Chakra Series: Heart

Here's a bit more on the Heart Chakra:

It name, Anahata means "unstruck," "unhurt," or "fresh." The element is AIR. It is located around the heart area of the body, including the lungs, chest, upper back, arms, and hands.

It is heartbeat, breathing, and the ability to give and receive. It is love in its purest form. Observe the natural process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. This simple act of receiving nourishment and letting go of what is not needed connects humans to plants and the earth itself.

Create balance in this chakra by balancing the flow of giving and receiving love. Often we rely more heavily on one. What shifts would help you find balance?

Here are a few ways to check in with your Heart Chakra:

• Breathe deeply -- Place your hands on the sides of your rib cage and inhale so deeply you feel them expand into your hands. Notice the contraction on the exhale. Repeat several times and notice the shift in your body and mind.

• Give a hug --to a loved one, a friend, or yourself! Trust me on this one, when no one is around, hug yourself as if you were hugging your favorite person. Feel the love you would share with another and accept it for yourself. You are worthy of feeling this love for self!

• Move your body - focus on stretching through the chest, arms, and upper back. This can involve gentle twists, backbends, arm swings, etc. Move with love and gratitude for your body and all it can do.

• Start a gratitude practice. Set aside a few moments each day to observe or write down what you're grateful for. Gratitude can quickly turn into feelings of love.

• Show love -- to yourself or others! Get creative with what this looks like for you. Practice giving and receiving with the intention of love and feel your heart expand.