A MONTH OF LOVE: THE HEART CHAKRA
Originally published: FEBRUARY 5, 2019
Here we go! Another new year, another countdown to the rejoiced and reviled February 14th; seen by some as a chance to celebrate romantic love, and others as a commercial way to parade around relationships. So, let’s press pause and forget all of that.
What if we used Valentine’s Day as a small token of a larger period of time in which we can embrace healing, love, kindness, and compassion? And not just in the context of significant others, but to friends, family, strangers, and even ourselves?
This week at Lunah we explore ways to support the heart chakra in all its beautiful glory. Through simple acts like nourishing your body, taking time to be mindful, and opening yourself up to give more love to others, you can experience the best love month ever – without an expensive prix fixe dinner date.
THE HEART CHAKRA
What’s a chakra you say? The seven chakras represent different physical parts of the body along with the frequencies and characteristics of each. The heart chakra sits at the centre and represents where the physical and spiritual meet. When this chakra is opened, you feel the flow of love and compassion. But when it becomes closed off, this can lead to feelings of anger, isolation, jealousy, and resentment… no thanks!
To ensure your February is full of all things lovely, let’s start with how you can support the heart chakra on a daily basis and find balance. Because love starts from within. That’s right, it’s time to love yourself girl!
GREENS GALORE
Forget everything you usually associate with love (rosy reds, petal pinks). The colour of the heart chakra is green. GREEN. Think growth, new beginnings, feeling grounded and balanced – makes sense! This month, try incorporating more of this underrated hue into your life by wearing green clothes, tending to plants, and eating those leafy greens. We know, it’s not exactly what comes to mind during the candy-coated chocolate Valentines season, but it works wonders. For those of you still craving a little sweet treat (don’t we all), here is a nutritious and delicious smoothie with the flavours of one of our childhood faves.
Green Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup spinach
- small scoop of avocado
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract or plant-based vanilla protein
DANCE TO THE HEARTBEAT
Lift the heart with a curated playlist of your favourite upbeat songs. Go for a walk in the sunshine or have a private dance party in your living room! A guaranteed way to make you feel lighter and put you in a good mood.
OPEN YOUR MIND & YOUR HEART
Morning meditation is a great way to open your heart for the rest of the day. It will help you relax, get centred, and focus on yourself and those who matter most. An excellent way to support the heart chakra is to use a mantra or affirmation to guide you. Here are a few affirmations to help stimulate the heart centre and encourage self-acceptance and healing:
- I am open to love and kindness.
- I deeply and completely love and accept myself.
- I live in balance, in a state of gracefulness and gratitude.
- I am connected with other human beings.
- I accept things as they are.
GIVE LOVE TO RECEIVE LOVE
We all know Valentine’s is about showing love and affection to that someone special, but who said we can’t share the love with everyone?! February 14th is a good reminder to honour a partner or significant other, and not take that person for granted, but we can also apply that to our friends and family and other beautiful humans in the world.
Open yourself up to the flow of compassion by spreading love. Try smiling more to the people on the street or at the store. Give hugs like crazy! Volunteer for a cause you really care about. We promise, it will make your heart feel full.
Check in with us next week when we look at different ways to spend Valentines giving love to yourself and others. Until then, remember we love you. xo
