According to Vedic science, there are 7 centers of energy in our body, called Chakras. The Heart Chakra sits in the centre of the chest at the confluence of physical and spiritual energies. In Sanskrit, it is called ‘Anahata’ which means ‘unstuck’ or ‘unhurt’. It implies that underneath the pain of past experiences lies a pure and spiritual place where no hurt exists. It is the seat of healing.

The heart chakra is home to 3 things: Love, Hate and Fear. If divine unconditional Love resides there, then there is no place for Hate or Fear. Similarly, if it is consumed by Hate, there is no room for Love or Fear. If Fear dominates, then neither Love nor Hate can thrive. There are examples of all these scenarios around us.

All over the world, Fear and Hate are being driven into people’s hearts mainly by the way things are interpreted and reported in the mainstream media. Nations are choosing their leaders and their futures based on Fear and Hate. There is no place for Love. Is this the world of our dreams? Is this our vision for our future generations?

When the heart chakra is open, we are flowing with love and compassion, we are quick to forgive, and we accept others and ourselves as we are. A closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others.

Sometimes it is easier to remain in a state of suffering than to choose to be happy. Vedic sciences say that as the energies rise upwards through the chakras, we approach a state of awareness and bliss. The downward movement of energies causes inertia and stagnation.

Today I met a healer who introduced me to the concept of ‘loving your guilt away’. She said, ‘Have as much love and compassion for yourself as you have for others. Open your Heart Chakra.’

Ref: http://www.chopra.com/articles/open-yourself-to-love-with-the-fourth-chakra