The Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)
Special thanks to Marco Testasecca for this beautiful original drawing
THE FOURTH CHAKRA - ANAHATA (Heart Chakra)
This Chakra represents the heart and is located at the center of the chest.
When we experience a balanced alignment with this center we explore unconditional love, compassion and joy.
In Sanskrit, “anahata” translates to a feeling of being unbeaten, intact and unstruck.
On an energetic level, the fourth Chakra works with the Manipura Chakra to store energy in the center of our bodies, and then distribute pranic energy to the rest of the body.
The fourth energy center also works to balance all the other Chakras since it is located at the center and links together the upper and lower Chakras.
This Chakra is considered the seat of the divine self.
In the physical body, the Anahata connects with our heart, lungs, arms and hands.
When we inhabit this Chakra fully, we experience a deep level of connectedness to the world around us.
We relate to ourselves and others joyfully and boundlessly. We are aware and open to all experiences in life.
If challenges arise, especially in relationships, they flow through us and are resolved with compassion and ease.
An open heart chakra allows us to see all the beauty and love around us and to truly connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world. When we are in deep connection with this energy center we are capable of great empathy, compassion, forgiveness and unconditional love.
This chakra also brings a deep sense of acceptance of own selves and all beings.
"If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete."
- Jack Kornfield
Symptoms of blocked energy in this Chakra can present themselves in the physical body as ailments or disease such as lung infections, high or low blood pressure, heart issues, bronchitis and circulatory problems.
An imbalanced heart chakra can present in the emotional body as codependency, unworthiness and insecurity.
People who are experiencing a guarded energy center might isolate themselves, experience loneliness, hold grudges, be defensive, fear intimacy and connection or find it difficult to trust others.
When our Heart Chakra is in harmony, we are capable of letting our love flow freely, both towards ourselves and outwards without fear or insecurity.
"In the end
these things matter most:
How well did you love?
How fully did you live?
How deeply did you let go?"
- Jack Kornfield
Seed Sound = YAM
Element Associated = Air
Color Associated = Green
Glands Associated = Thymus, behind the sternum
Motion = Vyana Vayu
Excess in energy = an inability to forgive, or a lack of empathy and emotional confusion.
Deficient in energy = codependency, possessiveness, jealousy, sadness, shyness, loneliness
Essential Oils = Frankincense, Geranium, Melissa, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang help to balance this chakra as they promote feelings of comfort, nurturing and love
Asanas Associated = Chakravakasana (Cat / Cow), Purvottanasana (Upward Plank), Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx), Urdvha Danurasana (Wheel), Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Camatkarasana (Wild Thing)
Symbol = Lotus with 12 Petals with a six pointed star in the center
