Embrace Heart Wellness This July
Hello, beautiful souls!
It's July, the perfect time to focus on our heart health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As the creator of Afrivedic™, a wellness system deeply rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors and modern holistic practices, I'm excited to share how you can achieve a balanced heart this month. Growing up in the heart of Chicago, I learned early on the power of resilience and the importance of nurturing our inner world. Let’s dive into some enriching practices to keep our hearts strong and open.
Understanding the Heart Energy Center
The Heart Energy Center, located in the center of the chest, is the wellspring of love, compassion, and connection. In Afrivedic™ principles, this center is associated with Ogun, the orisha representing courage, resilience, and emotional strength. Ogun helps us clear the path to other energy centers, ensuring a harmonious flow of life force within us.
Daily Practices for Heart Health
1. Heart-Opening Yoga Poses Engage in poses like Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), and Fish Pose (Matsyasana) to open up your chest area, promoting the flow of energy and love. These poses not only stretch and strengthen the chest muscles but also enhance your emotional resilience and openness.
2. Nature Walks Spending time in serene, open spaces can do wonders for your heart. Nature walks help clear the mind, reduce stress, and connect you with the Air element associated with the Heart Energy Center. Embrace the quiet and let nature's tranquility soothe your heart.
3. Breathwork and Meditation Practice deep breathing exercises and meditation focused on the heart center. Techniques like pranayama can enhance the flow of energy, promoting calmness and emotional balance. Try the Heart Energy Center Meditation Prayer to invoke Ogun’s essence for deeper connection and healing.
4. Journaling on Gratitude and Love Reflecting on aspects of your life that you are grateful for, and the love that surrounds you can foster emotional resilience. Journaling helps process emotions and reinforces positive feelings, opening your heart to more love and compassion.
Heart Energy Center Meditation: Embracing Ogun's Essence
Find a quiet, comfortable space. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, feeling the air fill your lungs and expand your heart center. Exhale slowly, releasing any tension.
Visualize a gentle rain, symbolizing Ogun's nurturing energy, washing over you. With each breath, draw in Ogun’s strength and compassion, feeling a wave of love and empathy.
Repeat silently: "O Mighty Ogun, fill my heart with your healing presence. Grant me courage, resilience, and the power to love deeply. Guide me towards connection and compassion."
Stay in this peaceful state for a few moments, embracing the warmth and strength in your heart. When ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this balanced energy with you.
Heart-Healthy Foods and Herbs
Foods to Include:
Berries: Rich in antioxidants, these fruits support cardiovascular health.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Nuts: Almonds and walnuts are packed with healthy fats that support heart health.
Fatty Fish: Salmon and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart.
Avocados: These fruits offer healthy fats that help reduce bad cholesterol.
Herbal Remedies:
Hearts of Love Tea: This blend from Herban Afrivedic™ includes rooibos, chamomile, ginger, and cinnamon, all known for their heart-supportive properties. It’s perfect for calming the mind and balancing the Heart Chakra.
Fireberry Elixir: Packed with immune-boosting ingredients like apple cider vinegar, ginger, and elderberry, this elixir supports overall health, including the heart. Its anti-inflammatory properties are essential for maintaining cardiovascular well-being.
Experience True Whole Body Cryotherapy™
Our True Whole Body Cryotherapy™ chamber at The Laya Center offers remarkable benefits for heart health. The exposure to subzero temperatures stimulates the central nervous system, releasing endorphins and enhancing blood circulation. This process reduces inflammation, clears toxins, and promotes the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and other vital organs, ensuring a balanced and healthy heart.
“Balancing your heart energy is a holistic journey, blending physical practices, emotional nurturing, and spiritual connection. By integrating yoga, nature walks, breathwork, journaling, nutritious foods, and herbal remedies into your daily routine, you can achieve a harmonious and healthy heart. Remember, a balanced heart allows you to live with more empathy, love, and connection.”
