This week is 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 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 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 depends 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 Throat Chakra
The Throat Chakra, also called the Vishuddha, is the fifth chakra, located at the base of the throat, at the center of the larynx. This is our source of verbal expression and the ability to speak our highest truth. It governs your ability to speak, listen, and express yourself as a higher form of communication. The fifth chakra includes the neck, thyroid, and parathyroid glands, jaw, mouth, and tongue.
It allows you to communicate, speak your truth, and for you to express yourself. It helps you be diplomatic and allows for clear communication, authentic expression, creative flow, and confidence.
It can be blocked by lies and guilt. A blocked Throat Chakra can make it where you can't express yourself and gossip. Communication breaks down. You talk over others and are often misunderstood. You refuse to listen to others or even your inner voice. It can even lead to sore throats and headaches.
You can open and activate your Throat chakra by humming, singing, journaling, speaking your mind, saying "NO" when needed, yoga (Shoulder Stand pose, Lotus pose, Reclining Angle pose, and Cat/Cow pose), meditation and visualization of the blue color. 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: Space
Chant: HAM
Color: Blue
Symbol: A lotus flower with 16 petals.
Crystals: Blue crystals such as
sodalite, blue lace agate, angelite, turquoise, blue kyanite, lapis lazuli,
aquamarine, and celestite.
Food and Plants: Clover, lemon balm, eucalyptus, blueberries, grapes,
seafood, herbal tes, plums, and water, salt, lemon grass,
Affirmations: I communicate confidently and with ease. I feel
comfortable speaking my mind. I am an active listener. I set clear boundaries.
Lion's Breath
A breathing technique called lion’s breath is believed to be
beneficial for the throat chakra. It’s thought to help ease stress, get rid of
toxins, and stimulate your throat and chest area.
To practice this breath:
Inhale through your nose.
Open your eyes and mouth wide.
Stick out your tongue, and “roar” your breath out audibly —
the breath of your exhale should be loud like a lion’s roar.
End Note:
Expressing our emotions and speaking openly helps us
form deep connections with the world around us, as well as within. I hope you
take time today to express yourself and connect with your throat chakra! We do have the crystals listed if you would
like to use them. You can find them on our Facebook Group.