|
CHAKRAS AND THE TREE OF LIFE
Part 9 - THE HEART CHAKRA
FOURTH: HEART CHAKRA (ANAHATA)
Meaning
- unstruck
Location
- center of the chest or thoracic cavity
Systems & Body Parts
- heart and circulatory system, breasts, lungs, diaphragm, shoulders, arms and hands
Gland
- thymus
Musical Keynote
- F, Gemstone - emerald, Element - air
Sense
- touch, Seed Sound - Lam, Verb - I Love, Color - green
Main Function
- love, compassion, transformation
This chakra is the seat of love and compassion. Although it includes the kind of 'partner love' of the second chakra, at this level it is a love that extends to all things. The heart mediates between the lower three chakras of the body and the higher three chakras of the spirit, symbolized by two interlaced triangles forming a six-pointed star. This star represents the movement of energy upward from the earth and down from the heavens. From this center, which is the gateway to the universal consciousness of the higher chakras, we develop emotional balance and harmony.
- Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Aspects/Issues: An individual who is balanced at the heart chakra is someone who cultivates qualities such as unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness and dedication, moving to-wards wholeness. The capacity to forgive family and friends, humanity at large and especially oneself, is the key that unlocks the heart. At this level, we are challenged to love and respect ourselves enough to become fully empowered. We are also challenged to release old patterns and habits that don't serve us. A balanced individual allows the expression of genuine feelings of grief, without overindulging; is sensitive to the needs and feelings of self as well as others.
Imbalance in this chakra can result in a person who feels desperately lonely, bitter and self-centered. Holding on to negative emot-ions such as anger, jealousy, hatred and resentment stifles the diaphragm, causing much emotional pain and trauma. There can be a loss of energy in this power center due to the fear of loneliness, commitment, betrayal and the fear of following one's heart. Healing ourselves and others is possible through the balancing of emotions, recognizing the futility of self-pity, and acting out of love, compassion and forgiveness.
- Physical Functions of the Heart Chakra: This chakra powers the heart, the lungs, respiratory and immune systems, as well as the shoulders and arms. The breasts, both in their maternal and sexual roles, can be great reservoirs of love. Raising the quality of prana through the body is essential to the healthy functioning of this power center.
- Physical Malfunctioning: Blockage at this level can lead to several diseases such as heart disorders, breast cancers, asthmatic and immune disorders, fatigue, pneumonia and allergies, as well as upper back and shoulder problems.
|
