In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” and is often translated by “vortex”. According to yogic scriptures, these energy centers regulate the vital energy or prana that flows in the subtle (aka psychic) body – psychological, emotional & mental. There are 7 main chakras, each with its own distinctive features, located along the sushumna, the energy channel which flows through the center of the spinal cord, starting at the perineum and ending at the top of the head. The chakras are symbolized with lotus flowers, each having a particular number of petals and color, representing the different manifestations of psychic energy associated to it. As everything else in the universe, they vibrate at a specific frequency, and resonate with and are affected by sound vibration.
The Heart Chakra, or Anahata in Sanskrit, is located in the center of the chest, behind the sternum. It is considered as the fulcrum of all chakras, as it is located between the three lower ones, linked to our earthly dimension, and the three upper ones, linked to our spiritual dimension. It is connected to the element of air and the cardio-respiratory system (heart and lungs) and associated with the sense of touch (feeling).
Anahata chakra is symbolized by a green lotus with twelve petals, with at its center a six-pointed star formed by two interlacing triangles. In Sanskrit, anahata literally means “unstruck”. The unstruck sound is the primordial sound, the source of all sound, in other words the pulse of the universe. And the heart center is where this sounds manifests.
Obviously, the Heart chakra is the center of unconditional love and compassion, tolerance and forgiveness. When the energy flow is blocked there, it results in loneliness, isolation, fear of rejection and an inability to connect with oneself and others. One may also become possessive, dependent, with dysfunctional relationships. But when activated and balanced, Anahata chakra brings inner peace, emotional balance, joy, harmony, gratitude, generosity, healthy relationships and, above all, a deeper feeling of love and empathy.
To strengthen or regulate this chakra, traditional yoga recommends to practice heart opening postures like Ustrasana (camel pose) and the Padma (or lotus) mudra.
- Element : Air
- Colour : Green
- Seed sound (or bija mantra) : Yam
- Deity : Shiva/Shakti
- Animal : Black Antelope
Here is a playlist I created to help explore and balance this chakra, “Heart Chakra – All the Feelings”. It is an eclectic musical journey designed to explore and embrace all the different layers, regions and emotions contained in our hearts ❤ ❤ ❤
InnerFlow 