Compassion is the emotion related to Anahata chakra – the energy centre in the heart space. When the energy is blocked in this area, we may feel a host of negative emotions such as anger, selfishness, jealousy, or confusion. Acceptance of these emotions is the first step to letting them go however, when we realise that we have been unkind to someone we can then feel another set of emotions such as guilt and self-hatred. In turn, this can lead to self-sabotage and abusive behaviour – examples are comfort eating and drinking or drug abuse.
Yoga always tackles things on multiple levels; physical, mental, and emotional. Beginning with the ‘gross’ – easing out the physical body, trying to undo the physical knots in the upper back and chest. Literally ‘opening the heart space’. Taking time to strengthen the muscles of the torso to lift the heart and lighten it. When we stand tall our breath is easier and fuller. In turn this enables us to remember to live in the moment. We are only human and today is a new day. Leave what happened yesterday to the past. Usually, the things we take to heart mean nothing to the other person. And the best way to repair a relationship is to try to be kinder next time.
Actions speak much louder than words. Rather than raking over mistakes and offences that you or others have caused, focus on how to improve the situation and helping people see the best of things. Open your heart and smile.
Top 10 Ways to Balance Anahata
Practice loving kindness at all times
Learn to tune into your heart’s messages and trust them
Follow your gut instinct which is usually generous
Take time to enjoy nature, walk gently on the Earth
Recycle as much as you can
Have pink flowers in your home
Notice if you are becoming judgemental, practice the stepped breath and be kind
Listen to uplifting music
Give lots of gifts
Take a moment each day to be grateful
Did you know that kindness is contagious? Have you ever caught kindness? Well just like our rotten old pandemic kindness is highly contagious.
Imagine throwing a pebble into a still pond – watch the ripples as they spread out, eventually reaching right out to the edges. That’s what kindness is like. From one small, simple act of kindness – say letting someone in front of you at the supermarket checkout – it spreads, as people feel positive and grateful, they then pass that kindness on. It may just be in the form of a smile or they may feel capable of doing something nice for someone else or even 2 people.
I wonder if we could have an R number for kindness. Maybe we can call it a K number!
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