Expanding with the Heart Chakra
It’s only been a few days since the cultural phenomenon that is Valentine’s Day! What a perfect time to take a look at the heart chakra.
The Heart Chakra
The heart chakra, also known as Anahata (unstruck), is located at the center of the chest, at the fourth thoracic vertebra. Its associated color is green. We have many familiar phrases to describe states of the heart, such as hard or cold-hearted; warm, tender, or big-hearted; and wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve. These images are apt descriptors of what goes on with the energy of the heart chakra. Like all the other centers we’ve touched on, the heart can be open (energy flowing) or closed (energy stagnant; blocked).
The heart chakra is an important point of awakening because it is here that we emerge from the lower three energy centers (root, sacral, and solar plexus), which are concerned largely with self-preservation, into the start of an expansive state of existence. Heart-opening experiences give us a glimpse into our connection with others. These experiences are transformative.
Long before scientists discovered that the “physical heart” is a significant organ of perception with a portion made up of neurons like those found in the brain, humans were intuitively writing of “the heart” as such. The heart “senses.” The heart “knows.” The heart “sees.” The heart actually produces an electromagnetic field that radiates outside the body. When you consider this fact, having a “big heart” takes on a new level of meaning.
When your heart is open to receive the energy of another living being, information is exchanged that goes beyond words. You may experience this as warmth, joy, or support. It’s a nourishing exchange. In contrast to the sexual love of the second chakra, the love of the heart chakra is unconditional.
We can, of course, use our willpower to close off our heart, but we can also use that same power to open it, experiencing all of the gorgeous energy pouring through this center. This energy is uplifting, expansive, and tremendously beautiful. This love can grow to embrace all of one’s self and all of humanity.
Working with the Heart Chakra
While obvious signs of deficient energy in this area would be a lack of empathy or an inability to give or receive love, excessive energy is also possible. An example of excess would be so strongly expressing love without pausing or relaxing. Jealous love is another example of imbalance. Creating space in the heart chakra to receive love would be needed in this case.
Some easy things you can do to balance the heart chakra are to focus on gratitude, spend time meditating on someone you love unconditionally or perhaps a spiritual figure you feel devotion for, and practice wrapping yourself in this unconditional love. Feel all of your feelings, accept the lessons, and then let it all go. Let yourself cry if you need to cry. Don’t judge it or cling to it. It’s just another flow of energy on your journey of freedom.
Journey of Freedom
©Anastasia Forrest 2023
