I used to help facilitate a lot of Ayahuasca ceremonies. Ayahuasca can be a very intense experience, and some people would become very afraid. But one simple technique almost always helped those people — it would take them out of their fears, and allow them to find peace within the sanctuary of their heart.

It’s very simple — you just focus on all the people and animals that you love. Even if they have passed on — recall the love — remember the warmth, the smiles, the laughter, the good times — and focus on that.

You can also focus on trees, flowers, colours, music, good memories, celestial beings — whatever makes your heart sing. For most people though, the relationships with certain friends, family members, their children, their pets — they are the strongest source of love.

By cherishing and revering those we love, it pulls us into our heart centre. And when you experience feelings of love, appreciation, gratitude and reverence, it propels you into the light — the calmness and serenity of inner peace. And this can be a healing for you in itself.

And by doing this, you realise the profound benefit of filling your life as much as possible with whoever and whatever you love. The people, animals, activities, experiences, music, art — whatever makes your heart expand.

But you also have to process and heal dark emotions and sentiments to fully free your heart chakra.

Ayahuasca can be very persistent. And after people regained their composure, they would often be taken back to look at the stuff lingering in the background of their consciousness.

Bitterness, resentment, blame, spite, contempt, hatred, self-depreciation — these are some of the ways in which our heart chakra can become weakened — and these emotions can potentially leave you susceptible to energetic blocks and dark energies.

Emotional processing techniques can help you to release these burdens, restore your inner peace, and heal your energy.

And you can also work with metaphysical techniques when healing your heart chakra.

Your body is not just physical — it is metaphysical — it is energy — vibration and light.

Just as in the physical plane where you do a lot with your hands; you can also work with your hands to heal yourself metaphysically.

• Lay down on your back, with your eyes closed, and enter a deeply relaxed state. With deep compassion for yourself, hold an intention to heal your heart chakra.
• After a short while, place one of your hands slightly above the centre of your chest.
• Visualise your hand glowing brightly with golden light. And when you’re ready, place your hand on the centre of your chest. See the golden energy radiating from your hand and absorbing into your heart chakra. Feel the warmth.
• Allow yourself to sense any tension or unease. And if you become aware of any memories or circumstances that start to pull you into thoughts or emotions, just allow yourself to observe, without reaction. Let things play out and pass by.
• Continue to see your hand glowing with golden light. And you may find it helps to use your fingers to massage the area at the centre of your chest, to brush things away, or to pull out unwelcome energies. Go with your intuitive feelings, and trust in your inner guidance system.
• Once you’ve finished, rub a few drops of lavender essential oil onto the centre of your chest. Rest where you are, or perhaps go and sit somewhere quiet in nature. Become aware of all that you are grateful for. Feel the reverence fill your heart.
• (You can also practice this technique with other areas of your body. If you can’t comfortably reach an area of your body with your physical hand, you can visualise your hand reaching out and being at the area.)