The Heart Chakra is traditionally associated with love, compassion, connection and forgiveness. It invites balance between giving and receiving. Today, notice how open or guarded your heart feels.
Sanskrit name: Anahata
Each chakra has a traditional Sanskrit name, the ancient language used in yogic and Vedic traditions where this system originated. Sanskrit names carry the original meaning and vibration of each energy centre.
Seed sound: YAM
The Heart Chakra's seed sound is YAM. Chant it aloud on a long, slow exhale, letting the vibration resonate in the chest, where this chakra's energy is centred.
Colour: Green
Green is the traditional colour of love and balance. Picture a warm green light glowing in your chest during meditation to help focus your awareness on this chakra.
Body focus: Chest, heart, lungs and upper back, so gentle heart-opening poses work especially well here.
"Body focus" refers to the physical area of the body most closely associated with that chakra, and it's often the region to bring your attention to during meditation, breathing or yoga.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) opens the chest, right where your Heart Chakra sits. Kneel with your hips over your knees, hands on your lower back for support, then slowly lean back and lift your chest toward the ceiling. Only go as far as feels comfortable, even a small lift with an open chest works. Keep your neck relaxed and breathe slowly. Hold for a few breaths, then rise back up gently. This pose can stir emotion as the heart opens, so be gentle with yourself.
Crystals are believed to carry their own subtle energy, quietly formed over thousands of years within the earth. When you hold or wear one, you connect with something alive and ancient that can help anchor your own intention.
Choose a Heart Chakra stone like Rose Quartz, Green Aventurine or Rhodonite, or reach for our Heart Chakra Crystal Meditation Necklace, which brings a selection of tactile Heart Chakra stones together in one versatile design.
Hold your crystals, breathe slowly, meditate and set a simple intention. Then carry, wear or place them somewhere you can see them throughout your day, so they become a beautiful, constant reminder to protect and nurture that energy.
A mantra is simply a word or short phrase you repeat, out loud or silently, to help focus your mind and shift your energy.
Say your mantra slowly a few times today, especially when you notice yourself guarding your heart, and let the words sink in rather than just reciting them.
"I give and receive love freely."
You can also use your crystal necklace as you repeat this mantra, moving slowly from stone to stone, one repetition per bead, for a simple, open-hearted practice.
Offer a genuine compliment or small act of kindness to someone today, chosen freely rather than out of obligation, and really mean it. Notice how it feels to give without expecting anything back. Then, just as importantly, let yourself fully receive one in return, a compliment, a favour, a kind word, without deflecting or brushing it off. Pause for a moment and simply say thank you. Afterwards, notice how each side of that exchange felt in your body, giving and receiving are both muscles this chakra asks you to keep open.
Read your intention in the morning, repeat it whenever you need to refocus, and let it quietly guide how you respond to whatever comes up.
"I open my heart, gently and safely."
Write whatever comes to mind for a few minutes, without overthinking or editing yourself.
Where do you find it hardest to receive love or kindness?
Who do you need to forgive, even a little, starting with yourself?
Today is about the gentle balance of giving and receiving. A truly open heart isn't unguarded, it's simply willing. Tomorrow, we'll move into the Throat Chakra and begin exploring truth and self-expression.
In addition to this course please explore our HEART CHAKRA COLLECTION to help you deepen your practice.
With love and open-hearted vibrations,
Katie x
