I've been looking to ancient systems of understanding to shed light on our current experience, not just with a pandemic, but with an entire global shift. One such system is that of the Chakras, energy centers in our body through which energy flows, as well as a map of our bodies, earth and cosmos. The coronavirus affects the respiratory system, transmitted through connection. This system is governed by the heart Chakra, including the lungs, chest, inside of the arms and our hands (where we touch and hug), and it's the connector--to ourselves, others, and all that exists.
To take this a little further, the "abode of love" is the center of the entire system where spirit and matter meet, where we transcend the ego. The purpose is love, joy, and inner peace and the basic right (every Chakra has one) is to love and be loved. It is the element air, as this is a place of spaciousness, expansion through breath, opening the chest. It's telling that the identity associated with this Chakra is social, how we relate to ourselves and others, the persona we put on, and the true or authentic self underneath, when coronavirus is shaking up all aspects of our social and personal identities.
What's needed to open and balance the heart Chakra? Self acceptance of the true self, and the ability to offer that to the outside world with compassion and joy, no longer hurting ourselves or another and instead opening to the divine realm of love, connection and understanding. This just may be the key to greater balance and healing for all.
Heart Chakra Practice
1) Begin in sitting position, uncross legs and arms, upright posture without being rigid. Place your hand over your heart. Take a full, slow breath in, then let it out with ease. Notice as you continue breathing--is it expansive or constrictive, full or shallow, easy or difficult? Relax a little more. Keep breathing, lightening up areas that feel heavy or tense.
2) Now imagine that you are breathing in healing light and imagine the spaciousness in the heart chamber. Bring to mind an essence or feeling you long for; breathe that in to your heart. Bring to mind what essence you'd like to release; breathe that out. Continue breathing in/what you want, and out/what you're releasing. Intend that you have plenty of breath, peace, space, and ease.
3) Open your arms wide like wings of a bird. Feel yourself stretch, fully and expansively. Breathe in to your open chest, soft heart, and intend freedom.