What gentle physical practices can I do with heart problems?

I always tell people: the body is not your opponent. If you've been diagnosed with heart issues, the last thing you need is shame or aggressive pushing. Your work now is befriending your physical reality. Gentle movement—slow walking, tai chi, restorative yoga—these aren't lesser practices. They're precise. They teach your heart to regulate without stress. Begin with walking. Not the kind where you're checking your watch or pushing for a number. The kind where you notice your feet meeting the ground, your arms swinging naturally, your breath finding its own rhythm. Hold stillness too. I've found that people with heart concerns often need permission to be quiet. Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees, hands on your heart, and simply feel it beating. Don't try to change anything. This builds trust between you and your own body. Trust is the foundation of healing. Work with a cardiologist on what's safe for your specific condition, but within those boundaries, move with curiosity, not force. Notice what feels nourishing versus what triggers anxiety. Your body will teach you. The practice is learning to listen.