Heart Chakra: Open to Love, Compassion & Connection

What Is the Heart Chakra (Anahata)?

The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is located at the center of your chest and is the energetic bridge between your lower, physical chakras and the higher, spiritual ones.

In Sanskrit, Anahata means “unstruck” - symbolising a pure, limitless vibration of love that exists beyond hurt and fear. This chakra is all about compassion, emotional openness, forgiveness, and connection - not just with others, but with yourself.

When your Heart Chakra is balanced, you may experience deep emotional resilience. You might be able to give and receive love freely, feel connected to community, and forgive both yourself and others. You may hold healthy boundaries while staying open-hearted, and you may move through life with empathy and warmth.

An imbalanced Heart Chakra can manifest as emotional shutdown, bitterness, fear of vulnerability, or holding onto past wounds. Physically, you might experience tension in the chest, shoulders, or upper back. Practices that support this chakra often focus on softening: opening the chest, releasing grief, and inviting in acceptance.

In yoga, heart-opening postures and breathwork help you tap into this expansive energy of love and unity.

How to work with the Heart Chakra

Pranayama

• Anuloma Krama or,
• Viloma Krama

Meditation

Work with the air element, spaciousness, and love.

Mantra

Work with the YAM Mantra.

Colour

Green. Wear it, visualise it, or use it in your space.

Yoga Asanas

Move following your breath, with deep breathing.

Journaling Prompts

🖊️ What does love mean to me, and how do I show it to myself?

🖊️ Who or what do I need to forgive to move forward?

🖊️ How can I open my heart while still protecting my peace?

🖊️ Where in my life do I feel most connected to others?

Tools that support Heart Chakra work

• Since the colour green is associated with the Heart Chakra, spending time in nature may have a profound impact on the Heart Chakra. Take deep breaths as you immerse yourself in healing energy of the natural world.
• Eye pillows to soften
• Yoga bolsters for deep heart opening asanas

🧘🏽 Want to revisit the beginning? Start with the Root Chakra →