According to John Hopkins University, unresolved conflict can go deeper than you may realize—it may be affecting your physical health. Studies have found that the act of forgiveness can reap huge rewards for your health, lowering the risk of heart attack; improving cholesterol levels and sleep; and reducing pain, blood pressure, and levels of anxiety, depression and stress. And research points to an increase in the forgiveness-health connection as you age.
Karen Swartz, M.D., director of the Mood Disorders Adult Consultation Clinic at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Chronic anger puts you into a fight-or-flight mode, which results in numerous changes in heart rate, blood pressure and immune response. Those changes, then, increase the risk of depression, heart disease and diabetes, among other conditions. Forgiveness, however, calms stress levels, leading to improved health.
and immunity.
One way to address forgiveness and embrace compassion is through the Thymus, the chakra of forgiveness. It may be a lesser-known chakra, but it’s high in importance.
The Thymus Chakra is often referred to as the 8th chakra or ‘high heart’ and is located slightly above the thymus gland. The High Heart has qualities that are similar to the heart chakra which is why it is commonly overlooked. It is associated with compassion, forgiveness, immunity and wellness (while the heart chakra typically resonates more with love and self-love.)
At first glance, the thymus chakra may seem to be associated with characteristics that may be seemingly unrelated, but when you truly think about the power of forgiveness in calming us and improving our health it makes sense how the two can be interrelated. Modern medicine and science are shining a light on the ways in which good health and wellness are linked to compassion and the ability to forgive and let go.
When life challenges us, we may be called to dig deeper to access compassion and forgiveness. Healing is an active process requiring presence, participation, and commitment. And the spiritual journey may bring a shift in our inner and outer world. Little attunements are helpful on this journey, Here is a five minute Thymus Chakra Meditation exercise. Enjoy!
Thymus Chakra Meditation
Close your eyes and place your hands just above your heart. Visualize the thymus chakra growing and start to glow brightly. Feel warm pulses of compassion waterfall from the thymus and into the well of your heart, expanding into your chest and torso. Sense emotions as they arise, don’t focus on them intensely instead acknowledge the emotions and release them. Notice any feelings of regret or any less than desirable emotions that you may have consciously or unconsciously held onto and imagine releasing these emotions to the light or to the earth. Forgive yourself for being hard on yourself and feel waves of compassion wash over you. Connect with the warmth and weight of your healing hands until the emotion subsides or for as long as you feel the desire. Feel your high heart become a little lighter and more nourished. End by thanking the universe for this moment of compassion and forgiveness.
This week in class we will learn more about thymus gland and its function. We will incorporate Thymus tapping to boost immunity as well as performing an energy clearing for immune health and well-being. Poses that massage the thymus gland will be incorporated into our asana practice.
As a certified yoga instructor and reiki therapist based in Seattle, I like to blend a variety of techniques into my practice to ensure that your body feels healthy, strong and balanced. I teach group in-person classes, live virtual group classes and also offer custom private or group sessions on a by request basis. Click Here for Details