Let’s talk about our heart chakra… and why we want to look after it.

It’s such an important area of our bodies and energy space, creating the bridge between our lower three chakras (related to security, the material world and grounding) and our upper three chakras (related to self-reflection, inner wisdom and spirituality).

How energy can become trapped

Physical and emotional upset can stem from different chakras in our body, for example related to past traumas or hurt. If we don’t fully process the energy created by those traumas, it can become bound up in our body – and oftentimes it’s our caring, compassionate heart that holds on to that trapped energy.

Balancing the heart with our other chakras can help us release the pain we’ve been holding onto, and restore the flow of energy in our body.

The importance of the heart chakra

In our physical body, the heart chakra is located in the centre of the chest and is associated with the circulatory and respiratory system, arms, hands, shoulders, ribs, breasts, diaphragm and thymus gland.

As well as our physical body, the energy flow through our chakras can affect our emotions:

• An overactive heart chakra can manifest in feelings of entitlement, jealousy, blaming others, or giving too much
• Someone with an underactive heart chakra may fear rejection, feel unloved, or be full of self-pity or neediness

But a balanced heart chakra means we are loved, loving, empathetic, and we bring these qualities out in others.

Can you think of someone you know who has a balanced heart chakra? I bet you can feel it from them.

Radiating energy

Our whole bodies radiate energy, but around our heart area in particular it can be measured several feet away from the body using magnetometers. A lot is known about the magnetic and bio-magnetic fields around the body because they are relatively easy to measure, but – beautifully – we also emit light, sound and heat and, like all other matter, we have a gravitational field.

How lovely is it to think we have a heart that radiates its energy outwards? We have an auric light, a humming sound, a warmth and a gravitational pull. And other people can feel it.

A simple way to tune into your heart chakra

To keep your chakras balanced and your energy aligned, I would always recommend a regular practice of reiki, yoga and meditation. But you can check in with your heart chakra anytime on your own, and give it a boost. Here are a few simple steps…

• Sit or lie comfortably and close your eyes.
• Take some slow, deep breaths and draw your attention inwards to your body.
• Place your hands over your heart area and just notice it. Notice your chest moving up and down as you breathe. Notice your heart beating. Notice how your heart feels, without judgement. Is it relaxed, tired, happy, beating fast, worried?
• Keep your hands there and sit with it for a few minutes.
• Then start to visualise your energy radiating out from your heart. See if you can feel it.
• Slowly extend your arms in front of you and feel the energy pouring out from your heart.

You have the power to make yourself and other people feel good with your energy. Look after your heart chakra and radiate the love!