Anahata (Heart) Chakra

I want to believe that humans, in general, have kindness in their hearts. Yet, as someone who has experienced depression, I can also see the darkness that lies there, too (studies have shown that people with depression actually see the world more realistically...I often wonder if the depression causes one to be a realist, or if being a realist causes depression?)

Yet, I know from experience that most humans have a great capacity for love and kindness...sometimes you can feel it in their energy when they hug you or hold your hand. The people with the biggest, softest hearts are those who are also most vulnerable to heartbreak.

We all experience heartbreak at some point in our lives (not necessarily in a romantic sense), and it can be very painful. Some will experience this and close off their hearts, expecting more pain. Some will open them, knowing that the love they pour out will be reciprocated, and allow for love to flow back in and mend their hearts.

The heart chakra represents love, compassion, and acceptance. Signs of imbalance include grief, jealousy, and hate for self or others. When you're feeling lonely and down, the best way to fill your heart is to do things for others. The more kind and accepting you are to others, the more you open your heart to receive love and compassion!

Heart-opening poses include camel pose (ustrasana), puppy pose (uttana shishosana), and "wild thing" or flipped dog pose (camatkarasana).

What sorts of things fill your heart? Let me know in the comments!

You can find a yoga nidra (guided meditation) centred on the heart chakra here: