“It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now, with its aches and it pleasures, is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.” ~Pema Chodron
We started by choosing the word Intention, instead of Resolution. We all came here in search of ways to live our lives On Purpose. We have been practicing Being vs. Doing. I’m curious…what is coming up for you?
How have these meditations helped you begin to find answers to these questions? I believe that our greatest teacher is our body. With all of her aches and all of her pleasures. And for two weeks, we have been starting our days by getting in our bodies. Listening. Being aware. Paying attention.
Today, we’ll look at a deeper connection with our physical body. We’ll take a look at what, in yoga, we refer to as the Chakras. Along your spine you have 7 nerve bundles, each one branching off to a different part of your body. Western science calls these bundles Nerve Plexes. Centers of electrical, chemical energy. Each of these energy centers not only conduct energy, but can hold energy. Today, we will look at what might be stuck, not flowing as freely and openly as it could.
The Seven Chakras
Muladhara (Root)
Stability, security, feeling grounded, rooted, solid. Feet, legs, pelvic floor. Do you know where you stand in life? Do you feel like you are moving in the right direction, do you feel stuck, or flighty?
Svadhisthana (Sacral)
Reproduction, creativity, joy, enthusiasm, passion. Pelvis, reproductive organs, genitals. Do you flow with the changes of life? Are you stiff and rigid, or do you move with ease and grace?
Manipura (Solar Plexus)
Digestion, personal power, expansiveness, growth, strength, courage, success, will, determination. Digestive system, stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, kidneys. Our inner sun. Do you feel that you are in control, or that there are areas of your life where you have no control? Do you feel the need to control others? Is there a place where you can stand more firmly and find your inner strength?
Anahata (Heart)
Circulation, breath, unconditional love for self and others, devotion, compassion. Heart, lungs, ribs, upper back. Is your heart open to giving and receiving love?
Vishuddhi (Throat)
Communication, voice, independence, fluent thought, enables us to speak our truth, to say what is in our heart. Vocal chords, larynx, lymphatic system, mouth, ears. Do you feel that you can speak your truth, say what is in your heart? Are you able to listen to others, even when they speak a different truth?
Ajna (Third Eye)
Intuition, consciousness, knowledge, what we see with our eyes closed. Eyes, brain, forehead, temples. What do you know? Do you have the freedom to question, to ponder? Are there any thoughts that run a repetitive loop in your head that hold you back?
Sahasrara (Crown)
Pure consciousness, open to all that is, connection, enlightenment, peace. Spiritual matters, relationship to the Divine, to something greater. Dreams, visions, premonitions.
And now the practice of yoga begins…
Namaste.
