The Heart Chakra, or 4th Chakra, is also known as Anahata in its original name in Sanskrit, which means “un-struck note”. The 4th chakra connects the lower and upper chakras together. It’s located in the center of the chest and not where the heart actually lays in the body. We will go into more detail about the heart chakra in this blog: how to tell if it’s blocked or open, how to unblock it, and how to get it re-centered. With that being said, let’s get started in the journey of the Heart Chakra.
The Heart Chakra symbol has two intersecting triangles and 12 petals around it. The 12 petals are red or white in color, and the intersecting triangles are a smoky-blue/black color, which symbolizes the element of air.
The Heart Chakra colors our lives with compassion, love, and beauty. It bridges earthly and spiritual aspirations. It’s about transformation and integration, the ability to love yourself and others, and fully understanding your relationship with yourself and those around you. It’s about find what’s holding you back and letting go, or letting go of things outside of your control. It’s about forgiving yourself and others and letting your true self shine through.
Some ways to be able to tell if you Heart Chakra is blocked are:
• Difficulties in relating with others • Excessive jealousy • Co-dependence • Being closed down or withdrawn.
Some ways to tell if the Heart Chakra are open are:
• Deeply connected (harmonious exchange of energy with all that is around) • Appreciation of beauty • Love • Experiencing deep and meaningful relationships
The Heart Chakra is supposed to go beyond the limitations of the ego and personal preoccupations to open up more fully to compassion and acceptance of all that is; being one with yourself and everything that surrounds you.
Here are some simple practices you can try to help open you Heart Chakra:
• Work with your breathing to balance the energies (breathing exercises) • Cultivate your appreciation of beauty (nature, people, art, music…) • Self-care and self-love (essential oils, yoga poses for heart chakra) • Self-compassion and acceptance • Engage in activities that feed your heart • Focus on being a receiver, and you’ll be able to give more. • Express your gratitude • Reiki – find someone who practices this.
I hope this has helped you to understand the Heart Chakra a bit more. Maybe it will help you look into your heart and fully understand why you may be feeling disconnected in certain areas of your life.
Maybe it can help you forgive something which you have held on to for far too long. It’s all about getting re-centered and telling your ego to “take a hike”.
Love yourself and those around you, and try not to be too hard on yourself or others.