Anahata or Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra or Anahata in Sanskrit, is the 4th chakra, and sits at the heart. It is the center of the chakra system, it connects the lower 3 chakras and the upper 3 chakras. With the Heart Chakra, the ego begins to make us feel one with all beings. It is associated with balance, serenity, and calmness.
The Sanskrit word Anahata translates to “unstruck sound” or “boundless”. The reason the heart chakra is associated with the Anahata sound because the heart opens up the door of higher wisdom. It can only be perceived when one is able to be receptive enough to perceive the subtlest sounds i.e. the sound of thyself.
The effects of the Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra is the door to our inner temple, our soul, the infinite part of ourselves. It allows us to transcend ourselves and the world. Which makes sense because the Heart Chakra is governed by the Air element!
The Heart Chakra is related to being able to love yourself and being able to give and receive love with ease. It allows you to show compassion for others, and gives you the sense of “we” rather than “I” so you are able to work well with others, as well as the ability to share without expecting anything in return. But at the same time, knowing your own limitations and giving yourself permission to say “no” when things aren’t serving you anymore.
The Heart Chakra also allows us to release expectations and attachments. We can let go of the expectations, and learn to respect the outcome.
When the Heart Chakra is Out of Balance
An imbalanced Heart Chakra gives way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred for self and others. It can also manifest itself with physical problems including asthma, heart problems, hypertension, breathing problems, lung infections, and bronchitis. Other emotions that may arise with an unbalance here are:
loneliness
jealousy
bitterness
inability to forgive
passive aggression
inability to love
lack of empathy
smothering behavior
the tendency to feel like the victim
losing sense of personal boundaries or over extending yourself to please others at the expense of your own wellbeing
cold-hearted
fear of betrayal
unable to trust
overly judgmental or intolerant
Emotionally you may feel poor energy levels all over, since the heart is the center of the body. There may also be a predominance of negative feelings, which can cause you to self isolate.
Physically your immune system will be weaker so you may be more susceptible to colds and illnesses
How to Bring Balance back to the Heart Chakra
You can do a few things to bring balance back to the heart chakra:
Off the Mat
Green is the color of the Heart Chakra, so try eating leafy green vegetables and fresh herbs.
Because the Heart Chakra is governed by the Air Element, you can listen to the sound of wind instruments such as, the flute, saxophone, etc.
On the Mat
Meditate on the color green, or use the seed word HUM. If you have mala beads you can chat HUM and use the beads to help you maintain focus during the meditation.
Here is a short yoga sequence that you can also practice to help you bring balance to the Heart Chakra:
Prep Poses
Cow Face Pose
Cobra Pose
Up Dog
Bridge Pose
Asana Poses
Mountain Pose
Warrior I with cactus arms
Downward Dog
Wild Thing
Dancer Pose
Locust Pose
Camel Pose
Crow Pose
Cool Down Pose
Seated twist
Yoga Mudra
Legs up the wall
