Aligning The Anahata Chakra

Anahata chakra, also known as the heart chakra or heart center, is the fourth of seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word anahata means ‘unstruck’ or ‘unbeaten.’ It is the subtle sound produced ‘without touching two parts.’

The anahata chakra is located in the center of the chest, near the heart, and is associated with empathy, love, compassion, and forgiveness. It also governs our heart, lungs, thymus gland, and circulatory system and plays an important role in our immune system, emotions, and relationships.

It is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower with an intersection of two triangles representing the mystical union of the male and female, the metaphysical and physical. The anahata chakra serves as the bridge between the lower three physical chakras and the higher spiritual chakras, connecting the earthly and divine energies within us.

When the anahata chakra is open, aligned, and balanced, we feel a sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are also able to let go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and fear to rather give and receive love, foster compassion and empathy, and extend forgiveness towards ourselves and others. When the heart chakra is in balance, we experience a profound sense of love, tolerance, harmony, and emotional well-being.

On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty in expressing love and compassion. We are also more likely to be unkind and intolerant and experience negative emotions such as anger, resentment, fear, and even hatred.

In contrast, if the anahata chakra is too open and overactive, we become overly caring, too selfless for our own good and codependent in relationships. We have difficulty setting boundaries, find it difficult to say no, easily feel victimized, and may suppress legitimate anger.

The heart chakra is the bridge between the lower chakras, which are associated with physical and emotional needs, and the higher chakras, which are associated with spiritual awareness. When it is open, we are able to experience the fullness of life, both in the material and spiritual realms ~ Anodea Judith

An open, aligned, and balanced anahata chakra offers the following benefits:

Deepened relationships. A balanced anahata chakra enables us to form genuine connections with others, fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships based on love, trust, and understanding.

Enhanced self-love. By opening our hearts, we cultivate a sense of self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.

Emotional healing. Balancing the heart chakra helps heal emotional wounds, facilitating the release of past trauma, grief, and resentment.

Increased empathy and compassion. An open-heart chakra enables us to empathize with others’ pain and suffering, empowering us to offer the necessary support, kindness, and understanding.

To activate and align the anahata chakra to experience more of these benefits try these simple strategies:

Meditation

Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Visualize a vibrant green light radiating from your heart center, filling your entire body with love and compassion.

Heart-Opening Yoga Poses

Incorporate heart-opening yoga poses into your practice, such as camel pose, cobra pose, or bridge pose. These poses stretch and energize the chest area, promoting a sense of openness and vulnerability.

Affirmations & Mantras

Repeat positive affirmations and mantras related to love and compassion, such as “I am open to giving and receiving love” and “I lovingly choose to forgive and let go.”

Artistic Expression

Engage in creative activities like painting, dancing, or writing to express your emotions and connect with your heart center.

Healing Crystals

Carry or wear crystals associated with the heart chakra, such as rose quartz or green aventurine. These stones can help balance and activate the energy of the anahata chakra.