The chakras—the seven major energy centers of the body—are each unique and important. The fourth chakra has an especially intriguing role. It is the heart-center, also known as anahata chakra. Balancing the heart chakra means ensuring a strong connection between the physical body and the spiritual body. This is a great place to focus at the start of a new year.
At its place in the energetic center of the body, the fourth chakra connects the three lower and three upper chakras. As we’ve seen, the first three, or lower chakras are about stability, creativity, and personal power. The upper chakras are more concerned with spirit.
Between the upper and lower chakras is the heart chakra. It is the place of connection, and when it is open—that is, when energy flows freely through the heart center—we also open to the fullness of our experience as human and spiritual beings.
Balancing the Heart Chakra
When the heart chakra is in balance, we are joyful, content, and loving. We open to compassion, empathy, and love, and we can give freely. When the heart chakra is blocked, on the other hand, we experience negative emotions such as jealousy, hate, and grief. We may be selfish and unable to connect with others. Loneliness and depression may also be signs of heart chakra imbalance.
Yoga Poses for Balancing the Heart chakra
You’ve likely heard many yoga poses referred to as “heart openers.” These are ideal poses for balancing the heart chakra. They include backbends, bridge pose, camel pose, cobra, and upward-facing dog among many others. Basically, any pose in which you lift your heart is beneficial for balancing the heart chakra.
Other Tools for Balancing the Heart chakra
While you might expect it to be red, the color of the heart chakra is green. Being around green objects or wearing green clothing can help you tune into the energy of the heart chakra.
The seed sound of the heart chakra is yam. Chanting this sound can help open the heart. There are other chants for balancing the heart chakra, such as the powerful Kundalini mantra Guru Ram Das. A chant for opening and healing the heart, the full mantra is Guru Guru Wahe Guru, Guru Ram Das Guru.
If you enjoy using essential oils and aromatherapy, there are many choices for balancing the heart chakra. Floral aromas like geranium, jasmine, and rose, as well as uplifting scents like orange and tangerine are some examples. Other essential oils for balancing the heart charka include cypress, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.
Balancing the heart chakra is an essential step in becoming whole. By opening this energy center, we can experience ourselves as integrated beings. Our physical being and humanity can unite with our spiritual being and our connection to something greater than ourselves.
If you feel a lack of love in your life, consider a heart-opening yoga practice and other activities that can help you act with compassion for yourself and others. An open heart allows us to live with more love, contentment, and joy.
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