The heart chakra is the central chakra within the seven energy systems in our body. Each system resonates at a different frequency, corresponds to a different color of the rainbow, and is metaphysically liked with a number of different systems in our physical bodies.
The chakras bridge the gap between our "subtle" body and the spinal cord, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Many of these systems perform the most complicated of chemical and neurological functions and we are not even aware of what is going on round the clock, twenty-four/seven, underneath our skin. When we think of the heart, of course, we understand the physical function that muscle serves. What of the spiritual function, the "aura" of the heart?
A healthy "aura" is a smooth, steady flow of energy through the chakra system, indicating a body clear from dis-ease. But what of "heartache", a "broken heart", those who are "heart sick"?
The heart chakra mediates between the worlds of spirit and matter, being at the center of the chakra system. Through this chakra we relate compassionately and unconditionally with others, with love and with ourselves. This is a love that does not depend upon the actions of others. Rather it is unconditional love through which we accept another for doing their best and begin to develop a true sense of self-love and self-acceptance.
The Sanskrit word for this chakra - Anahata - means "sound made without two things striking" or "unstruck". This describes the co-existence of body and spirit, but - more importantly, I think - the ability to love without expectation (see the blog on "Loving What Is", thoughts on a Byron Katie lecture).
A heart chakra that is "too open" or spins too fast is possessive, loves conditionally, witholds emotionally in order "to punish" and is overly dramatic. A heart chakra that is "blocked" or spins slowly or not at all fears rejection, loves too much, feels unworthy to receive love and is self-pitying. A "balanced" heart chakra or one that is spinning at the correct vibrational speed is compassionate, loves unconditionally, nurtures and desires spiritual experience in lovemaking.
This central chakra is the passage through which we move from the lower (animal) centers to the higher (mental and spiritual) centers. We are shifting from basic survival needs toward gratitude for blessings received. We learn to listen to the heart, which can be a better barometer of our deeper needs than can the mind. As we wind our way toward our higher self, our relationships expose us to how little we may love ourselves. Shunning intimacy often masks a fear of looking inward. Relationships offer an opportunity for self-awareness and knowledge...recognizing and loving our dark side as well as the parts we admire. This is the basis of unconditional love.
The negative archetype associated with the heart chakra is the Performer...the co-dependent, who looks outside for the love they crave, believing their wounds can be healed by finding someone to love them. Love is cerebral for them and a fear of betrayal sabotages any change of real happiness with another.
The lover has the capacity to love her or himself unconditionally. Their happiness does not depend upon the actions of others so they freely give of themselves without expectation. Their core is so secure they love for the joy it brings them. They are magnetic, radiant and draw others to them through their positive energy.
"Loving too much" is often a result of externalizing something that needs to come from within. Believing our strong feelings as love, we may be expressing our fear of betrayal, jealousy, possessiveness and emotional instability.
Heart Chakra Affirmations:
I send love to everyone I know.
I love myself for who I am and for the potential within me.
All past hurt I release into the hands of love.
I am grateful for all the love that is in my life.
Love will set me free.
On this day of love and hearts, experience your feelings through the sense of touch. Use rose oils and crystals of rose quartz, emerald and watermelon tourmaline to balance this chakra. The associated animal archetype is the gazelle, an animal which bounds with joy.
Most importantly, open your heart. Love yourself, for you are complete. Give freely of what is within you. Love is all you need!
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