When I would first hear Chakra's talked about during Yoga, I would sort of start to tune out. Why? Well...it seemed weird quite honestly! I like many others started Yoga for the physical aspect and didn't have an interest in "connecting" to my "subtle self" . However.....the more I dived into Yoga and started to ask myself WHY does it change the way I feel, and WHY does it feel so wonderful, the more I started to realize that the Chakra's are actually part of the physical aspect of Yoga! Infact....they are pretty important! Knowing the Chakra's and what they mean, give you a great understanding of why you are doing the poses you are doing and how to sequence your poses when you do your own freestyle practice! Which is why I have chosen to write about them as one of my first posts! I, myself, am just learning, so if you have any insight to add I would love to hear it!
So what is a Chakra anyway?? Ancient Yogis believe that there are portals in our body through which energy flows. Specifically 7 that we call the Chakra's! Yoga tradition states that these portals or vortexes can get blocked. Certain poses (asanas) can help unblock "prana" or life force from the subtle body! When this happens we become more physically, mentally and emotionally balanced! So without further ado...What are the Chakra's??
The Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The Root Chakra's element is earth and its color is red! When this Chakra is out of balance you may feel low self esteem, sense a lack of belonging or not feel grounded! Focusing on this Chakra and keeping it balanced can create confidence and self worth! One pose that can open up this Chakra is Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Sacral or Pelvic Chakra (Svadhisthana)
The Sacral Chakra's element is water and its color is orange. This Chakra represents creativity and fertility. When this Chakra is out of balance you may feel emotionally unstable and hard on yourself. When it is in balance you should feel creative and positive. One pose to help open up this Chakra is the Goddess Pose (Deviasana)
Navel Chakra (Manipura)
The Navel Chakra's element is fire and its color is yellow. This Chakra represents self esteem and confidence. It gives you motivation to take action and be productive. When it is out of balance you may feel stagnant and have a lack of courage. One pose to help open up this Chakra is the Boat Pose or Navasana.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
This Chakra's element is air and its color green. This chakra represents love, compassion, forgiveness and acceptance. When it is blocked you may feel possessive, codependent and form dysfunctional relationships. A great pose to open up this Chakra is Camel Pose or Ustrasana.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
This Chakra's element is Ether and its color is blue. When this Chakra is blocked you may feel like you can't find your own voice. You may also have a hard time listening well to others. When this Chakra is open you have an easier time communicating well. A great pose to help unblock this Chakra is a supported shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
Third Eye Chakra (Anja)
This Chakra's element is light and its color is indigo. This Chakra determines how you govern all other Chakras. It represents your intuition or "sixth sense." When it is functioning well you have insight and trust your inner wisdom. When it is blocked you become close-minded, untrusting and cynical. A great pose for this Chakra is Sukhasana (The pose of ease)
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
This Chakra's element is cosmic energy and color is violet or white. The crown Chakra connects to beauty itself and the spiritual realm. It helps you understand who you are. It is very personal. When it is blocked you think happiness can only come from the outside or from other people and you suffer. Savasana or Corpse Pose is a great way to connect to this Chakra.
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