The Chakras in Shamanic Practice by Susan J. Wright

Author:Susan J. Wright
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: New Age/Personal Growth
ISBN: 9781594778216
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company
Published: 2011-01-17T16:00:00+00:00

This chapter focuses on the fourth chakra, the heart chakra, which spins out from the center of the breastbone (fig. 4.1), enveloping and energizing the heart and lungs. It is the center of the soul, connected with the element of air. This chakra embodies the qualities of compassion, forgiveness, and loving kindness—the powerful energetic dances of the heart.

Fig. 4.1. Fourth Chakra

When this heart chakra is connected to our third chakra, the chakra of fire in the solar plexus, we can be powerful enough to make enormous shifts in consciousness. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. invoked the power of love as he helped to lead a movement that made huge changes in some very insane and damaging cultural behaviors: “God grant that as men and women all over the world struggle against evil systems, they will struggle with love in their hearts, with understanding and good will.” Much of the insanity unfortunately continues, so we must strengthen ourselves in this center, strengthening our love, compassion, and understanding.

This chakra embodies the developmental crisis of intimacy versus isolation that occurs between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five. Through shamanic work on this center we embrace and explore our own inner dualities, including the animus (male aspect of self) and anima (female aspect of self) so we can heal our intimate relationship within ourselves. This prepares us to proceed with the outward manifestation of intimacy: having a healthy relationship with a lover or partner in ordinary reality.

From this fourth chakra we learn to extend our hearts in harmony and fullness. In our hearts we have the power to recognize and hold duality, our own and other people’s, with courage. I believe the truest definition of courage is fear supported by breath. Thankfully, this chakra expresses the element of air, providing us with all that we need to breathe fully so we can be truly brave and loving. To connect in an enduring, committed way, we must create a strong relationship with the element of air. As we increase our capacity to breathe consciously, we develop our courage to love.

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