This month we are traveling up the spine to the 4th chakra, the heart chakra - Anahata. This chakra relates to: Self love, self acceptance, accepting of others, emotional empowerment, happiness, generosity, compassion.

The spiritual lessons are -forgiveness, unconditional love, letting go, trust (of yourself and others)

The mental/emotional issues are - love, compassion, confidence, inspiration, hope, as well as despair, hate, envy, fear, jealousy, anger, sadness.

The element is air.

 

Learning to love yourself unconditionally and being your own best friend makes it much easier to give and receive love—many would say it’s essential. Your environment reflects what you focus on. If you find it hard to love yourself it will be just that much harder to attract love. “Honor yourself with great respect and love. How you greet yourself reflects how you welcome others.” (Quote from the back of a featured card deck card titled "Respect".)

 

Opening the heart requires a transcendence of ego, allowing us to surrender to forces larger than the self.  Opening the heart chakra requires an understanding and control of the breath, for it is the tool of physical and mental transformation.  Last month we used breath of fire during our meditation and classes, but this month I want you to focus on a calm steady nourishing and nurturing breath bringing you from pose to pose and sitting in stillness.

Our outer world is a reflection of our inner world, we often think it is the opposite!!

Can you listen deeply to your heart? Are you at home in your heart? Can you ask for entry into your heart today and feel like you are sitting in that space?

To heal the heart is to reunite the mind and the body.

Ask for entry into your heart today

Inhale receive, exhale offer

 

The quality of our lives today is in direct proportion to how much we love ourselves and then give and share that love with others.

 

Working with the heart center chakra begins the process of self knowledge and healing. How do you treat yourself on a regular basis? Do you count yourself as your first priority? You know the saying, “Take care of yourself so you can take care of others”. The airlines have it right. Put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting young children. As you develop your own self-care and self-respect, you’ll find this heart chakra energy protects you from negativity because you are filled with hope and emotionally strong.

 

So use this month’s reminders of love as a reminder to yourself to take care of YOU. Work with your heart center chakra to spread the love to yourself as well as others in your life.