Opening the heart space is a common theme in yoga traditions. When we open our heartspace we become less rigid and can reduce sensations of feeling tight and strained in our body. Energetically, opening the heart space can help to move us into a softer and kinder side of our being, thereby helping us to feel happier and a greater sense of contentment. In our physical body, opening the heartspace is also very important as we age. Much of the focus in these practices helps to reduce rounding forward that often happens in our shoulders as we age, as well as improving our posture and just making us feel better.