It’s no secret that we love props here at The Journey Junkie.

I’m constantly harping on the various ways  props can be incorporated into your yoga practice and for all types of practice. And because I love props so damn much, I figured why not focus on the heart today.

Our heart center is a sacred space, a space that unfortunately is closed off due to daily activities – such as driving, typing, cooking, dishes, picking up our children, etc.

The majority of our day is lived with our shoulders hunched forward, our backs slightly rounded, and our hearts closed. And to be completely honest – I don’t want a closed off heart!

I want a badass, loving, majestic, living my beautiful truth heart.

And not only do I want this…

I need this.

And so do you.

Today’s goal is simple – use props to help us surrender, soften, and awaken our heart centers.

Related: Back to Yoga Basics – How to Use Yoga Props

Below are 4 different ways to use 4 different props to achieve the above.

Pin now, learn to open your heart now!

Before we dive into this short tutorial, please know that it’s not necessary or mandatory to own every yoga prop available. I always recommend to start small by purchasing blocks.

Once you get comfortable with the idea of how, when, and why to use a yoga prop, then start to dabble a bit more….

Try a yoga bolster. Or possibly get upside in the  yoga trapeze. Or maybe roll around on the yoga wheel.

The options are vast and the variations are endless.

Related: Anahata Chakra Yoga Flow – Expand Your Awareness, Awaken Your Heart Chakra

The Yoga Trapeze

The yoga trapeze is definitely a favorite of mine, shhhh – don’t tell the others!

This swing-like contraption is durable, super comfortable, and provides incredible benefits for the body! And when I say body, I mean every single damn one of us – young, old, physically fit, not so fit, those who go upside down, and those who don’t.

The yoga trapeze can and will help everyone!

For a full breakdown + tutorial on how to use this baby – read this post here!

The Yoga Bolster

A bolster is basically a big yoga pillow…. it’s sole purpose is to help you, the yogi, relax and soften into a posture.

Just like a pillow does during our sleep!

Bolsters are commonly used in restorative or yin yoga practices where postures are held for an extended period of time – 3 to 10 minutes give or take.

I purchased mine from Amazon for under $40, and it’s totally worth it!

Related: The FIVE BEST Restorative Yoga Poses – Reduce Stress & Relieve Tension

The Yoga Wheel

Oh the yoga wheel – the newest yoga prop on the market & one that’s definitely piquing the interest of many!

The yoga wheel is an intense heart opening prop that instantly opens the shoulders, chest, stomach, hip flexers – basically the entire front body is cracked open and exposed!

For two full tutorials – check this post here & here.

Related: Yoga Wheel Flow – Total Body Workout

Yoga Blocks

And I saved the ultimate yoga prop for last, because truly – a yoga block is the best!

Let me quickly run through the benefits:

• Super inexpensive.
• Small, portable, easy to travel with.
• Brings the floor to you, making postures more beneficial and accessible.
• Can aid in building strength and proper alignment techniques.
• Can support the body in a multitude of ways to help achieve ultimate relaxation.

Now, don’t be confused, the above props can also accomplish the above points, but there’s something about the easiness of a block that make’s it my all-time favorite.

For example – in the photo above, I’ve created an intense/relaxing heart opening posture by placing one block beneath my middle/upper back and another underneath my head.

This posture can be held for up to 10 minutes without feeling uncomfortable or taxing to the body!

If new to the block world, below are a few ways to use these babies:

• Yoga Tutorial: How to Use Blocks 
• Hanumanasana: 4 Different Ways
• Restorative Yoga Sequence to Relax, Restore and Reconnect
• Yoga Tutorial: Crow Pose

Related: Grab Your Yoga Blocks – Vinyasa Yoga Practice with Blocks for Strength + Support

Yogis – I hope this post helped to demystify what yoga props are, where to begin your journey with them, and how to open your heart with them.

Always remember to enjoy your practice, enjoy the novelty of trying something new, enjoy discovering your body, and most of all – enjoy the journey of it all!

Until next time – xoxo!