An Introduction to the Heart Chakra

Our name, Chakra, is inspired by the ancient Chakra System which is composed of energetic centers that act as generators of spiritual power in the human body. These centers can be used to draw in and expend energy both within and around the human energetic field. Although the concept of the Chakra System has existed for centuries, it is as relevant today for aligning the mind-body connection as it was thousands of years ago (arguably even more so, since the dawn of technology and other chakra disturbances we did not face in 500 B.C.!).

In the month of May, we continue our exploration by engaging the fourth energy center in the human energetic field: the Heart Chakra. Also known as Anahata, Heart Chakra is located at the center of the sternum in the chest between the shoulder blades.

The Sanskrit name for the Heart Chakra is Anahata meaning “unstruck” or “unbeated”. Anahata invokes the purity of innocence that resides within each our our energetic bodies, encouraging ideals of compassion, empathy and heart-based consciousness. The Heart Chakra, therefore, is associated with love, compassion and emotional balance. This Chakra is often represented by a lotus flower with twelve petals and inside of this lotus is a triangle pointing downwards with a dot in the center. This sacred symbols represents the connection between the physical and spiritual realms and the balance between the directive & receptive energies that naturally occur within & without us.

Resonating with the Water Element, Anahata governs ideals love, tenderness and empathy. Known as the “compassion energy center” the Heart Chakra wields our emotional responses, joining the intellect of the mind with the intent and purpose of the heart.

A center of experience and commonality, the Heart Chakra is believed to be the center of the entire chakra system, connecting the lower and upper chakras. It is the seat of the soul and the source of spiritual development. When the Anahata chakra is balanced, we experience feelings of love, compassion and empathy. We are able to form deep and meaningful relationships with others and feel connected to the world around us.

When the Anahata chakra is blocked or unbalanced, we may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and fear. We may struggle to form meaningful relationships with others, and we may feel disconnected from the world around us. We may also experience physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations and respiratory issues.

There are several ways to balance and open the Anahata Chakra, including meditation, yoga, breathwork and practicing acts of kindness & compassion towards others. By opening and balancing the Heart Chakra, we can experience a greater sense of connection and love towards ourselves, others, and the world around us.

So now that you have a better understanding of the Heart Chakra how do you activate this heart-centered energy? We’ll leave you with a few practical ways to activate and strengthen your Heart Chakra, here.

Let us know how it goes!