Chakras: Set your wheels in motion

Chakra is the Sanskrit word for wheel. When our body, mind and soul are in harmony these wheels will spin at optimum frequency. 

In Anusara Immersion III we learned more about the seven chakras, where they are in the body—from the core of the pelvis up to the top of the head—and how they are stimulated. 

Our chakras can get blocked or unbalanced by different life events and challenges. Finding it hard to communicate? Viduddha, the throat chakra, may be deficient and in need of some fine tuning.  Stimulate this chakra by singing in the shower or having meaningful conversations. On the other hand, maybe you are talking too much and need to focus on listening—think balance.

Did you receive some life changing news? Get your Muladhara—the root chakra—grounded with some poses that focus on your feet and foundation. A good night sleep or time in the garden will help as well.

Take a moment and notice how you are sitting as you read this post. Are your shoulders slumped over your heart? Roll those arm bones back and puff that chest out and let Anahata—your heart chakra—shine through.

Contemplation

I am reading the yoga sutras, the bible of yoga, for my teacher trainings. In order to get into the mode, a girlfriend suggested I find a spot in a nearby park. A great idea as it has been very stuffy in my apartment with our second heat wave of the summer.


So there I sat under a tree, contemplating the meaning of the sutras. So far, I am learning it's about how to quiet the mind, find stillness, go within and just be - much like the tree.

Finding Space

In yoga, my teachers talk about finding space in a pose to go deeper and find the full expression of a pose. Through my trainings I have learned the principles and physical adjustments that help me find more space. Rooting firmly into my foundation, extending up and out through the heart and top of the head. There is always a little room to find more space everywhere in between.

In life, the same principles can be applied. Taking time to allow for space, all of a sudden I can look more deeply into what I am aiming to achieve or move past something I felt was in my way. I can feel more stable in what is happening right now and maybe open up to finding more space and even more possibilities.


Pictured above: Me & D doing yoga by the beach.