The Anahata, or the Heart Chakra, is associated with the color green, and is where one’s love and compassion reside, as well as rage and hatred. Our physical connection with the Heart Chakra is quite intricate, as it is connected with the heart, lungs, the ribs, circulation, breathing, the immune system, the arms, hands, and fingers.

When this Chakra is in balance we experience self love, connection in love to nature, forgiveness, and compassion. We allow ourselves to trust and to express empathy.

However, the Heart Chakra is also very susceptible to the emotion of fear. Unresolved fear in this area can result in paranoia, isolation, co-dependence, pursuit of self-centered actions, blind hatred and addiction. An imbalance can also lead to indifference and numbness to the world around you. In general, you may be short-tempered, irritable, and unable to enjoy what you have. You may or may not have heard the expression “green with envy,” but this is where it stems from.

We must take exceptional care of the Heart, as it is, in the most literal sense, our life force and is what keeps us going. A malfunction in this area can cause physical ailments, such as: cardiac issues and breathing problems. It can also lead to things like depression, desperation, and anxiety.

With respect to healing and balancing this Chakra, one may use crystals or stones, such as: Dioptase, Aventurine, Malachite, and Rose Quartz.

Energetically, the Heart branches out to our hands, two of the lesser, but still important Chakras. To put it in perspective, think about how a hug, or even just a simple touch can heal or bring a smile to someone’s face. The Heart energy is where it comes from, it sends its power, love, out to these two chakras (which will be addressed at a later date), and thus given to the person we are in physical contact with.

On the shadow side, this Chakra is also where we tend to hold hatred. And if/when imbalanced, the negative aspects are what will be projected. You may or may not have heard the saying “[insert individual’s name here] has hate in their heart.” There is much truth to it, you can hold hatred and other negative emotions there. You can also send them out as easily as love. The only difference is when you send out hate, you are using your own energy, and that is why hate is exhausting. When you give love, you get it back, but when you give hate, you are more or less keeping it for yourself. This is exactly why grudges are destructive to the individual who holds it, and yet not so harmful to the one that it is against.

Below is a sound meditation by LOKOSMOTIVOS Meditation Music for healing and balancing your Heart Chakra.