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Chakras are energy centers connected with certain parts of the body, and a process of connecting to our own inner strength. According to Hindu belief, chakras are vast pools of energy in our bodies which govern our psychological qualities.
In this blog I”ll be focusing on the hindu system of seven chakras. Although their might be known by other names in other cultures like Buddhist Vajrayana to Chinese Taoism, Western escotericism, and even the Kabbalah. There are said to be seven main chakras in all; four in our upper body, which govern our mental properties, and three in the lower body, which govern our instinctual properties. There are seven main energy centers, or chakras, that run vertically up your spine and have the ability to empower you. Take a look at each one and how it can help boost self-reliance and confidence in your abilities.
The colors of the chakras are the exact same colors and in the same order as the colors of a rainbow, from red at the base to violet / white light at the crown Our bodies are walking rainbows! If you hold a crystal up to sunlight it displays beautiful vibrant rainbows that can give you an idea of what a healthy, happy chakra system looks like. Although there is generally a predominant color associated with each chakra, These seven chakras are subjected to imbalances, and can cause disturbances in our physical, emotional, and spiritual level of life.
Different emotions are registered in different places of the body. Falling in love for example is a warm sensation in the chest. For instance, the root chakra relates to our sense of connection with our fellow human beings, as well as survival issues. If a person believes they are unsafe and trust is difficult, this chakra will tend to be pulled in and not joined in harmony with the other chakras. This will affect the organs in the area of the root chakra, such as the sex organs. Each chakra is represented by a lotus flower with a certain number of petals. Which are characterized as the spokes of a wheel (Chakra).Our instincts would join forces with our feelings and thinking. Some of our chakras are usually not open all the way (meaning, they operate just like when you were born), but some are over-active, or even near closed. If the chakras are not balanced, peace with the self cannot be achieved.
The Chakras are arranged vertically, from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
The Crown Chakra, (Sahaswara) : which is the 7th Chakra, is at the very top of the head. Complete connection to the higher self. It appears with the color violet and pure white Light. When the crown and third eye are clear, there is no self-hate. It is linked to our awareness of Oneness with Source, integration of the Whole, living in the now, meaning, devotion, inspiration, and conscious alignment with Pure Awareness. . You may feel as though a force outside yourself is guiding you. From this, you begin to understand that, on a universal level, even imperfections are perfect.
The seventh chakra, Sahaswara, is referred to as the thousand-petal lotus chakra and its pinnacle of the chakra system. This is the top chakra of the seven and located at the crown of the head. Sahaswara is our source of enlightenment and spiritual connection to all that is. It is said to be located either at the crown of the head or the space above it, depending on which tradition you consult. It is a connection to our higher selves, to every being on the planet, and ultimately the divine energy that creates everything in the universe.
As the name suggests, this chakra is represented by a lotus of one thousand-petal. The petals of many colors. True opening of Sahaswara means the realization that you are pure awareness. The crown chakra is the ultimate white light, which refracts as though a prism, into every color of the visible spectrum. You are pure consciousness, undivided, and all expansive. Like a drop in the ocean, you are a part of that ocean that contains and encompasses every aspect of it. There is no element connected with this chakra,nor a seed syllable. The lotus flower is a symbol in both the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It is nurtured, grows, and emerges in muddy waters. Everything we say about it is mere metaphor, word and image – a finger pointing to the moon, but not the moon itself, sahasrara is the ultimate light of pure nondual awareness.
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked The Crown Chakra, (Sahaswara)
While silence is the most powerful and important way to opening the seventh chakra, there are some other practices that support this chakra. Inverted yoga asanas such as headstand (Salamba Sirsasana) and down dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) can help stimulate the seventh chakra, as well as any posture that brings the crown of the head to the floor such as fish pose (Matsyasana).
Crystal and Gemstones for The Crown Chakra,
The color for the crown chakra is violet or white . Gems you can wear or have in your environment to help open and align the seventh chakra are amethyst, selenite, and sugilite, White Calcite, White Topaz.
How to Meditate to open /balance The Crown Chakra,
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Sit cross-legged.
- All this time, your body should now be totally relaxed, and your mind should be at peace. However, do not stop concentrating on the Crown Chakra.
- This meditation is the longest, and should take no less than ten minutes.
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WARNING: don’t use this meditation for the Crown Chakra if your Root Chakra is not strong or open. Before dealing with this last chakra, you need a strong “foundation” first, which the Root exercises will present to you.
The Brow Chakra, or Third Eye, (Ajna) : which is the 6th Chakra, is in the center of the forehead. eye inside It resonates with the color indigo and is linked to inner vision, unity perspective, divine understanding, discernment, wisdom, intuition, and intelligence. This chakra sees beyond sight, giving you a clearer view than your physical eyes ever could. When you follow your third eye and learn the difference between your intuition and your mind, your confidence will surely surely increase.
The Brow Chakra also called the third eye is the center of perception and command. The sixth chakra, called Ajna is located superficially in the middle of the forehead, between and above the eyebrows. It directs our sight and everyday awareness of the world. Internally, it is located at the pineal gland. Our consciousness is located here. “We” are here. It is often called the “third eye” because of its relation to seeing-not physical sight, but the insight of intuition. We relate to ourselves through this chakra.
Ajna is represented by a two-petaled lotus of a deep indigo color. It is associated with mind element and its seed syallable is OM the primordial sound. We see ourselves and the external world, interpret what we see and are aware of ourselves and the world through the brow chakra. When the ajna chakra is imbalanced, it can lead to day dreaming, getting lost in a world of make believe and even delusions and hallucinations. The brow chakra interprets the world – our inner world, and the world that comes into the body, primarily through sight. When the brow chakra is out of balance, the whole organism suffers. Without perspective, nothing makes sense.
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked The Brow Chakra, or Third Eye, (Ajna) :
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Shavasana
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Advasana
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Tadasana
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Ashva Sanchalnasana
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Bhujangasana
Crystal and Gemstones for The Brow Chakra, or Third Eye, (Ajna) :
The dark blue/purple crystals of indigo are used to treat imbalances of the brow chakra. This is the color of an empty sky, of solitude and reflection. It is a quiet color, one of mystery and wisdom and judgment. Indigo crystals should be held during any meditation aimed at assuring the free flow of energy within the brow chakra. Quiet reflection with a small indigo crystal placed on the forehead will help focus the wisdom of the indigo ray on the brow chakra releasing any blockages. Some other stones which can be used are Lapis Lazuli, Azurite, Sugilite.
How to Meditate to open /balance The Brow Chakra, or Third Eye, (Ajna) :
The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) is the 5th Chakra, at the base of the throat, and is blue in color. The name of this chakra Vishuddha or Vishuddhi, means “very pure”. In the area of the throat, it governs the anatomical regions of the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx. The fifth chakra, Vishuddha, is the first of the three spiritual chakras. Communication: a tricky thing It is linked to expressing and being our truth, taking responsibility for our own needs, surrendering our will to the Divine, trusting Source, decision making, personal authority, and manifesting creative impulses.
It has to do with the power of speech, understood broadly here to mean the ability to communicate through any linguistic or symbolic means. You may feel as though you’ve communicated your needs and feelings very clearly while the other party involved may not have any concept of your words. That includes not just speaking and writing, but also the arts, which are symbolic forms of self expression. The throat chakra helps you to communicate your desires in a way that will be not only heard but also understood.
The throat chakra is represented by a light blue lotus with sixteen petal. To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to speak, listen, and express yourself from a higher form of communication. The element connected with the throat chakra is space, and the seed syllable of this chakra is the syllable of the space element “HAM”. Faith and understanding combine the essence of the Vishuddha chakra. The element corresponding to the fifth chakra is ether or space, and the sense is hearing.
Ordinarily, when we speak, we do so somewhat thoughtlessly. Authentic expression is not something that comes easily. Sometimes we use speech in a manipulative way-to deceive others, or to sow discord. There’s a delicate dance between saying what you mean and staying tactful or diplomatic or we use words as weapons, to abuse and hurt. We may speak carelessly, not considering the impact our words might have on others. Often it’s easier to say what the other person may want to hear instead of speaking your truth. Thus vicious rumors can begin, simply because we wanted to entertain ourselves with conversation. Fear of not being accepted, or judgment from the other may hinder your truthful verbal expression.
Opening the third chakra helps you to feel your personal power and have the confidence to express yourself. Knowing what’s in your heart comes when you align the fourth chakra. When vishuddha is balanced, your speech comes naturally and easily. Then, when it comes to verbalizing your needs, desires, and opinions you’re better able to determine how to be truthful to yourself and others. It has an easy-flowing, pleasant and persuasive quality. This chakra is based on self-expression and communication. When the chakra is open, expressing yourself is easy,
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): or balance it: In your yoga practice, you can do camel pose (Ustrasana), bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana), and plow (Halasana). These poses will stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands as well as bring energy to the area of the throat.
Crystal and Gemstones for The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):
The color corresponding to the fifth chakra is blue, and gems to balance this chakra are sapphire, blue topaz, lapis lazuli, aquamarine, turquoise., Sodalite, Blue Calcite, Blue Kyanite, Angelite, Blue Turquoise.
How to Meditate to open /balance The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha):
- Concentrate on the Throat Chakra and what it stands for, at the base of the throat.
- Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “HAM.”
- All this time, keep on relaxing your body, thinking of the chakra, it’s meaning, and how it does or should affect your life.
- Keep doing this for about five minutes, and the “clean” feeling will intensify once again.
The Heart Chakra, (Anahata): which is the 4th Chakra, is in the center of the chest. Although it is located close to the heart, it is actually in the center of the chest. The fourth chakra is at the center of the seven chakras with three below and three above. This is the area where physical and spiritual meet. There is a separate chakra located slightly below and to the left of anahata called hrit literally “heart” But as this is not considered a major chakra in the system we”re presenting we will carry on with the convention of calling anahata the heart.
Love and confidence are intertwined more than you might realize .It displays the colors green and pink. When your heart chakra is open, you are flowing with love and compassion, you are quick to forgive, and you accept others and yourself. A closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others. If you love and have found peace through your higher self, the thoughts and words of others have much less (if any) impact on your personal confidence scale.
some people choose to live in the place of grievances. They’ve been hurt in the past by parents, siblings, classmates, or loves. Maybe you’ve been there too. It’s impossible to avoid situations where someone may try to hurt you. But you get to choose what to do with that hurt. Some people might try to hurt the other person back. Yet, that is not living from a place of Anahata. The person who inflicts pain on others is coming from a place of fear, ignorance or hatred, all of which represent a closed heart chakra. It is linked to love (as a union of spiritual and human love), compassion, confidence, trust, expansion, acceptance, openness and inspiration. You love yourself, not the roles you play.
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked The Heart Chakra, (Anahata): or balance it:
- Bhujangasana
- Dhanurasana.
Crystal and Gemstones for The Heart Chakra, (Anahata)
- Pink/Rubellite Tourmaline
- Watermelon Tourmaline
- Rose Quartz
- Malachite
- Jade
How to Meditate to open /balance The Heart Chakra,
- Sit in a comfortable position
- Concentrate on the Heart Chakra and what it stands for, at the spine, level with the heart.
- Silently, but clearly, chant the sound “YAM.”
- All this time, continue to relax your body, and think of the chakra, it’s meaning, and how it does or should affect your life.
- Keep doing this until you are completely relaxed, and the “clean” feeling returns and/or intensifies within your body.
The Solar Plexus (Manipura) : which is the 3rd Chakra, goes from just below the heart down to the navel. Manipura means “City of Jewels”. A balanced solar plexus can provide the power you desire to accomplish anything . Its element is fire. Physically, it is connected to the metabolism and the “fire” of digestion, which transforms food , extracting its nutrients and processing the waste. Yellow in color, it is linked to our self-esteem, reaction to criticism, personal power, and ego . It is the center of will power, the third chakra is all about the perception of who you are. Those with a “strong sense of will,” get it from the solar plexus. When you know your destiny, and no one can deter you, that is confidence. The gift of this chakra is sensing your personal power, being confident, responsible, and reliable.
The naval chakra is represented as yellow ten-petaled lotus. Its syllable is “ RAM” the seed syllable of fire element. Its function is transforming, burning, purposeful. The energy of this chakra allows you to transform inertia into action and movement. It allows you to meet challenges and mover forward in your life
In Indian traditional medicine digestion is likened to the burning of fire, which transforms fuel into heat and light and leaves ashes behind. The main challenge for the third chakra is to use your personal power in a balanced manner. Strong third chakra reflects the ability to move forward in life with confidence and power. It reflects the ability to make conscious choices to choose and to act.
When it is out of balance, it can manifest physically as poor digestion. The message of the third chakra is: You have the power to choose. You can choose to achieve your life purpose or you can live out your karma or past experiences. What do you choose? Do you choose love, light and healing? Do you accept that you have the power to choose? Do you feel a sense of freedom when you make a choice? The third chakra is the center of your self-esteem.
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked The Solar Plexus (Manipura) or balance it:
- Advasana
- Makarasana
- Tiryakatadasana
- Ashtanga namaskara
- Bhujangasana
- Dhanurasana
- Setu asana
- Halasana.
Crystal and Gemstones for Solar Plexus (Manipura)
- Citrine
- Yellow Jasper
- Golden Calcite
How to Meditate to open /balance Solar Plexus (Manipura)
- Sit in a comfortable position
- Silently, yet clearly, chant the sound “RAM.“
- All this time, let yourself relax even more, continuing to think about the chakra, it’s meaning, and how it does or should affect your life.
- Keep doing this until you are completely relaxed. You should have a “clean” feeling (for every chakra).
The Sacral Chakra, ( Svdhisthana): which is the 2nd Chakra, is located just below the navel. It is connected to the reproductive system and sexuality. Sexuality is very intimate, even private= hence the name, which suggest a highly personal situation. The negative outcomes of a blocked sacral chakra can be challenging Resonating with the color orange, it is linked to our inner child, creativity, innocence, vulnerability and spontaneity Because it is related to sexuality, it is also related to the creativity and passionate energy of the libido. Problem solving can seem impossible when this chakra needs work. That can be very harmful to an ego. When in balance, however, the sacral can bloom with creativity and charm.
The Sacral chakra is represented by an orange colour lotus of six petals. The Sacral Chakra is your passion and pleasure centre and it is located in the pelvic area. Its seed syllable is VAM. While the Root Chakra is satisfied with survival, the 2nd chakra seeks pleasure and enjoyment. Its element is water, a capricious element, that takes many shapes, can be frozen or liquid, can flow swiftly and with great force or slowly and gentle or gather in one place and be still; it can erode surfaces or sustain life. The gift of this chakra is experiencing our life through feeling and sensations.
Having worked on our basic living situation , we are ready to work on our emotional lives, starting with our passions and desires. The energy of this chakra allows you to let go, to move, and to feel change and transformation occurring within your body. It allows you to experience this moment as it is, in its own fullness. The idea expressed by sacral chakra is to balance the energy of our passion.
The main challenge for the second chakra is the conditioning of our society. We live in a society where feelings are not valued, where passion, and emotional reactions are being frowned upon. We are being taught not to “loose control”. And we get disconnected from our bodies, our feelings.
There are many reasons that the sacral chakra might be blocked or imbalanced. we also experience the wounds of our collective cultural struggles over many sexual issues of our society. On one hand sexuality is magnified and glorified, and on the other hand it is rejected. This results in either blocked or excessive second chakra issues. The Trauma of sexual abuse is one reason. No wonder we have so many issues with our passion center, the wellspring of feelings, enjoyment, and sensuality.
The following is a list of asanas useful for working with a blocked sacral chakra or balance it:
- Siddhasana
- Ustrasana
- Padahastasana
- Bhujangasana
- Paschimottasana
Crystal and Gemstones for Sacral Chakra.
- Vanadinite
- Carnelian
- Orange Calcite
- Blue-green
- Fluorite
How to Meditate to open /balance Sacral Chakra
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Concentrate on the Sacral Chakra and what it stands for, at the sacral bone (lower back).
- Silently, yet clearly, chant the sound “VAM.”
- All this time, let yourself relax, still thinking about the chakra, it’s meaning, and how it does or should affect your life.
- Keep doing this until you are completely relaxed. Again, you may have a “clean” feeling.
The Root Chakra, (Muladhara) the 1st Chakra, is at the base of the spine and is red in color it is a four petaled flower. When in balance, the root chakra provides the feeling of being grounded It is linked to our connection and loyalty to our “tribe,” family, and fellow human beings, our connection with the manifestation of physical earth, survival instincts, pleasure / pain, and sexuality. It is related to the basic physiological and psychological functions of the human organism. This includes your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as your more emotional needs such as letting go of fear. When these needs are met, you feel grounded and safe, and you tend to worry less day to day. Whether or not you feel secure now often has less to do with what you have at your disposal and more to do with how safe you felt as a small child. You may not always be able to trust that the world will give you what you need to survive, but connection to your higher self and trust in a power higher than yourself will give you what you need to feel safe.
This helps you to adapt to whatever life throws at you without the unstable feeling that comes when this chakra is blocked. As such, it has to do with security and survival related activities, such as making money and procuring food. Change no longer evokes anxiety or reluctance; transformation becomes exciting and fun. As infants, if your caregivers readily gave you what you needed to survive with consistency, you felt secure in the world. You felt that the world was a place that could be trusted to provide your basic needs. Yet, if your caregivers withheld or delayed in giving you what you needed, or if that giving was inconsistent, you may find yourself with first chakra blockages.
An imbalance in this chakra might include feelings of insecurity especially around financial matters, food and shelter, which relate directly to physical survival, when the Root chakra is balanced, you feel safe, secure and well established in the solid quality of earth. If there is an imbalance in the root chakra you may experience anxiety disorders, fears, or nightmares. Physical imbalances may manifest as problems in the colon, with the bladder, with elimination, or with lower back, leg, or feet issues. In men, prostate problems may occur. Eating disorders may also be a sign of a root chakra imbalance. Balancing the root chakra creates the solid foundation for opening the chakras above.
The mantra sound that corresponds to the root chakra is LAM. The seed syllable is lam (pronounced lum). Each chakra has an associated mantra or seed syllable. Which is the syllable of the earth element. Chanting or toning sounds can also help bring you back to balance just like music brings people together. Sounds create vibrations in the body, and these vibrations help the cells work together in synchronistic harmony. So each of the chakras has its own sound and by reciting or intoning its seed syllable, you can connect to its energy.
Other ways to open a blocked chakra include using yoga, mantras, colors, and gems. Various positions or asanas of hatha yoga themselves help purify the chakras and bring them into balance. The following is the list of asanas useful for working with chakras Yoga Asanas that help to open and align Muladhara are…
- Siddhasana
- Tadasana
- Tiryakatadasana
- Marjari asanas
(I will write about yoga asanas in my next blog)
Crystal and Gemstones for Root Chakras (Muladhara)
Finally, colors and gems can help bring a chakra into balance. The ideal is to have all chakra centers clear, balanced, and vitalized for optimal well-being. The chakra system goes back to ancient eastern masters. Each chakra is associated with a particular area of the body and a color of the spectrum. Stones are for clearing, revitalizing, and healing chakras. Crystal wands are utilized to open the chakras. Generally, the selection of stones correspond with the associated color of the chakra. The root chakra’s color is red. Gemstones for the first chakra include GarnetHematite, red jasper, black tourmaline, Red Zincite Smoky Quartz and bloodstone. You can place the gemstone on the area of the chakra while lying down to help open and align it. There are 7 major Chakra centers of the physical body, where vital energy flows and intersects. Through our Chakras, we transmit and receive physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. The chakras are manifested in one’s physical state. Crystal wands are utilized to open the chakras. Generally, the selection of stones correspond with the associated color of the chakra.
How to Meditate to open /balance Root chakra Muladhara)
Sit in a most comfortable position of your choice but best is padmasana then breath, focus full of your attention on breathing when the breathing is normal, Visualize a closed red flower. Imagine a very powerful energy radiating it: it slowly opens showing four red petals full of energy.
Home Home sweet sweet home 