who are taking the time to practice my open hearted yoga sessions online. Click here for one free video to get you started.