Heart Chakra
The Sanskrit for the heart chakra is Anahata which translates to unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten. This chakra governs our ability to express and receive compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.
The heart chakra is the fourth chakra and the easiest chakra to identify with.
In this post I am discussing the heart chakra. So far we have discussed what are the chakras, and the first three chakras: the root chakra, the sacral chakra, and solar plexus chakra. We have seven chakras total from the top of our head to the bottom of our feet. They are spinning wheels of energy that exist within the physical body. Their purpose is to regulate the nervous system,major organs, and emotional health. For an extended conversation on the chakras check out my previous post.
What is the heart chakra?
The Sanskrit for the heart chakra is Anahata which translates to unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten. This chakra governs our ability to express and receive compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.
The heart chakra is the fourth chakra and the easiest chakra to identify with. When someone is genuinely loving or loving from a place of alter motive it is obvious. The heart chakra is significant because it is the midway point in the chakra system. The heart chakra connects the lower chakras to the higher chakras, it is the gateway to the higher self.
The heart chakra is associated with:
Physical body
The heart and lungs.
The sense of touch- like hugging or skin to skin with a newborn and parent.
Sense of touch by the intentional act of doing something. This is similar to receiving a heartfelt gift and feeling touched by that act of giving.
Emotional Body
This connection manifests as trusting your ability to trust and nurture yourself. Accepting things as they are and the ability to feel in harmony with self and the environment around you. Developing a we mindset instead of an I perspective.
Mental Body
The act of giving from a place of love and not FOR love. Giving with ease without the expectation of receiving anything in return. Knowing when to say no and to nurture myself.
Element/color
The color green is associated with the heart chakra.
The air element- the ability to feel all and attached to nothing at the same time.
Signs of an underbalanced heart chakra
Our heart chakra may be blocked if we experience difficulty with trusting ourselves or people.
Difficulty with allowing people to get close to you.
Lack of empathy despite how traumatic an event is. Having an: it is, what it is, attitude, feeling nothing. A cold hearted personality.
Feeling like you do not fit in, lonely, and disconnected.
A common imbalance may occur from experiencing a “ heartbreak”. This may manifest as resentment. When you are hurt by someone your heart hurts. If you are unable to let go you're left with a heavy heart. We may let go mentally but emotionally can't seem to move past the negative emotions, habits, and perspectives.
Signs of an overactive heart chakra
A person who is too trusting in people. Always looks outside of themselves for guidance.
Lacks boundaries or good judgment despite obvious signs.
Too compassionate or people pleasing. Willing to do whatever to make another happy.
Doing things that are inauthentic to yourself for approval and attention.
Tips for balancing the heart chakra
Breath work- with the heart chakra connected to the air element any breath work is significant for healing.
Use the color green during meditation and relaxation. Light a green candle and set your intention on healing the heart space.
Positive words of affirmation. When it is difficult to forgive yourself, others, or feel nothing, try saying “please forgive me I am sorry thank you- I love you.”
Giving from an open heart to someone that needs it. Simple as opening the door or giving a compliment. Being touched from a place of your own kindness without the need to tell anyone what you did.
Yoga- Cobra pose
Step by Step
Begin by lying on your stomach, point the toes back, place the hands under the shoulders, try to keep the elbows close to the body pointed back, pull the belly button in and up toward the spine
In one motion inhale and lift the chest, roll the collarbones up, back, and firm so the shoulder blades are aligned with the upper back
The head lifts last, the heart is open, the hands are planted lightly in front of the shoulders, and the toes are pointed out.
As you exhale, bend at the elbows and lie on the bottom. Rest and repeat 2x
The third variation, try going deeper into the pose, press down firmly in the hands, and come up to your point of comfort, keep the belly and toes engaged
Inhale and shift the side ribs forward, the upper arms are back, and the neck is long.
The gaze is forward or can be up if you maintain the length in the back of the neck, do whichever is comfortable.
Remain in this pose for 5 to 10 breaths
Exhale, bend the elbows, and lower the body. Rest on your belly.
Tips
Take your time
Coordinate the movement with the breath
Continue breathing
Know your limits, and do what feels comfortable.
Keep the belly and toes engaged
Keep the back long
Keep the hips on the floor
Shoulders relaxed
The base of the neck is soft
The elbows are pointed back not at the side
Caution
Do what feels comfortable. If you feel a strain in any body parts exhale and come out of the pose.
Lower back strain lower yourself into the Sphinx pose- slowly place the forearms on the mat
Wrist pain: try coming on your forearms into the Sphinx pose, or move the hands in front of the body or point at an angle.
Benefits of the cobra pose
Opens the chest and shoulders
Stretches the front of the body and the spine
Sends energy to the spine
Questions for the heart Chakra?
Are you in touch with your inner child?
Can you give from a place of love without any hidden agenda or resentment?
Are you able to express your boundaries from a loving place?
Can you forgive yourself and others?
Do you feel connected to all living beings and earth?
Even in disagreements can you see the other person as you? Can you still show compassion and kindness?
Can you give and receive from a place of ease?