Open & Aligned: A Guide to the Heart Chakra and Its Connection to Yoga
Have you ever felt emotionally closed off or too vulnerable? Like you're craving deeper connection—but your walls are still up? That might be your Heart Chakra—Anahata in Sanskrit—sending signals for healing and balance.
This chakra is the bridge between the lower physical chakras and the upper spiritual ones. It’s where love, compassion and emotional freedom live. When it's open and balanced, you feel connected—not only to others but to yourself and life as a whole.
In this post, we’ll explore what the heart chakra is all about, how to tell when it’s out of balance and how yoga (plus a few loving rituals) can help you realign and open your heart.
Signs Your Heart Chakra May Be Out of Balance
Signs Your Heart Chakra May Be Out of Balance
When your heart chakra is flowing freely, there’s a sense of warmth, openness and harmony. You give and receive love with ease, and you feel safe being emotionally present. But when it’s blocked or overactive, emotional armor can show up in all sorts of ways.
How to Activate and Balance the Heart Chakra
This chakra responds beautifully to softness, breath and connection. Whether you're working through emotional blocks or simply wanting to expand your sense of compassion, these practices will help you tune in.
1. Heart-Opening Yoga Poses
Yoga is one of the best tools for opening the heart chakra—literally and energetically. Focus on backbends, chest expanders and postures that invite vulnerability and release.
Heart Chakra Yoga Poses:
Cobra (Bhujangasana)
Camel (Ustrasana)
Bridge (Setu Bandhasana)
Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Dancer (Natarajasana)
Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
Eagle (Garudasana) for emotional balance
Cow Face Arms (Gomukhasana)
Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
2. Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation (Metta)
This simple yet powerful practice invites you to send love and goodwill to yourself, loved ones and even people you may struggle with. It softens the heart and boosts empathy.
3. Surround Yourself with Green
Since the heart chakra is associated with the color green, connect with nature or bring greenery into your space. Plants, walks in the park or even a cozy green blanket can support your energy.
4. Try Heart-Centered Rituals
Write a love letter to yourself
Use rose quartz in meditation
Rub a little rose or geranium essential oil on your chest
Journal about forgiveness or gratitude
5. Affirmations for the Heart Chakra
Words matter. These mantras are a gentle way to realign your energy.
I am open to giving and receiving love.
I forgive myself and others with ease.
My heart is safe and protected.
I create loving connections every day.
Lead with Love
Your heart chakra is where true healing begins—where you learn to soften, connect and feel deeply without shutting down. When it’s open and balanced, you don’t just love more—you live more fully.
Yoga helps you tune into this space with compassion, movement and breath. Every backbend, every conscious inhale, is a little reminder: you are safe to feel.
✨ Looking for a beautiful way to explore the heart chakra (and all the others)?
Check out my Chakra Yoga Card Set—each card includes 9 supportive yoga poses for one chakra, plus detailed insights like its Sanskrit name, mantra, element, crystals, essential oils and more. It's the perfect guide for bringing balance and meaning to your practice.
