The Heart or Anahata Chakra

The chakras are part of the subtle body. That is, they are energy centers where the two main energy channels (the nadis ida and pangala) meet in 7 places throughout the body. The heart or anahata chakra is the energy center that is right in the center of the all the chakras. Some like to think of the heart chakra as the center of the body because of this. There are 3 chakras below the heart space and 3 above.

The heart center is found, drumroll please, at the heart. The function of the heart chakra is love and compassion. Love and compassion for ourselves and for others.

Contrary to our western thinking, the color of the heart chakra is green, not red. Green opens the heart. Green is known to be universally healing. Think of green as a way to heal a broken heart.

Twelve lotus petals are part of the heart chakra symbol. The petals are representations of the 12 sacred qualities that are associated with the heart – peace, bliss, love, harmony, empathy, understanding, purity, clarity, compassion, unity, forgiveness, and kindness.

The heart chakra is represented by two interlaced triangles. Those of you familiar with Jewish culture or faith will recognize the similarity to the Star of David. Some interpret these two triangles as the merger between the masculine and feminine found inside you. While others say the triangles represent the descent of the divine into the body and the ascent of physical matter rising to meet the divine. Perhaps, it is all of those.

When the heart chakra is in balance, you may feel surrounded by love and compassion for yourself. You may connect to others with joy and feel a deeper connection to the world at large.

Body parts covered by the heart chakra include lungs, heart, arms and hands. Thus, some signs of the heart chakra being out of balance might be dis-eases such as asthma, high blood pressure, heart disease, and lung diseases.

To help balance the heart chakra, crystals such as emerald, rose quartz, jade, or green jasper are just 3 suggestions. If you enjoy fragrances and/or herbs, lavender, jasmine, orris root, yarrow, marjoram and meadowsweet.

Heart-opening yoga asana poses are many. Backbends that open up the front side of the body are all heart openers. For example, cobra, fish and camel are all poses that open the heart. One way to open the heart with a slight backbend is to come down to the mat, place a rolled blanket or bolster just below your shoulder blades. Use a bit of support under your head so that your neck doesn't compress backwards. Allowing the top of the head to be in alignment with the body and the chin ever so slightly tilted toward the chest. Bring the palms together above your chest and allow the fingers to point toward the ceiling. Then open your arms into a 90 degree angle along your sides. Legs can be either straight, in butterfly or bent with feet on the mat. Whatever feels best for you. Remember that the focus here is to open the heart. See an illustration of a modified fish pose. (Image is Tummee.com copyright. Tummee.com is a yoga sequencing software for yoga teachers.)

Correction: In my enthusiasm to get a jump on the week, I accidentally skipped over the solar plexus chakra, which is next in line after the sacral. I did all my writing and research on the Heart Chakra which technically comes after the solar plexus chakra. We will do the manipura or solar plexus chakra next week.

If you would like to know more detail about the chakras, I recommend what is commonly referred to as the English-language bible of chakras by Anodea Judith, PhD. Wheels of Life.

Workshop, Classes and Private Lessons

Please join me at 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET today for a deep dive into Yoga Nidra. I will be teaching a workshop and a short Yoga Nidra meditation online via Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Eckerd College. If you are interested, you can sign up here.

The regular Yoga Nidra Monday night class will be held tonight as usual online via Zoom at 7:30. Sign up here.

Lastly, I am available for one-on-one private lessons focused around your particular needs. I offer private in-person lessons for those who are vaccinated Please contact me directly by filling out the form below to set up a convenient time and place for your free consultation. I look forward to seeing you soon! Namaste! The light in me, honors the light in you.