This week will be CHAKRA WEEK!
That means each day, I will be talking about the different, main
seven (7) chakras, starting at the 1th (the base of the spine) and working our
way up to the 7th, (the top of your head).
Each day, I will post the basic chakra information and history at the
top of the post then talk about the chakra of the day - so if you read the first post, you know now that you can skip the top
part and move on to the end of the post. It will be done this way so
that the entire information can be accessed no matter where you start reading.
What are the chakras?
Chakra is a Sanskrit word for a series of circular energy centers
in and around the body. Chakra means "wheel" or "rotating"
ring. The chakras are positioned where energy channels join in the body and
work as "transformers" that control the energies of the body. Often,
only seven (7) chakras are described and they coincide with important glands
and nerve centers, but the exact number and location depend on the tradition a
person follows. In Buddhism, there are four primary chakras. In many forms of
Hinduism, there are seven. These seven chakras are believed to be connected via
nadi, or energy channels. Some talk about 12 and according to the teachings of
Dr. Sri Amit Ray, there are 114 chakras in the human body. These are split into
the 7 major chakras, 21 minor chakras, and 86 micro chakras.
We will talk about the main seven main chakras that align along
the spine, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The
spheres run along the spine, but extend through and past the front, back, and both
sides of your body.
Chakras are a spinning vortex of energy that is not seen by the
human eye but can be seen, felt, and sensed with intuition. This invisible
healing energy, called prana, is a vital life force, which keeps us vibrant,
healthy, and alive.
Chakras store the energy of thoughts, feelings, memories,
experiences, and actions. They influence and direct our present and future
mindset, behavior, emotional health, and actions. The life force in each chakra
can be processed, transmuted, and released so that we consciously manifest what
we want to call in, rather than experience more of the same. Chakra healing is
the intentional practice of connecting with our stored energy, so we may
understand how our past is influencing the present and the future.
They are spinning disks of energy that should stay
"open" and aligned for optimal emotional and physical well-being. If
there is a blockage, energy flows are restricted.
History of Chakras:
The earliest written record of chakras comes from the Vedas, which
are ancient Indian texts that describe the philosophy of yoga. The precise age
of the Vedas is unknown, but they are thousands of years old. Over time, the
concept of chakras evolved, influencing various Hindu and Buddhist traditions
and healing therapies. They belong to a set of beliefs known collectively as
Tantra. In the early 20th century, European spiritualists and occultists began
publishing books about aspects of Tantra, including chakras. Today, these books
are the basis of the Western understanding of chakras.
Today is all about the Sacral Chakra.
The Second Chakra is called the Sacral Chakra or the Svadhisthana. The Svadhisthana chakra is our creativity and sexual center. It is located above the pubic bone, below the navel, and is responsible for our creative expression. It is believed to be associated with our hips, lower back, sexual organs, bladder, and kidneys. It is the energy center for the vital force or prana ‘vyana,’ which is the energy of circulation.
When this chakra is open, we are optimistic and creative. We are connected to our sexuality and full of passion. We have the ability to accept others as they are and are more accepting of having new experiences. You are more confident and open. A person with an open and balanced Sacral Chakra has the ability to enjoy the senses with discipline and keep their emotions and relationships in balance.
It is usually blocked by abuse, intimacy issues, and fear, esp. fear of death. When it is imbalanced, it causes a lack of creativity, low self-worth, and low libido. You can feel disconnected, isolated, and overemotional. You can feel secretive, have nightmares, or not even remember your dreams. You may use escapism to avoid life or show obsessive affection that isn’t returned. You could end up with chronic lower back pain, anemia, and joint problems. Depression, anxiety, and the fear of losing control in a relationship are all signs that this energy center is blocked.
To get your Sacral Chakra open and active, you can do some yoga (bound angel pose, goddess pose, handstand pose, camel pose, and garland pose), meditation, visualization of the color orange, doing something creative, and movement. Connecting with water, such as a lake or river, helps promote balance here. Taking a shower or a warm bath can also regulate overwhelming emotions. Again, each chakra also has an associated mudra, or hand gesture, and even sounds that can help you engage with the energy of that chakra.
Element: Water
Chant: VAM
Color: Orange
Symbol: Consists of multiple circles, a crescent moon, and a lotus
flower with six petals.
Crystals: Any orange crystal,
such as carnelian and orange calcite. Hematite, Tigers Eye, Mookaite Jasper,
Amber, Sunstone, Peach Aventurine, and even copper.
Food and Plants: Any orange food,
such as oranges, carrots, pumpkins, yams, and mangos. Sweet Peppers, citrus,
peaches, sunflower seeds or sunflower oil, calendula, hibiscus, pickles, sandalwood,
jasmine, oysters, clams, seeds, pomegranates, ylang ylang
Affirmations: “I trust my feelings. I trust myself.” “I am safe
to express my sexuality.” “I allow my creativity to flow freely.”
Journaling for the Sacral Chakra
Journaling is a way to connect to your Sacral Chakra, allowing you to be creative and to connect to your emotions. These journal prompts below are designed to help you activate, open, and heal your sacral chakra. Each prompt focuses on an important aspect of the sacral chakra, including creativity, fun, play, sensuality, passion, sexuality, and your relationship with your body.
·
What can I do in my daily life to add more
opportunities for play?
·
What are my favorite creative activities? How do
I feel when I get to express my creativity?
·
What are some creative activities I’ve always
wanted to try but never have? What first step can I take toward trying one of
these activities?
·
What are some creative activities I love to do
but don’t make space for in my life as much as I’d like to? How can I create
more space for these activities?
· Express your creativity: Write about a movie or book idea floating in the back of your mind. What is it about? Who are the characters? What’s the central theme? Write as many details as possible, and have fun with it!
·
What do I feel passionate about in my life? How
do I express my passion?
· Why am I always worthy and deserving of respect from myself and others?
