The human body

The human body, according to ancient Vedic texts, is the seat of a
network of cooperating energy fields also known as chakras. At the
very center of these fields, unifying and filtering them, lies the
heart chakra. This chakra is located over the chest and is often
called the heart lotus because its influence radiates outward like
the petals of a flower.

The heart chakra is believed by many to be at the core of your
emotional being. When balanced, it can be a source of love,
confidence, creativity, and inspiration. Discord within the heart
chakra can affect all your energy centers, because the fourth chakra
is a gate between the upper and lower chakras. The heart chakra can
be visualized as intersecting triangles that are smoky green. It is
associated with holly and poppy flowers, malachite and emerald
crystals, and the element of air. The heart chakra gives us the
ability to love, trust, and feel deep compassion for others. A
balanced heart opens the mind to the radiating warmth of the
universe and makes profound relationships possible. But when
imbalanced, those same qualities can become twisted, leading us to
feel hate, fear, or jealousy. Blockages in the fourth chakra can
manifest as immune system and heart maladies because of the chakra's
association with the physical heart, the circulatory system, and the
blood.

There are numerous means of energizing and balancing this chakra.
Try sitting up with your back straight, and breathe deeply to center
yourself. Rapidly tap your heart center, located in the middle of
your chest, with your fingertips. Gradually increase and then
decrease the intensity of your tapping over a three minute period.
Jasmine, lavender, and marjoram scents can exert a balancing effect
over this chakra. You can also influence your heart chakra by loving
yourself and learning to laugh freely. And while existing without
the positive influence of the fourth chakra can leave you feeling
disconnected, isolated, and filled with unexpressed emotions, too
much heart chakra influence can lead to restlessness, dreaminess,
and aimless wandering. The heart chakra is the point of new
beginnings. Nurture it, and you will find that contentment will
emerge from all aspects of your being.


It can be easy for us to walk through the world and our lives
without really being present. While dwelling on the past and living
for the future are common pastimes, it is physically impossible to
live anywhere but the present moment. We cannot step out our front
door and take a left turn to May of last year any more than we can
take a right turn to December 2010. Nevertheless, we can easily miss
the future we are waiting for as it becomes the now we are too busy
to pay attention to. We then spend the rest of our time
playing "catch up" to the moment that we just let pass by. During
moments like these, it is important to remember that there is only
Now.

In order to feel more at home in the present moment, it is important
to try to stay aware, open, and receptive. Being in the present
moment requires our full attention so that we are fully awake to
experience it. When we are fully present, our minds do not wander.
We are focused on what is going on right now, rather than thinking
about what just happened or worrying about what is going to happen
next. Being present lets us experience each moment in our lives in a
way that cannot be fully lived through memory or fantasy.

When we begin to corral our attention into the present moment, it
can be almost overwhelming to be here. There is a state of stillness
that has to happen that can take some getting used to, and the mind
chatter that so often gets us into our heads and out of the present
moment doesn't have as much to do. We may feel a lack of control
because we aren't busy planning our next move, assessing our current
situation, or anticipating the future. Instead, being present
requires that we be flexible, creative, attentive, and spontaneous.
Each present moment is completely new, and nothing like it has
happened or will ever happen again. As you move through your day,
remember to stay present in each moment. In doing so, you will live
your life without having to wait for the future or yearn for the
past. Life happens to us when we happen to life in the Now.