Fourth Chakra – Heart

Anahata Chakra – Heart Chakra

The fourth chakra is the HEART CENTER – “I LOVE”

At the Heart Chakra, Anahata lies the powerhouse of the human energy system. In Sanskrit, Anahata means “unstruck” or “unbeaten”. This signifies an impartial and infinite love allowing a deeper understanding of self and others. From its middle position, the fourth chakra mediates between the lower three chakras  – the chakras of matter -, and the upper three,  which are regarded as our spiritual centers.  The Heart Chakra determines their health, strength, and balance.

Anahata Chakra is located at the center of the chest, leveled with the heart, in the spinal column, directly behind the sternum.

The Heart center is the chakra of universal love and compassion,  and it is spiritually associated with “oneness” .

It represents the element of “air” , and it is particularly associated with the movement of the breath. Air represents freedom and expansion.

The Heart Chakra is the guiding light that shows the third chakra how to burn its raw energy in loving ways; it shows the second chakra how to manifest its sexual energy through the transmutation of love; it shows the first chakra how to emerge the physical with the a loving purpose for all.

Physical locations that correspond to this chakra:  the cardiac plexus,  chest, heart, circulatory system, lymphatic system, and respiratory system, diaphragm,  ribs, breasts,  shoulders, arms and hands.  The gland associated with the heart chakra is the thymus gland which has an important role in the immune system.Due to its equidistant position between the first and the seventh chakra, Anahata is the balancing force of all the chakras.

The Heart Chakra is the source of unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness,  tolerance, and acceptance of all beings as they are.  Furthermore, this chakra resonates with creative science and fine arts.

Mental and Emotional Associations:  Love, hatred, bitterness, grief, anger, jealousy, inability to forgive, resentment, self-centeredness, fear of loneliness, fear of commitment, and fear of betrayal, compassion, hope, trust, passion, self-sacrifice to help less fortunate,  ability to heal yourself and others.

Anahata represents controlling the mind and emotions. Anahata chakra is almost completely beyond the empirical dimensions. When Anahata awakens all your actions are ruled by unselfishness, and you develop spiritual empathy and compassion for all. At this level of awareness, one understands that love is free from expectations and does not involve bargaining.  One realizes that love overcomes ego, for not only is ego an obstacle on the spiritual path, but it is also the greatest barrier to harmony in the family and social life. However, the ego cannot be removed by intellectual persuasion. One needs to develop humility, compassion, and a self-less attitude in order to overcome ego.

Most people prefer to depend on fate rather than to take responsivity for creating their own destiny, but when Anahata awakens, it also awakens the freedom to escape from a preordained fate, and the will to determine one’s own destiny becomes a reality.

WHEN THIS CHAKRA IS UNBALANCED

Physical Dysfunctions: Congestive heart failure, heart attack, heart palpitation, heart pain, angina, mitral valve prolapse, cardiomegaly, high or low blood pressure, poor blood circulation, asthma/allergy, lung cancer, bronchial pneumonia, upper back, shoulder pain, breast cancer.

A closed heart chakra can give way to resentment, grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others,  blaming others, victim mentality, shame, and emotionally cold. Also, relationship co-dependence, manipulative behaviors, the feeling of unworthiness, and an inability to trust yourself or others. Fear of rejection. Loss of trust in a committed relationship. Issues giving and receiving affection. Over dependency in a relationship. Distant behavior with people who care. Tough and unemotional appearance while feeling vulnerable.

WHEN THIS CHAKRA IS BALANCED

One feels grateful, positive, empathetic, generous, and loving. When your heart chakra is open, you are flowing with love and compassion, you are quick to forgive, and you accept others and yourself. You engage in personal sacrifices to help those in need. When the heart chakra is in healthy alignment you will feel surrounded by love, compassion, and joy and connected to the world around you. When the heart is open, a person feels optimistic, friendly, and motivated to believe in themselves. As we become more compassionate and understanding towards others, building fulfilling relationships become easier. When the heart chakra opens, you’ll feel an abundance of empathy, compassion, and love. This translates not just towards others but also to oneself. A balanced chakra allows people to be who they are, instead of attempting to dismiss or change according to external expectations. A person with an open Heart Chakra develops trust in themselves and respects others.

TO BALANCE AND PURIFY THIS CHAKRA DO THE FOLLOWING: 

1) Practice  FORGIVENESS: forgive those who have hurt you, and forgive yourself for anything you blame yourself. Holding onto hurt harbors negative feelings and cuts you off from opportunities to love and serve. Not being able to forget the past resentments and anger only stops us from moving forward into the future happiness. Letting go may not feel as easy as it sounds, however it is the best choice to free yourself from the chains of painful and heavy feelings of resentment. Your mind and your ego may tell you otherwise but just forgive and move on. Life is too short to hold grudges.

2) Cultivate empathy: walking in another person’s shoes helps you in fostering a sense of empathy.

3) Become extremely optimistic and positive against all odds. Even in the face of tremendous odds, believe that you will succeed.

4) Aromatherapy scents to stimulate this chakra: rosemary or cardamom.

5) Incorporate the color  EMERALD GREEN   (in clothes, bracelets, shawls, décor, and work environment)

6) Practice DEEP BREATHING exercises in the open air. The fourth chakra element is air so breathwork is a gateway to opening your heart chakra.

7) Practice yoga poses, breathing techniques, bandha, and meditations for this chakra.

8) Cultivate gratitude. Keeping a journal of gratitude helps in acknowledging the gifts of the present moment.

9) Spend time outdoors, in contact with fresh air, feeling the wind.

10) Feed your chakra: The color of Anahata Chakra is green. The foods that help restore the balance are – spinach, kale, broccoli, matcha, green apples, green tea, cucumbers, etc.

11)  Cultivate Non-Judgment: Go one day a week without criticizing anyone or anything, including yourself.

12) Practice affirmations such as: “EVERY SITUATION IS A GOOD ONE FOR ME AND THE FUTURE IS ALWAYS BRIGHT”

Start with these simple practices and, in no time, you’ll experience a greater sense of self-confidence and charisma; enthusiasm for life, vitality, creativity, and a deep sense of gratitude and contentment.

After only a week of implementing these practices, please let me know how you feel.

With Love,

Veronica