The Heart Chakra

The Heart Chakra: The Center of the Psyche-Soma Connection

The heart chakra or anahata chakra, the fourth chakra in our chakra series – Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and, finally, the Crown. It is arguably the great center of the psyche-soma connection. We strive to reconcile our abundant psyche to the restrictions and rightful size of the body. Here at home in ourselves, our bodies reach upwards toward the wild spirit of the psyche. 

 

If we recognize the relationship between mind and body is an alchemical work – which is to say the primary material that makes up our soulful life – we open ourselves into a world. We tend to the mysterious and deeply meaningful gratification that comes with unconditional love. How do we then find harmony?  Should love between these seemingly separate worlds serve as the active agent, our means and method, then the miraculous work begins.

 

Where is the Heart Chakra?

Known as the anahata chakra, the heart chakra resides in the space between the breasts at the center of the sternum.  Associated with the energy of circulation, love and compassion, and devotion, anahata holds the tension of opposites between mind and body/psyche and soma. Anahata is at the center of the energy in the body. 

 

Likewise, the color of light to balance it is a bright grass-colored green. It is not traditionally associated with a sentimental kind of love – though heartbreak and deep wounding often distort, darken, and weigh down this part of the body. 

 

Instead, this chakra has to do with the flowing abundant love of creation. This is to say, both the love of oneself as well as the love of the universe – the physical and spiritual. 

 

How to Open it

Opening up the heart is a lot like opening up a fist. When we practice a sensory awareness of this center of consciousness, we may begin to unfold as if one finger at a time releases the tight grip in prepared defense. 

 

The opening heart may feel painful and scary. If we take the time to open the heart, even a fingers-worth, we may begin to receive and soften. We may discover that – in alignment with our philosophy – we are the best suited lovers for ourselves. We may find a greater balance between the struggles of the mind and the urges of the body.

 

How to Heal it

A blocked heart chakra may result in feelings of distrust towards others, lack of forgiveness, or loneliness. A heart chakra that is overactive may lead to over dependence on others or a need to receive love or acceptance from others as well as feelings of jealousy.

 

Another method on how to unblock the heart chakra is to attune yourself to nature. Enjoy a pleasant stroll in the park or a nature trail and take in all of the greenery around you. Listen to the sounds of the wildlife, the songs that nature sings to you. 

 

Let the green light of nature flow through your heart center and into your chakra system as it overtakes you. Balance the heart chakra. Allow yourself to love your surroundings and yourself.

Heart Chakra Meditation

In order to open yourself to the love energy of the anahata, one recommendation is to try this heart chakra meditation.

 

 

 

Never hesitate to reach out to Barn Life Recovery for holistic mental health services and free community support groups and events. We’re here to help you love life again.