The heart chakra, positioned at the centre of the chakra system and fourth in the sequence of the seven major chakras, serves as a connection point. It bridges the lower three chakras (root, sacral, and solar plexus) with the upper three chakras (throat, third eye, and crown). In the lower chakras, our ego is linked to worldly matters such as security, outer appearance, and recognition. However, in the fourth chakra, the ego expands beyond self-interest and embraces unity with all beings. This embodies the essence of the heart chakra.
The heart chakra is associated with equilibrium, tranquillity, and serenity. When anxiety or stress arises, the mind can overpower the emotions, obstructing the heart chakra and causing both mental and physical unrest. This guide aims to enhance your understanding of emotions and foster connections with others by facilitating awareness in the heart chakra. In Sanskrit, the heart chakra is referred to as "Anahata," which translates to "unstruck" or "unbeaten sound." It symbolizes a peaceful, soundless sound.
The sound "OM" exemplifies Anahata. It is believed that the natural vibration of OM still resonates in the universe since its creation when there was no object to produce sound. The association of the heart chakra with the Anahata sound stems from its role in opening the gateway to higher wisdom. To perceive this subtle sound, one must be receptive and develop the ability to listen attentively, which can be achieved through meditation, particularly practices like Nada yoga and kriya yoga. Each chakra emits energy corresponding to a specific frequency and wavelength within the visible spectrum.
The heart chakra vibrates at a frequency of 639 Hz. The sound at this frequency aids in emotional balance and uplifts one's mood. Listening to music at this frequency can be beneficial when experiencing anxiety, negative emotions, or relationship difficulties. The seed mantra "YAM" corresponds to the heart chakra and the 639 Hz frequency. This mantra is associated with controlling the flow of air and life force (Prana) within our bodies. The element associated with the heart chakra is Vayu (air), the least dense among the physical elements. This dominance of air makes the heart chakra prominent in individuals with a Vata dosha. Air symbolizes freedom, openness, freshness, lightness, simplicity, and softness.
The Heart Chakra is connected to the following behavioural traits:
The heart chakra serves as the central hub for compassion, empathy, connection, and forgiveness. It allows you to embrace and accept any situation in life, regardless of whether it is favourable or challenging.
This chakra plays a crucial role in transcending materialistic identities and aligning with your higher self. It is a state where you identify with the divine essence within.
When your heart chakra is activated, you open yourself to be guided by the power of the higher self, often referred to as God, The Source, or Cosmic Intelligence.
The voice of the Heart Chakra resonates with the affirmation, "I am deserving of love. I welcome joy to flow through my mind, body, and experiences." You can experience this when:
Releasing Expectations: When our expectations don't align with reality, we often experience pain and disappointment. By letting go and releasing expectations, we can focus on engaging in activities without attaching specific outcomes. This aligns with the principles of Karma Yoga. By releasing expectations, love can flow unconditionally, allowing your Heart Chakra to flourish.
Releasing Attachments Desire creates a fear of loss, leading to suffering. Anything that brings us pleasure also has the potential to bring us pain. By surrendering our ego, we can break free from being controlled by desires connected to the material world. To evolve in life, it is necessary to release attachments, let go of expectations, and allow love to become unconditional and divine.
Trusting in Relationships: Anahata, the heart chakra, is built on having trust in relationships while maintaining awareness. It recognizes that actions are driven by individual perceptions, limitations, priorities, and fears.
Practising Forgiveness: By releasing pain and hurt, you can forgive those who have intentionally or unintentionally caused you harm. This act of forgiveness is liberating and sets you free from the burdens of the past.
Where Is Heart Chakra Located?
The heart chakra is positioned in the centre of the chest, between the right and left lung, slightly behind and to the left of the breastbone. When viewed from the back, it aligns with the T8 thoracic vertebrae.
The location of the heart chakra holds significance due to its proximity to the lungs and heart. Maintaining a balanced heart chakra requires proper regulation of oxygen. Pranayama, a powerful practice of breath control, can aid in balancing the energy in this region of the human body.
This chakra is primarily associated with the upper back, including the thorax and thoracic cavity, as well as the lower parts of the lungs, skin, hands, and arms. The heart space has connections with the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, and the immune system.
Furthermore, the heart chakra governs the thymus endocrine gland, which is a vital component of the immune system. The thymus gland is often referred to as the "higher heart chakra" or the "seat of the soul." It represents spiritual growth, unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness.
The Color of Heart Chakra
Each chakra in the body is closely associated with a specific colour and emits its own unique frequency, affecting the vibrational state of your being. The colour of our thoughts is said to imbue our souls.
The heart chakra is linked to the colour green. This verdant hue symbolizes freshness, safety, compassion, and the transformative power of the heart. It encapsulates the essence of new growth, the promise of renewed aspirations, the timeless nature of love, and the ability to share that love with others.
Exposure to objects or surroundings that carry the green colour of the heart chakra, such as plants, in the morning can stimulate the release of cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response. This can help facilitate waking up early and provide a refreshing boost of energy during the morning hours.
The Symbol of Heart Chakra
Each of the 7 chakras is characterized by a unique symbol that encapsulates the fundamental qualities and functions of that specific chakra.
The symbol representing the heart chakra consists of a circle adorned with twelve lotus petals, encasing two intersecting triangles to form a six-pointed star.
The heart chakra symbol incorporates the following elements:
Twelve lotus petals: The twelve petals arranged in a circular fashion represent the qualities and attributes associated with a balanced state of the heart chakra.
Animal nature: In Hindu tradition, the deity associated with the heart chakra is Vayu, symbolizing air. Vayu is depicted at the centre of the symbol, riding an antelope. The black antelope signifies animal nature, which is characterized by joyful restlessness as it seeks the source of the musk scent originating from its navel.
Triangles: The presence of triangles in the symbol signifies the convergence of spirit into the physical body and the ascent of matter towards spiritual essence. The heart chakra serves as a focal point where these two triangles intersect, forming a Shatkona, a six-pointed symbol commonly employed in Hindu Yantra.
Characteristics of Balanced Heart Chakra
When our heart chakra is in a state of balance and openness, a gentle current of love and compassion flows through us, allowing us to readily forgive and accept both others and ourselves.
Achieving equilibrium in the Anahata chakra enables us to release emotional pain through the power of unconditional love. According to ancient texts, our soul, known as the "jiva atman," resides within the heart chakra, which serves as the transitional realm between our material self and our divine self. As the heart centre expands with love and compassion, the seedling of inner peace and harmony within us can flourish and grow.
A harmonized heart chakra is characterized by:
Alignment with Nature
Unconditional love
Positive neutrality
Harmonious relationships
Nonjudgmental attitude towards oneself and others
Compassion
Peacefulness
Characteristics of Imbalanced Heart Chakra
When the heart chakra is out of balance, it can give rise to emotions such as grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred towards ourselves and others. These imbalances can manifest as physical symptoms, including asthma, heart problems, hypertension, breathing difficulties, lung infections, and bronchitis. The prevalence of negativity and animosity can contribute to an imbalance in the heart chakra, leaving you feeling hopeless, shy, rejected, and disconnected from the world around you. This sense of hopelessness may cause you to distance yourself from others, leading to the loss of valuable relationships.
On a physical level, an imbalanced heart chakra can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and frequent infections. It can also disrupt blood pressure regulation, resulting in low or high blood pressure, as well as hinder proper circulation and cause breathing challenges.
Underactive or Blocked Heart Chakra
When the flow of energy in the heart chakra is suppressed, it can result in an imbalance characterized by a blocked or underactive state.
In the case of a blocked heart chakra, there is a deficiency of compassion and empathy towards oneself and others. Individuals may become emotionally distant, appearing cold-hearted and inaccessible, or they may exhibit excessive sensitivity.
An underactive Anahata chakra can instil fear of love and be loved due to the apprehension of betrayal. Consequently, one may hold onto feelings of bitterness, sorrow, and grief, lacking trust in others and becoming judgmental, critical, and intolerant.
Overactive Heart Chakra
When there is an excessive flow of energy in the heart chakra, it can result in an imbalance known as an overactive heart chakra.
If the heart chakra is excessively open, it can manifest in the following ways:
Being overly demanding, particularly towards close family members or partners.
Overextending oneself to meet the perceived needs of others at the expense of personal balance.
Tendency to feel like a victim, constantly seeking validation and attention.
Losing a sense of personal boundaries can be detrimental to overall well-being.
Additionally, an overactive Anahata chakra can lead to disconnection in relationships and being driven by overwhelming emotions and possessiveness.
What causes the Heart Chakra imbalance?
An imbalance in the heart chakra can be triggered by factors such as stress and emotional distress. This imbalance is often a result of negative memories, intense emotions, and excessive overthinking, which can lead to the closing up of the heart chakra.
How to Balance Heart Chakra?
Practice Meditation with Mantra and Mudras
Meditation and mudras complement each other as a combined practice to channel energy to specific areas of the body. By focusing our meditation on a particular body part and using specific hand mudras, we can effectively redirect energy to that area.
For balancing the heart chakra, a simple yet effective practice involves holding hands in the Apana Vayu mudra and directing our awareness to the heart centre. This mudra has the ability to alleviate discomfort in the chest region and enhance blood circulation.
Yoga Poses for Heart Chakra
Achieving balance in the heart chakra through yoga enables us to embrace an open heart, accept others, accept ourselves, and let go of hatred and negativity.
The practice of pranayama directly influences the functioning of the heart by regulating the inhalation and exhalation of air in the lungs. These pranayama breathing exercises for the lungs can greatly assist in opening and balancing the heart chakra.
Incorporating the following yoga poses can help open the heart chakra and allow us to perceive the world with love:
Ardha Ushtrasana (Half Camel Pose)
Urdhva Dhanurasana (Wheel Pose)
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)
Reverse Warrior Pose
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog Pose)
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
Karma Yoga Principle
Incorporating the principles of karma yoga can assist in opening the heart chakra. These principles encourage detachment and acceptance, allowing for a more open and compassionate state of being. Here are some ways to embrace karma yoga principles:
Embrace experiences without attachment: Live in the present moment and accept it as it is, without comparing it to the past or future. Recognize the impermanence of each moment and find contentment in the present.
Release attachment to the past: Let go of clinging to past situations or relationships that no longer serve you. Open your mind and heart to new possibilities and embrace the potential of the future.
Surrender attachment to outcomes: Find peace in the present moment and let go of the need to control or predict the future. Accept the uncertainty of life and focus on living well and making positive choices in the present.
Release attachment to feelings: Understand that experiencing pain and loss is a natural part of life. Embrace the idea that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Cultivate resilience and choose to respond to challenges with love and understanding.
By incorporating these karma yoga principles into your life, you can cultivate a sense of detachment, acceptance, and compassion, allowing the heart chakra to open and thrive.
Stones to heal Heart Chakra
Rose Quartz: Rose Quartz is renowned for its remarkable healing properties in relation to the heart chakra. The gentle and soothing pink hue of this crystal is believed to embody the elevated spiritual energies that ignite and balance the heart chakra. Rose Quartz holds significant power in the healing of emotional traumas linked to past relationships, as it works to restore trust and foster self-confidence. By embracing this crystal, one can experience profound healing and find solace in
rebuilding emotional well-being.
Green Aventurine: Green Aventurine is recognized for its tranquil and comforting frequencies, which can harmonize the emotional and physical aspects of your being, facilitating a deeper connection with your higher self. With its translucent green appearance, this stone serves as a superb companion for meditation due to its serene yet invigorating energy.
Opal: Opals are among the most exquisite gemstones featured in this collection. They are sought after for their ability to aid in emotional healing, showcasing a mesmerizing array of colours that evoke a sense of fire or dynamic energy. With its elevated vibrational energy, Opal harmonizes effectively with all chakras, but particularly shines when it comes to the heart chakra. It fosters equilibrium within the emotional and physical realms while
fortifying the connection between the higher and lower chakras.
Aquamarine: Aquamarine possesses a serene and tranquil energy that aids in the gentle pacification of an overactive heart chakra. With its delicate hues ranging from pale blue to green, Aquamarine evokes the essence of the ocean, earning it the nickname "mermaid stone." This soothing crystal proves especially beneficial for releasing negative emotions associated with matters of sexual energy, providing a sense of calm and
emotional balance.
Amazonite: Amazonite is a stone that symbolizes abundance and success, making it a wonderful choice for those seeking to unlock their full potential. This crystal embodies the power of thoughtful communication, encouraging understanding before expressing oneself. Its positive energy fosters confidence and tranquillity. Furthermore, Amazonite serves as a valuable tool for fortifying the heart chakra, aiding in the release of emotional
blockages caused by upheaval and turmoil.
Food for Heart Chakra
Green vegetables and fruits can be excellent allies in unblocking your heart chakra.
Incorporate green vegetables into your diet, such as leafy greens, salad greens, pot herbs, brussels sprouts, spinach, and kale.
By consuming these green foods, you can support the process of opening your blocked heart chakra and promoting overall well-being.
Heart Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations serve as a powerful tool for shaping beliefs and cultivating new thoughts. This technique involves finding a comfortable sitting position, closing your eyes, and speaking the affirmations aloud.
As you repeat the affirmations, take a moment to reflect on the emotions they stir within you. This process allows you to connect with the positive feelings and enables them to flow throughout your entire being.
Some affirmations to consider:
I am surrounded by love, and I am capable of loving others.
I embrace vulnerability without fear of being hurt or rejected.
I am complete and whole, and I have more than enough in every aspect of my life.
I am abundantly blessed with love, joy, and fulfilment.
By regularly practising these affirmations, you can empower yourself and cultivate a positive mindset that fosters love, acceptance, and abundance in your life.
Other Activities
Engaging in the following activities can also aid in healing the heart chakra:
Utilize aromatherapy oils like Sandalwood, Jasmine, Lavender, and Geranium. These fragrances have a soothing effect and can promote balance and harmony within the heart chakra.
Immerse yourself in the melodic tunes of wind instruments such as the flute, saxophone, or similar instruments. The gentle and flowing sounds of these instruments can resonate with the heart chakra, promoting relaxation and emotional healing.
When you maintain balance and harmony in your heart chakra, it has the power to transform you into a person overflowing with love and compassion for others. Instead of seeking anything in return, you are driven to offer forgiveness, love, and kindness to those around you. The heart chakra guides you to embrace these qualities and make them an integral part of your interactions with others. By nurturing your heart chakra, you can cultivate a selfless and caring nature, enhancing your ability to spread love and positivity without any expectations.
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