The fourth chakra is called Anahata, which means ‘unstruck’ or ‘unhurt’. This chakra governs our emotions. It is here that we begin to transcend any limiting self-beliefs, find self -acceptance, and learn to love unconditionally.
Within the chakra system, Anahata is situated right in the middle, between the three lower chakras and the three higher chakras. The colour most commonly associated with this chakra is green. The symbol, or yantra, which represents Anahata is a six pointed star that is made up of two interlaced triangles. The upright triangle is said to be a symbol of Shiva, or consciousness, while the inverted triangle represents Shakti, or creativity. These two forces are united at the heart centre, where we begin to move from embodiment to enlightenment. We can think of the energy that is rising up from the earth uniting here with the energy that is coming down from the heavens, creating a sense of balance and connection, which allows us to embrace the universal laws that govern our lives.
In the human body Anahata chakra is located behind the physical heart, and as such has influence over the heart and lungs, and affects the respiratory and immune systems. The ribcage, chest, upper back, shoulders, arms and hands all form part of the physical aspect of Anahata chakra. In order to create balance for this area, we can work with postures that build strength and flexibility in the upper torso and limbs. Backbends are often emphasised in heart opening practices, because they have the effect of stimulating the flow of creative energy at the heart centre. It is important to balance the backbends with gentle forward bends and twists however, so that this energy can permeate the whole upper body, leaving you feeling energised, but also relaxed at the end of your practice.
The element associated with Anahata is air. It is said that air carries your emotions, thereby determining what and how we feel. Working with this element requires a certain amount of subtlety. Various pranayama practices can energise or calm the nervous system due to the ways in which they affect the movement of prana through the subtle energy channels, or nadis. The respiratory system can be strengthened and cleansed with regular pranayama practice.
In meditation we can strengthen the energy at Anahata chakra by focusing on the positive qualities the heart possesses. We can increase our capacity for kindness, compassion, equanimity and joy simply by focusing on them. The key to creating balance is to practice being kind and compassionate towards ourselves, as well as others. Gratitude is a wonderful healer for the heart. Practice expressing gratitude to yourself and others for any act of kindness or compassion, no matter how small, to notice the effect this has on how you feel.
‘An open heart feels compassion and empathy for both self and others. It understands the tender nature of spirit, the delightful joy of connection, and the deep peace of acceptance. The heart’s task is to find balance in relationship in all aspects: mind and body, self and other, light and shadow, masculine and feminine, inner and outer realms. The result of this balance is peace.’ ~ Anodea Judith.
If you’d like to find out more about the chakra system, we recommend the following resources: The Chakra Balancing Kit (Book plus CDs) – by Anodea Judith, Chakra Yoga (Book plus CD) – by Alan Finger, and Chakra Theory and Meditation (DVD) – by Paul Grilley.
Lynda Miers-Henneveld
In addition to the short heart opening practice to help you with your home practice while we’re closed for a couple of weeks, we’re pleased to offer you a recording of the last express class of 2009.
