The fourth chakra, the heart chakra,rests in the center of the chakra system, at the core of our spirit. Its physical location is the heart, upper chest, and upper back. The fourth is the balance point, integrating the world of matter (the lower three chakras) with the world of spirit (the upper three chakras). The element of this chakra is air, which is why we feel breathless when we are consumed with love and when we have heartache. The health of our heart center registers the quality and power of love in our life.

In Sanskrit, the heart chakra is called Anahata, which means “unstruck” or “unhurt.” Its name implies that deep beneath our personal stories of brokenness and the pain in our heart, wholeness, boundless love, and a wellspring of compassion reside.

Being an even-numbered, feminine chakra, the heart center naturally yearns to release and let go. When we feel fearful, there is no room for love, and our bodies show contraction.

Some signs that the heart chakra is overpowering your life can include co-dependency, possessiveness, jealousy, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Helping others, being of service, random acts of kindness are all heart chakra work. The most powerful way to open, energize, and balance not just the heart chakra but all of our chakras is to love ourselves and others. Give and receive love.

Learn more about all the chakras in this free ebook.