Chest Opening Exercise
Materials Needed
Feeling
Jealous
How to Do It
Jealousy often creates a feeling of tightness in the chest. To counteract this, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your chest and gently press, noticing any tension or discomfort. Slowly extend your arms out to the sides, opening your chest wide, and take a deep breath in. As you exhale, bring your hands back to your chest, but with a sense of softness and openness. Repeat this movement several times, focusing on the expansion of the chest and the release of tension.
Why It Works
This exercise specifically targets the physical sensation of tightness that can accompany jealousy, helping to open up the chest and promote a sense of emotional openness and release.
Guided Practice
Stand or sit comfortably with your back straight. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, bringing your awareness to your chest area. Notice any sensations of tightness or openness. Allow yourself to be present with these feelings, without needing to open or stretch your chest just yet.
Remain standing tall and balanced, feeling your connection with the ground. Bring your hands to your chest, pressing them gently against your sternum. Take a deep breath in, then as you exhale, open your arms wide, stretching them out to the sides as if you are opening a pair of heavy doors. Feel your chest expand with each breath, creating more space.
As you continue, imagine opening your heart and chest to release any feelings of jealousy or comparison. Visualize these emotions leaving your body with each expansive movement, dissipating into the air like mist. You might notice familiar feelings or beliefs about jealousy that surface, or perhaps new insights about your own heart space. Allow yourself to explore these sensations fully, staying present with the chest opening.
Consider what it feels like to release these emotions so freely and openly. Perhaps you feel a sense of relief, a new awareness of your own capacity for openness, or a deeper connection to self-acceptance. Notice any insights or realizations that come up as you continue this exercise.
When you feel ready, bring your hands back to your chest and take a few more deep breaths, feeling the openness and space created in your heart area. Notice how your body feels now—whether there is a sense of calm, openness, or perhaps a renewed connection to your own heart. Allow yourself to stay with this feeling for a few moments, enjoying the sensation of release. When you are ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of openness and self-acceptance with you into your day.