Matters of the Heart

Because love is more than chocolate and roses

Welcome to Root&Rise. Today’s issue is the first in a series of themed issues for the month of February.

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The Heart of The Matter

February is here, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the heart is having a moment.

You can’t go anywhere without seeing visual representations of love’s most iconic symbol. Big red chocolate boxes and little pink boxes of conversational candies line the aisles of every grocery store.

T-shirts, teddy bears, necklaces and negligee have all become canvases for hearts of every color.

Love is big business this time of year.

Unfortunately, this yearly commodification of love tricks us into thinking that we need romance, chocolate and grand gestures to connect with the energy of the moment. As a result, we feel inadequate, disappointed and lonely when our experiences don’t match our expectations.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

There’s another avenue to love. It’s way bigger and way better than the commercialized version we’ve been sold, and it doesn't cost a dime.

To find real, unconditional love, you don’t have to look any further than your own, precious heart.

Admittedly, this is easier said than done.

We all experience some form of heartbreak in our lives. Naturally, we want protect ourselves from future pain, leading us to become more guarded with our hearts. As time goes by, with repeated experiences of hurt and betrayal, our hearts gradually close off.

But there is good news. There are ancient practices that have been developed to help even the most hardened hearts soften and heal.

For our February theme, “Matters of the Heart”, we’ll be learning about these practices and exploring the life-sustaining center of compassion, kindness and connection: the heart.

A Yogic Perspective

In Yoga, we have a very specific way of connecting with the heart: through the heart chakra.

The Chakras are a system of energy centers in the body. The seven major chakras run along the spine, from your tailbone to the top of your head. There are unique qualities attributed to each individual chakra, but the entire system is interrelated and functions best when every chakra is balanced.

I won’t go in depth on the chakras today, but I will share some resources for anyone interested in learning more.

A Beginner's Guid to the Seven Chakras - Mind Body Green

Introduction to Chakras - Ekhart Yoga

***If the chakras are really speaking to you, I recommend looking into either Erica Jago or Anodea Judith for further study. Both of these women are experts in their field and have a lot of high quality material, including online courses and books, to offer.

Heart Chakra: Anahata

Although it’s important to think of the chakras as an integrated system, you can also work with individual chakras.

Today, we’re focusing on the heart chakra, or Anahata. Anahata is a Sanskrit word that translates to "infinite” “Unhurt” or “Boundless”.

Your heart chakra is located in the center of your chest, behind the breastbone and is associated with the color green and the air element. The qualities of Anahata are love, empathy, compassion and forgiveness.

Your heart chakra is the bridge between the lower three chakras (physical, emotional & self image) and the upper three chakras (communication, Intuition & spiritual).

When functioning properly, you heart chakra brings balance and harmony to the whole system.

There are many reasons you might choose to work with the heart chakra. Anahata is often used to cultivate forgiveness (of yourself and others), heal emotional trauma or nurture self love.

The main objective of heart chakra work is to open your heart and unblock the energy that resides there.

An open heart can give and receive love without any limitations.

What Is The Heart Chakra and How to Unblock it For Love | mindbodygreen

Yoga offers us a variety of ways to work with the heart chakra. Here are a few examples, including some that we will be using this month:

• Pranayama - Breathing awareness with a focus on the heart

• Asana - Heart Chakra themed yoga classes

• Meditation - Visualizations, Yoga Nidra, Awareness at the heart

• Mantra/Chanting - Yam (Sounds like Y-ahh-M) is the heart chakra mantra

• Affirmations - “I am worthy of love” “

• Heart Centered Living - kindness towards all living beings, service, generosity

Put it Into Practice

I can write and write and write about the heart chakra, but the best way to learn about it, is to connect with it. Lets get right into the weekly practices, so you can begin to tap into the energy of your own heart.

How To Heal Your Heart Chakra | Jennifer Arnise

15 Minutes | Beginner Friendly

This quick video is an informative overview of the heart chakra from Jennifer Arnise.

It’s also a great resource for heart chakra healing techniques. I love the simplicity of the methods and meditations offered. I also appreciated the encouraging guidance Jennifer gives for each one. She provides realistic overview of what to expect, how they should be used and she’s refreshingly realistic about it all.

Definitely make time for this one.

Ho’oponopono | Jennifer Zulli

Ho’oponopono is one of the techniques offered in the previous video. Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian spiritual practice for forgiveness and reconciliation.

A repetition of four simple phrases, it’s a powerful and transformative practice.

I’m sorry. Please Forgive Me. Thank You. I Love You.

Ho’oponopono

I’ve practiced it many times, in a variety of ways. It can be repeated silently in meditation, or chanted aloud.

Sometimes I like to sit with a recording of the phrases. The most beautiful version I’ve come across is by an artist named Jennifer Zulli. Here’s a link to her Spotify:

Heart Chakra Yoga Nidra | Self Love and Deep Healing | Kristen Rose Yoga

49 Minutes | All Levels

This Yoga Nidra session is long, so I would suggest loading it up at a time when you are not rushed. Then, get ready to settle in and take a deep, relaxing journey.

Kristen does an amazing job of guiding us into the energy of Anahata. I felt intimately connected to my heart after practicing with her.

If you are feeling disconnected from, or blocked within, your heart, give this Yoga Nidra a try. It’s a gentle, compassionate offering that will support you and create a safe space to explore within. It’s truly beautiful.

Yoga For LOVE, COMPASSION & FORGIVENESS | Heart Chakra Focused | Black Yogi Nico Marie

15 Minutes | Beginner Friendly | All Levels

Our first Asana class for the week is from Nico, a teacher you’re familiar with if you’ve been reading Root&Rise for a while. I practice and share Nico’s classes often because they are so well rounded. She always includes savasana and often incorporates meditations, mudras and mantras into her sequences.

This heart chakra class is no exception! It’s quick, simple and effective. I return to this one often and I think it deserves a spot in your regular rotation too.

Morning Yoga | Heart Chakra Flow to Feel Joyous | Allie Van Fossen

29 Minutes | All Levels

In this satisfying heart chakra class, Allie uses a yoga strap to add depth to heart opening, upper body poses. If you’ve never used a strap before, you are in for a treat!

No strap? That’s okay, a belt or a towel work too. For more on yoga props, check out this issue of Root&Rise: Playlists & Props

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to digest in this issue!

The heart is a big, expansive subject. Not to mention, highly personal. If you are feeling overwhelmed, unsure or even skeptical about the topics discussed today, that’s okay. I invite you to stay with me as we continue to explore the magical and mysterious energy of the heart.

There’s a lot to unpack and it can bring up complicated emotions.

This type personal work is sometimes referred to as “The Warriors Path” because it is not for the faint of heart, but it will make you stronger, wiser and more resilient. It will also bring more peace, joy and harmony into your life.

You’ve got this and you are not alone. I’m right here with you. We’ve got a whole month to take it in and feel our way through it.

I’ll see you next Sunday.