Opening the Heart <3

Local art by anonymous Northern Virginia artist

Throughout different neighborhoods in the Washington D.C., Southern Maryland and Northern Virginia area, colorful "Empathy" signs are posted by a local artist who wishes to remain anonymous. The purpose of his work is to remind people of our ultimate connection, especially during such difficult times. It can understandably be a very tall order - this simple message, but I personally find it an inspiring reminder to exercise that compassionate Yogic muscle a bit.

I feel very thankful for people such as this who as a labor of love, go out of their way - sometimes committing creative acts of civil disobedience, to spread their positive messages. In other ways, I also feel thankful for the natural beauty that exists in this world and how the heart instinctively opens up to it in response...

Floating mimosa flower

Anahata Chakra

In the system of Hatha Yoga, subtle energy centers and channels throughout the body are brought into balance using various practices such as asana (yogic postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). Along the spine, from the crown of the head to the tailbone, there are seven main energy centers aka chakras that are primarily focused on. The heart chakra is the fourth energy center, located at the chest/heart. 

In Sanskrit this chakra is called Anahata, meaning "unstruck", referring to a space where a sacred and subtle pulsation exists.  The classic text of Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes this vibration as the primordial sound of creation also known as Om; a distinct sound existing without one object striking another, a uniquely "unstruck" sound. For a small heart opening practice, I invite you to place your hands at your heart, tune into the rhythmic beat and imagine hearing this timeless pulse of creation at the core of it.

While navigating the ups and downs of life, it often feels instinctual to close the heart in response to pain and fear. Fortunately, we live in a world where art and beauty in many forms continue to inspire us to open up and connect when we are ready to. 

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