Our Fourth Chakra (Anahata) is known as the Heart Chakra. It is located in your chest and associated with our emotions. That includes our feelings of contentment and connectedness with others, our joy and compassion, our ability to love others and ourselves as well as to receive love, our capacity to forgive, and our passion and purpose in this life. The color associated with the Heart Chakra is green.
Anahata is sometimes known as the dwelling place of the soul. When our Heart Chakra is out of balance, we may experience problems with relationships and intimacy, with setting (and respecting) boundaries, and to become withdrawn.
A weakened Heart Chakra can also affect the heart, lungs and upper spine – manifesting as posture problems. So yoga is an excellent way to open the front body, increase the flow of oxygen around the heart, and strengthen our Anahata.
Here are some poses we recommend:
Cat/Cow (mariaryasana bitilasana): Cat/Cow is one of the best for opening the heart and moving negative energy (anxiety, stress, grief) away from the center of your being. Start in tabletop pose on hands and knees. Place your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees below your hips. Press your hands into the ground, while rounding your back gently. Gaze down until you feel a stretch at mid-spine, behind your heart. Hold this position for a few breaths, then arch your back and look upward, to open the front of your heart. Switch between these poses, paying attention to how they make you feel both physically and emotionally.
Upward Facing Dog (urdhya mukha svanasana): Another frequent position in yoga, Upward Facing Dog can open and energize your Heart Chakra. Start on hands and knees with hands directly below your shoulders and knees below your hips. Then stretch your legs out straight behind you, while lowering your hips. Keep your head and neck straight, in line with your spine. Continue until you feel a gentle stretch in your abdomen and chest, and once you reach the top of the pose, hold for several breaths. Repeat until you release any stiffness or tension in the body.
Dancer’s Pose (natarajasana) : While not as common as Upward Facing Dog or Cat/Cow, this is also an excellent way to open the Heart Chakra while strengthening the muscles of your legs and lower body. Start by standing upright, with feet together and arms at your sides. Then bend your right knee, and grab hold of your right foot with your right hand. Gently tilt your torso forward, while kicking into your hand. If balance is an issue, we recommend using a strap. Repeat on the left side, paying attention to which side gives you greater balance.
The Heart Chakra can also be strengthened with mindful practices including prayer, meditation, breathwork, and gratitude. We love your heart and you should too!