The Anahata Chakra
Summer is a time of exuberance, vitality, and warmth. It’s a season that encourages us to open up, connect, and thrive. In the realm of yoga and spiritual practice, this season beautifully aligns with the energy of the Anahata chakra, or the heart chakra. Located at the centre of the chest, Anahata is the fourth chakra and is considered the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. It governs our ability to give and receive love, experience joy, and foster compassion. By focusing on the Anahata chakra during summer, we can deepen our connection to ourselves and others, enhancing the season’s natural energy of openness and growth.
The Heart Chakra: A Summer Connection
Air is the element of the Anahata Chakra, symbolising the expansive, flowing, and light qualities that are abundant during summer. This element supports feelings of freedom, spaciousness, and the ability to move beyond personal limitations. Just as the summer air feels light and liberating, a balanced Anahata chakra can make us feel emotionally light and free, ready to embrace the world with open arms.
During summer, nature is in full bloom, and there’s a collective sense of flourishing. This mirrors the Anahata chakra’s energy, which is all about growth, love, and connection. The longer days and increased sunlight naturally uplift our spirits, encouraging us to engage more socially and emotionally. This season invites us to expand our hearts, much like how flowers open up to the sun.
Heart-Opening Yoga Poses
Incorporating heart-opening yoga poses into your summer practice can help stimulate and balance the Anahata chakra. Poses such as Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) physically open the chest and shoulders, promoting an energetic release that can lead to emotional openness and healing. These poses encourage deep, full breaths, enhancing the flow of prana (life force) through the heart centre.
Emotional and Spiritual Benefits
The Anahata chakra is not just about physical heart health. It’s deeply connected to our emotional and spiritual well-being. When this chakra is balanced, we experience a sense of inner peace, joy, and connection. We become more compassionate towards ourselves and others, fostering harmonious relationships. Summer’s inherent energy supports this by encouraging us to step out, engage in social activities, and share our love and light.
Practising mindfulness and meditation focused on the heart chakra can further enhance these benefits. Visualising a green light (the colour associated with Anahata) emanating from your chest can help activate this energy centre. Pairing this visualisation with affirmations such as “I am open to love” or “I give and receive love freely” can deepen your connection to the heart chakra.
Living with an Open Heart
Summer’s vibrant energy naturally encourages us to live with an open heart. This season is perfect for cultivating gratitude, practising forgiveness, and embracing joy. Engage in activities that bring you happiness and allow you to express love, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in creative pursuits, or simply enjoying nature.
Hydration and self-care are also crucial. Drinking plenty of water and eating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables can support both your physical and energetic heart. Regularly checking in with your emotions and allowing yourself to process and release any pent-up feelings can keep your Anahata chakra balanced.
Summer and the Anahata chakra are intrinsically linked through their shared qualities of openness, growth, and connection. By aligning your yoga practice with the heart chakra’s energy during this season, you can enhance your emotional and spiritual well-being. Embrace the warmth, light, and love that summer brings, and let it expand your heart and enrich your life.
If you’d like more information on yoga philosophy please contact me or book here to practise with me in Marlow and online.
