HEART CHAKRA: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO OPEN ANAHATA, THE FOURTH CHAKRA

Those who approach disciplines such as yoga or are fascinated by Buddhist thought often hear about Chakras, but not everyone yet knows what this term means. It is good to say that the theories regarding our centers of life and energy they are spreading only in the last few years, but there are already many who pay attention to the balance of their Chakras. In this article we will find out what it is and, above all, we will see specifically the role of the fourth Chakra, the so-called Heart Chakra.

What are the Chakras

The term Chakra comes from Sanskrit and means "wheel" or "circle". Although we hear about it more and more often, not everyone knows what lies behind this word. The Chakras are our vital and energy points distributed throughout the body. They can be understood as "centers" that have the task of absorbing our vital energy and distributing it outside.

The so-called "base" or "main" Chakras are 7 and each of them is located in a specific point of our body, even if the latter is not to be understood in a traditional way. into consideration the "idea of" subtle body ", that is our emotional component.

In traditional iconography the Chakras are represented through lotus flowers where each petal identifies a specific one. In addition to the fascination that can derive from this theory, it is normal to wonder why the Chakras are so important for our life. The answer is simple: they are energetic centers that connect the body and the psyche together. When they are "open", energy can flow freely, with positive effects for both the mind and the body. However, when the Chakras are closed, the path, the energy can no longer flow, forming a block that causes negative repercussions both physically and emotionally.

Anahata, the heart chakra

As can be understood from the name, the Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest and acts as a link between the other six, located respectively in the upper and lower part of the body. The term by which it is called in Sanskrit is Anahata, which means “sound not hit, not damaged”. This definition finds different explanations, depending on whether you want to rely on its more concrete side or the more poetic one.

In fact, for some Anahata it would indicate the sound of the meeting between the cardiac and pulmonary plexus, the very area where the Chakra is located. For others, however, it would be explained by the heart's ability to create a melody, the resonance of which would be perceived when we meet people who give birth to love within us.

In general, the fourth Chakra is the seat of the spirit, of all human emotions and of those feelings considered disinterested and benevolent towards others. They originate in Anahata altruism, comfort, forgiveness, the other charitable demonstrations of which every man is capable, but above all, unconditional love is born here. This defines that "love not only directed towards a" physical "person, but also that directed towards nature and the Universe.

The characteristics of the heart chakra

Like any other Chakra, the fourth, Anahata, also has its own characteristics. For example, its representation is that of a green lotus flower. This color is not accidental because it symbolizes balance, harmony, fertility and also the component of unconditional love towards everything around us and nature.

Its position is precisely that of the heart, in the center of the chest, and the sense that stimulates it is touch. Its natural element is air and the stones that stimulate it are all green ones, such as, for example, Tourmaline and Aventurine, or even rose quartz.

What happens when the fourth Chakra is closed

When each Chakra is open, then the vital energy flows out in a regular way and this promotes both physical and mental well-being. When one - or more - of our energy centers is blocked, there are consequences on the body and on the mind. specifically, when the heart Chakra is closed it means that a defense mechanism against love is manifesting.

All this translates into a lack of self-esteem, in the inability to love oneself and others and closed attitudes towards others, such as coldness, distrust and detachment. As we have already said, the opening or closing of a Chakra it also reveals itself on a physical level and, therefore, in this case you may encounter problems such as paranoia, indecision, "asthma or" insomnia. A person shows this distrust of others and the world with a hunched and closed stance.

It is good to say that the Chakras should always be in a position of balance. In fact, if the heart Chakra is too open, then, on a sentimental level, there will be strong and unbalanced emotions such as anger, jealousy and resentment. When before we were in a situation of prevailing philophobia - fear of loving - and lack of demonstrations of affection, here we will have the opposite case: "loving too much" leads to a degeneration of feelings that will manifest themselves without any control, ending only with the hurt around us.

On a physical level, the extreme openness of Anahata can lead to respiratory and heart problems, as well as pathologies related to high blood pressure.

How to "open" the heart chakra

We have said that very often psycho-physical problems are caused by the closed fourth Chakra, but that even in extreme openness it can bring discomfort. For this it is very important that each Chakra is in balance. To restore the harmony between these vital points, a series of actions can be carried out with the aim of re-balancing our energy flow. Here is specifically how to restore your fourth Chakra to the correct balance.

1. Accept forgiveness, let go of resentment

How many times in the course of life are we wronged that seem unforgivable to us? The answer is too many. However, as difficult as it may be, it is important to know how to close, in one way or another, with the past. In fact, when you can't - or don't want to - forgive someone, you end up accumulating tension and resentment. of the affective and emotional sphere, these two feelings press and unbalance Anahata, interrupting her balance with the other Chakras.

As complicated as it is, try to forgive and let go of any remorse or regret. Constantly living in the past is not only not good for you, it also blocks the way to a happy future.

2. Spend time in the outdoors

As we have said, the fourth Chakra is the seat of unconditional and universal love also directed towards nature. To open or otherwise restore its balance, spending time in the open is really very useful. You can take simple walks, relax in a lawn or observe the flora and fauna that surround you. The important thing is not to perceive the pressures of everyday life and not to spend your free time in environments that do not give you serenity but only anxiety and stress.

3. Practice yoga or meditation

In themselves, yoga and meditation are very valid means because they help you control your thoughts and channel them towards positivity and unconditional love. Especially in yoga there are some positions that can unlock the heart chakra. First of all that of Namaste, or the position of greeting: standing still, you place your hands in the position of prayer in front of the heart without, however, touching it. The Vrksasana, that is the position of the tree, can also be useful. To assume it, just stand up and raise one leg by placing the foot on the side of the knee of the one on the ground. Also in this case, the palms of the hands are united in prayer before the heart.