Healing the Heart Chakra

Note: Thanks to everyone for your patience as we work to get this latest meditation up and “on the air.” This season is always a busy time for us as we are sure it is for you, and an illness in the family has kept us close to home. We hope that you enjoy this installment of the Chakra Challenge, may it help you further along your own path towards healing and happiness! Love and Light, ~DR

The heart chakra, also known as Anahata, is located in the ribcage near the organic heart. Its purpose in our physiology includes regulating the function of the heart and lungs, but its spiritual purpose is just as important. The heart chakra is where we store our sense of self-love and contentment, where we nurture our inner child. It is where we feel love for others in its purest forms, and the source of our feelings of connection. A dysfunctional heart chakra can lead to the illusion of separation, a sort of “me against the world” attitude which is counter-productive and unhealthy. Let the heart chakra blossom to feel your connection with those around you and with the universe at large. This chakra loves the affectionate color pink and the healing color green; good crystals to use when working with this chakra include rose quartz (associated with unconditional love), aventurine, and peridot. Nourishing foods include those that are nourishing to the heart and circulatory system; including dark leafy greens and grains such as oatmeal and quinoa. Because the heart chakra is the link between the lower three (feminine) chakras (associated with receiving energy) and the upper three (masculine) chakras (associated with giving energy), it is our center of relation and interaction with the world around us. The condition of the heart chakra affects our entire worldview, so stimulate and heal it by engaging in activities such as qi gong, balancing meditations, and volunteer work.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Anahata blossom, or simply a heart of green (or pink) light in the center of your chest. Feel its warmth and healing power; see it pulse in time with your heartbeat. Allow the glow to increase with each heartbeat. Allow the light to expand in your chest. Let your body relax.

4) Picture yourself in a scene in nature. Woods, a peaceful lake, on a mountaintop at sunrise, even in an underwater grotto. Choose the place that feels most lovely and healing to you. Allow yourself to rest and be comfortable in this place. Look around you, taking in the beauty and the quiet. Feel how much love mother nature has for you. Let this love envelop and buoy you as you reflect on your love for yourself. Is it lacking? Do you feel unappreciated? Realize that you are deserving of love and respect from your very self. The child you once were, whom you can clearly picture in your mind’s eye, is still present within you and needs love and affection. Remind yourself that to love yourself unconditionally is both deserved and demanded, your very soul cries out for the gentle healing of love. Remind yourself that if you feel loved, it will be easier to love others. Do you feel kindness and empathy for those around you? Do you find it easy to relate to those outside yourself? Do you realize that we are all one, or are you trapped by the illusion of separation? Realize that in loving yourself, you must love others; and by showing your love to others, you are in fact showing love to yourself.

5) When you have seen - if only for a moment - past the illusion of separation, and your inner child is smiling and content, take a moment to heal your past hurts. The heart is heavy with griefs and regrets. Look at each of them, as if flipping through a photo album. Do not dwell, offer only a brief glance. With each one, think “This was a hard lesson, but a lesson nonetheless. I accept it and let it go.” As you release each painful memory and bad feeling, feel your heart grow a little lighter, that glow surrounding it shining more and more.

6) When you are satisfied, and your heart feels light and content, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the green (or pink) light in your chest. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you experience love for yourself and unity with others. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Heart Chakra

I am open to receiving love.
All the love in the universe is inside my heart.
I love and accept myself with no reservations.
I care for my inner child.
I am wanted, loved and appreciated.
I have grace and gratitude in my life.
The idea of separation is an illusion.
I know that I am one with the universe.
I have love and empathy for those around me.
I am grateful for the challenges that have encouraged me to open my heart.
I am connected with other human beings.
I have appreciation for nature.
I accept my life as it is, knowing I am a perfect being.
I am peaceful and content.