Namaste Monday: Chakras

{here}

All of our emotions, feelings, and choices define who we are.

How we feel also defines the choices we make.

Happiness brings us closer to the people around us.

Sadness brings us deeper into our shell.

And all of this involves what the yoga world calls the Chakras.

Most people think of yoga as a physical practice.  I get that.  I don't feel like I'm treating my body right when I don't go to my yoga class once a week, and I haven't been in two weeks (thanks Prom, Senior Projects, Graduation practices, and swimming for that).  But yoga is so much more then that, and that's what i try to explain every week.

Our body is made up of seven energy bodies, called Chakras.  These are located throughout the body and hold certain lessons and imbalances that influence our lives.  When one chakra is out of balance, these lessons are affected and lead to the imbalances we experience.

The chakras are as follows:

{From top to bottom} 

1) Crown Chakra

Location: top of the head

Color: violet

Lessons: Knowingness.  Connections to God or whatever higher power you believe in.  Integrity in the universe.  

Imbalances: Headaches.  Mental illnesses.  Skin rashes.

Ways to open your crown chakra and prevent imbalances: Journaling.  Focusing on dreams.  Wearing violet clothing.  Using lavender essential oils.

2) Brow Chakra

Location: In between the eyes

Color: Indigo

Lessons: Intuition.  Called the third eye.  Self-realization

Imbalances:  Learning disabilities.  Sleep disorders. Mouth, jaw, neck and shoulder problems.  Mood swings.  PMS.

Ways to open your Brow Chakra and prevent imbalances: Star gazing.  Meditation.  Wearing indigo clothing.  Using patchouli essential oils.

3) Throat Chakra

Location: Throat region

Color: Blue

Lessons:  Relationships.  Learning to trust and express yourself.  Loyalty.  

Imbalances: Fevers and flu.  Swollen glands.  PMS.

Ways to open your Throat Chakra and prevent imbalances:  Singing.  Poetry.  Conversations.  Wearing blue clothing.  Using Chamomile essential oils.

4) Heart Chakra

Location: Center of the chest

Color: Green

Lessons: Relationships.  Love and compassion. Self control.  Forgiveness.  Acceptance.

Imbalances: Heart and breathing disorders.  Chest Pain.  Breast Cancer.  

Ways to open your Heart Chakra and prevent imbalances: Nature walks.  Spending time with family and friends.  Wearing green clothing. Using pine essential oils.

5) Solar Plexus

Location: Above the navel

Color: Yellow

Lessons: Personal power.  Free thinking.  Self control.  Self confidence.  Humor

Imbalances: Digestive problems. Diabetes. Constipation.  Nervousness.

Ways to open your Solar Plexus chakra and prevent imbalances: Doing mind puzzles.  Reading.  Learning.  Sunshine.  Wearing yellow clothing.  Using lemon essential oils.

6) Spleen Chakra

Location: Lower abdomen

Color: Orange

Lessons: Feelings.  Social issues.  Intimacy issues.

Imbalances: Eating disorders.  Depression.  Lower back pain.  Allergies.  Urinary problems.

Ways to open your Spleen Chakra and prevent imbalances: Hot baths.  Water aerobics.  Massages.  Wearing orange clothing.  Using orange essential oils.

7) Root Chakra

Location: Base of spine

Color: Red

Lessons: Survival.  Dealing with the material and physical world.  Standing up for oneself.  Security.

Imbalances: Depression.  Anemia.  Fatigue.  Frequent colds.

Ways to open your Root chakra and prevent imbalances: physical exercise.  Sleep.  Gardening.  Wearing red clothing.  Using sandalwood essential oils.

I'm not saying I agree with all of the above information.  But if you think about it, some of it does make sense.  For instance, don't you feel depressed with you are fighting with someone?  Spleen Chakra.  What about when your feeling stressed about work?  Root Chakra.  Ever feel chest pain after a breakup? Heart Chakra.  

Our bodies are more complex then you can ever believe.  That's why it's so important to take care of them and respect the energy that runs throughout them.  I'll talk more about the energy body, but I think this is an important overview.  And I love the suggestions for balancing your chakras!

Do you believe in the chakras?  Do you notice a connection?

Is yoga a spiritual, emotional, or physical practice for you?

xo

source: Chakra Energy