Each energy centre interacts with different levels of the mind, body and spirit. Taking time to learn about the chakras’ functions, students enter into relationship with the complex nature of human being.
Awareness of the Chakra System
The chakra system offers the mind and body a tool with which to communicate.
Anahata is the Sanskrit word for ‘unstruck’, ‘unhurt’ and ‘unbeaten’. The heart chakra is the fourth main energy centre along the spine. While the third chakra indicates our relationship to self esteem, will power and motivation, the heart chakra introduces us to the realms of love and forgiveness.
Fundamentals of the Heart Chakra
- Name: heart chakra
- Element: air
- Sanskrit name: anahata
- Colour: green, though in Develop Your Own Psychic Powers, John Edward introduces pink to the heart chakra.
- Archetype: Lover/Actor/Healer
- Position in the body: found in the middle of the breast bone, directly over heart and lungs
- Associated endocrine gland: thymus
- Physiological form and functions: heart and lungs, bronchial tubes, circulatory, immunity
- Emotional or spiritual functions: issues in love, depression, loneliness, matters of the heart, unconditional love, forgiveness
- Linked to: love, nurturing, emotional issues, expression or suppression of emotions and relationships
- Affirmations: I open my heart to love
- Asanas: backbends, forward folds
- Gifts connected to the heart chakra: kindness, love, forgiveness, acts of service and compassion
- Level of relationship: loving relationships with significant others, with one self, and with all life
- Identification of weak heart chakra: shallow breathing, lung disease, immunity problems, breast cancer, enlargement of the heart, congestive heart failure, mitral-valve prolapse, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, emphysema. Inability to nurture ourselves or others, lack of nurturing in childhood, easily offended, hurt, grief, loneliness, hatred, resentment, bitterness, anger and hostility towards one's self and/or other people.
- Negative thinking traits: I’m unlovable. Everyone is mean to me. I’m not good enough. You don’t listen to me. It’s your fault.
- Questions to help chakra consciousness:
- ‘Am I feeling resentful?’
- ‘Do I feel smothered by someone close to me?’
- ‘Do I love myself?’
It's worth considering that for some people, the absence of love may mean the difference between catching a flu versus falling victim to a life threatening illness. The primary lesson of the heart chakra is to accept and love ourselves unconditionally.
As with the heart chakra, all of the seven major chakras of the human body hold secrets of personal development. Understanding and utilising the system can help students overcome negativity and develop strong, vibrant and harmonic lives.
For more details about the research materials used in these articles, please read Chakra Basics Recommended Reading List.
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