Balanced: Anahata

Name:
The literal translation of anahata is "singular sound." In English, anahata is translated as the "heart chakra."

Associations/Characteristics: balance point between physical and spiritual chakras, represents compassion and love, emphasizes the "we" instead of "me," conveys the message of "following your heart."

This video consists of a very exotic "OM" sound that somehow sounds joyful:

Basic Information:

Color	Element	Location	Foods	Flower Essence	Gemstones and Crystals	Essential Oils
Emerald green	Air	Center of chest	Leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, spinach)	Holly, poppy, wild rose	Emerald, jade, rose quartz	Mint, jasmine

Unbalanced Physical/Emotional Issues:

Physical	Emotional
Asthma	Grief
Pneumonia	Heartache
Heart disease	Jealousy
Cardiovascular problems	Suspicion
Thoracic spine	Depression
Problems with back and shoulders	Isolation/loneliness

This is a really helpful tutorial on Ustrasana, which opens the heart's center:

Balanced Physical/Emotional Issues:

Physical	Emotional
Feeling fit and athletic	Sense of compassion
Healthy heart	Willingness to share and help others
Easy breathing	Hope
Immense physical energy	Inspiration

This video is a walk through meditation for anahata with a really helpful voice over:

Yantra Symbol:

Two intersecting triangles form a six pointed star which is a lotus symbol with 12 petals. There are two interconnected triangles in the symbol. One is pointing upwards while the other points downwards. This represents balance.

Personal Reflection:
I chose anahata as my balanced chakra because I feel that I can easily detect the physical/emotional signs of a balanced heart chakra in my life. At times, of course, I do feel rather melancholy and a bit lonely. However, I primarily accredit these feelings simply to adolescence and the challenges of life in general. For the most part, I approach each day with an open heart: I try to feel compassion for others and make it known that I am willing to help. Perhaps this chakra is more in balance that the navel solar plexus chakra because I often engage in activities beneficial to anahata; I volunteer regularly and enjoy inspirational books and poetry.

References:

1. http://www.soul-guidance.com/houseofthesun/chakras.htm#Anahata,%20or%20Heart%20Chakra

2. http://amethystrising.com/HeartChakra.htm

3. http://summoningspirit.homestead.com/Chakras.html

4. http://healthy-ojas.com/systems/chakra-ajna.html

5. http://www.yuuki-mitsukai.co.uk/products/articles/anahata-the-heart-chakra/
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Uht4u4gEo 
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GlYa7-jfR0