Yoga philosophy speaks of the Anahata Chakra, or heart chakra, as the center of love, compassion, and emotional balance. Anahata means unstruck or unhurt in Sanskrit and symbolizes the place within us that remembers our true sense. This chakra is the fourth primary energy center and is located in the center of the chest – it is a bridge between the lower (physical) and upper (spiritual) chakras. It is connected with the air element – bringing lightness, breath, and freedom into the body.
In yoga, we recognize seven main chakras: Muladhara (root chakra), Svadhisthana (sacral chakra), Manipura (solar plexus chakra), Anahata (heart chakra), Vishuddha (throat chakra), Ajna (third eye chakra), Sahasrara (crown chakra)
Signs of Anahata Chakra Opening
The heart chakra is special and connects our grounded human experience with our higher spiritual consciousness. Opening our Anahata chakra brings a few changes in our body – especially starting with our emotions. This energy center guides our ability to give and receive love. It means – that when the Anahata chakra in balance, we can love unconditionally and freely, forgive ourselves and others easily, and live with a sense of emotional lightness. It helps us reduce pain and reconnect with true joy, happiness, and the present moment.
With opening your heart chakra you may notice:
- A stronger sense of empathy, and compassion, not only for yourself but also for everyone around you.
- Having healthy relationships with no attachments or addictions.
- The ability to let go of old memories or emotional patterns that are constantly pulling you down.
- A lightness in your chest, opening your heart, and a feeling that you can breathe more freely.
- You feel a deep connection with the people around you, with nature, and with the simple beauty of life.
As your heart opens, you might feel some old pain or wounds coming up – not to overwhelm you, but to recognize it, feel it, and let it go. This is all part of the healing journey. Your heart is learning to trust again, to open fully, and to move through the world with love as your guide.
How Can You Open The Anahata Chakra?
Meditation and Breathing Techniques
Sometimes just a short meditation focusing on your heart brings self-awareness and fills your heart with love, freedom, and softness. Otherwise, you can try slow, mindful breathing, which helps calm your nervous system. Optionally during meditating or doing breathwork, simply place your hands on your chest and notice each inhale and exhale. Imagine your breath filling your heart with warmth and space.
Chanting Mantras
YAM is a mantra – especially for Anahata Chakra (pronounced “yahmmm”). Chanting creates a soft vibration in your chest and your throat which helps open emotional blockages and reconnect you with love. You can try chanting during meditation or just a few minutes per day if you feel it.
Affirmations
Affirmations are powerful words that you say silently or out loud. In this case, use a heart-centered affirmation that will help you change your thoughts, and beliefs, and gently open your heart. Repeat them daily – during meditation, in front of a mirror, or quietly throughout the day.
Here are some powerful heart-opening affirmations:
I am worthy of love and kindness.
I give and receive love effortlessly.
I forgive myself and the others.
My heart is open and full of love.
I allow myself to be seen, loved, and supported.
Compassion flows through me.
I choose empathy over fear.
I am safe to love and be loved.
Yoga Poses For Anahata Chakra
Yoga offers many great heart-opening asanas – which help you release tension, stretch the shoulders, and bring love to your practice. Here are just a few of them that you can try by practicing Vinyasa flow or Yin yoga, whether in your personal practice or to share with your students:
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Benefits of Anahata Chakra
Living in a rush every day, running from our emotions and feelings, closing ourselves off from the world around us, or just surviving from one day to the next. We often forget to balance and open our heart chakra, which can help us connect with our emotional and spiritual well-being, can help us slow down, start to open our hearts, love more deeply, and find happiness in the little things.
Benefits of Anahata Chakra:
- Emotional healing and releasing unnecessary.
- Ability to love and connect with your true soul.
- Healthy, balanced relationships
- Inner peace and emotional clarity
- A greater sense of compassion for yourself and others
It helps us feel more open, more loving, and connected with ourselves and others. Balancing this heart center softens old walls, brings clarity, and reminds us of the healing power of freedom and compassion.
Final Words
Through yoga, breath, mantras, and mindfulness, we gently remove the blocks around the heart and reconnect with our true nature: love.
Start where you are. Take a breath. Your heart knows the way.