THE CROWN CHAKRA
It’s also known as Sahasrara which means thousand-petaled, and is located at the top of the head. It is also known as the Seventh Chakra and its color is violet. It is associated with the pituitary, hypothalamus, and the pineal glands. The “thousand-petaled” reference reminds us of a lotus flower, or the crown which lets in the light above our head. The lotus is connected with Divinity much like the crown chakra. Another name for this chakra is the Gateway to the Divine. It is our opening to Angelic, Source, or God energy. It is our connection to spirit, universal, and cosmic consciousness. It has everything to do with our higher consciousness and wisdom, and reminds us that we are primarily a soul with a body attached rather than vice versa. A blocked crown chakra could result in poor coordination, dizziness, depression, or possibly a feeling of being alienated. Opening the crown chakra involves many of the same practices which help to open the third eye chakra. These include meditation, mantra repetition, visualization, breathing exercises, essential oils, crystals, and music. In addition to these, it also helps to do cardiovascular exercises. Eating healthy is also recommended – especially reducing your sugar intake.
THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA
It’s also known as Ajna, which means beyond wisdom It is located at the center of the forehead and is known as the Third Eye or the Mind’s Eye. Its color is indigo and it is our 6th chakra or energy center. This chakra is associated with intuition, enlightenment, and spirituality. It is also connected to inspiration and imagination. It is connected to our pineal gland which is a tiny pine cone shaped gland located at the base of our skull which produces melatonin. Visible symptoms of a third eye blockage could be poor sleep, confusion, episodes of brain fog, headaches, light sensitivity, lack of focus or decision making, poor self-esteem, and literally feeling “blue” and imbalanced. If you want to open your third eye, regular meditation is one of the best practices. It does take discipline, but even a 10 minute meditation a day will help. There are so many guided meditations out there on the internet. Look around and find one you like. You may actually enjoy this search, as it will uncover other helpful meditations you might never have known about. There are specific breathing patterns you can use which will open your third eye. Chanting the word ‘Om’ is also helpful. This is because the vibration of this sound resonates with the frequency of the the third eye. Star, sun, and moon gazing all help. Other helpful aides to awakening the 6th chakra are crystals, aromatherapy, daily positive affirmations, yoga, and music. In other words, try to adopt a few practices that take you into that space beyond this world – that is the vantage point of the third eye.
THE THROAT CHAKRA
It’s also known as the Vishuddha, which means purification. It is located at the throat and is known as the Blue Chakra. This chakra is associated with self expression and communication. If you are having issues with your thyroid, or a sore throat, start examining the ways in which you express yourself. Expressing yourself does not necessarily have to be with only verbal or written words. You can express yourself creatively, for example with dance, song, artwork, sports, etc. Are your thoughts being heard and do you feel validated and supported in your beliefs? Take a look at how honest you are with close friends, relatives, and associates. Do you have trouble speaking your truth? On the flip side, do you listen well to others? The two are connected because we are always seeing mirror reflections of ourselves in others, whether you believe this or not. So chances are, if you are a poor listener, you probably are a poor communicator as well. Also look to see if you have any fear with regard to showing your emotions. The location of the blue chakra is also significant. The two chakras above the throat chakra are connected to our intuition, our higher self, and our spirit. The chakras below the throat chakra are connected with more tangible aspects of ourselves. Therefore, look to see if there is a flow between your higher self and your physical self. Ideally your actions, thoughts, and ideas should reflect both selves.
THE HEART CHAKRA
It’s also known as the Anahata, which means unhurt or unstuck. It is located at the chest and is is known as the Green Chakra. It is also known as the Heart Chakra. Naturally, the heart chakra has everything to do with love and how you express it, both to others and to yourself. It has to do with compassion and forgiveness, unconditional love, and joy. The heart chakra sits in the center of your chest. It is the 4th energy center and it sits in the middle of the three lower and the the three upper chakras. Therefore it also serves to balance the other six chakras. If you are having chest pain, start to do activities which will open your heart chakra. Find the things in life that enable you to express love. Spend time with family and friends. Laughter is one of the best ways to open the heart chakra. Notice that when you are laughing, you cannot wear a frown. It’s instant unencumbered joy when you laugh. Also, spend time with animals. Animals only know unconditional love. They are not like humans in that they do not analyze, manipulate, or hold grudges. Being in nature in general helps to open the heart chakra. Green loves green. Learn to practice forgiveness. There are forgiveness ceremonies you can do. Forgiving, allowing, and accepting will help you to release any heart blockages you might have which are associated with past events, relationships, or traumas. Trusting will also open your green chakra. Spend time with people who have no hidden agenda and who only want to see you grow and thrive. Finally, expressing gratitude for everything wonderful in your life only brings more of those wonderful things. Be grateful for all the good things in your life, no matter how big or small.
THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
It’s also know as the Manipura, which means lustrous gem or City of Jewels. It is located at the navel and it is known as the Yellow Chakra. It is also called the Navel Chakra. The solar plexus has everything to do with our will, confidence, asserting ourselves, and decision making. At a day to day living level, this chakra has to do with our desire for self-improvement and gaining recognition. It’s connected to our competitive aspect. This does not mean you have to be in competition with others necessarily, but instead, always strive to become better today than you were yesterday, or even five minutes ago. Think about what you can achieve which will bring out more self confidence. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming goal like running the marathon. However, the stamina and endurance involved in marathon training is cumulative and the result is similar to any other accomplishment – large or small. Do something that will give you a sense of achievement or self-worth. It can be completing a jigsaw puzzle, or reading a book you’ve always wanted to read. Take a course on a subject you’ve always wanted to know more about. Cook an amazing meal for family or friends. When you get compliment for something you’ve done, it instantly feeds your self-esteem. The word “narcissist” has been extremely overused lately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a healthy dose of self love. We should live in peace, rather than conflict with our ego. When our solar plexus is balanced, it usually shows up in a healthier relationship between us and the rest of t he world.
THE SACRAL CHAKRA
It’s also known as the Svadhisthana, which means “own abode”. It is located under the naval and it’s known as the orange chakra. It is associated with our femininity, creativity, sexuality, intimacy, and pleasure. It is also known as the Sex Chakra. It is associated with the element of Water. Water is also feminine – as in the element of emotion, and what women carry in their wombs to support and create life. If you are experiencing pain in the sacral chakra, explore all things feminine, and look to see where you are not supporting your own inner Goddess. Look to see where the wounds reside having to do with other females in your life. Examine issues having to do with your female ancestral line, past and present. Do you have a creative outlet? Having a creative outlet is like taking your chakra out for a 5-star dinner. Try to do something creative, and do not judge the outcome. Draw something (even if it’s just a doodle), write something (even if it’s just one beautiful sentence), sing something (even if it’s off-key). Creation is creation. Whether it’s giving birth to a baby, or creating a novel, or choreographing a dance. It is so important to feed that part of us that creates. To starve our creation is akin to aborting life. It also allows us to channel our darker emotions in a positive and constructive manner. Without a creative outlet, you’d be much more prone to take that dark emotion and release it on your friend when he or she inadvertently triggers it during a well meaning conversation. Allow yourself to feel your sexuality and sensuality if you’ve neglected yourself. Get something new to wear. Get a fabulous new haircut. Get a massage. In other words, start radically loving yourself.
THE ROOT CHAKRA
It’s also known as the Muladhara which means the root of existence. . It is located at the base of the spine, and by now it’s come to be known as the Red Chakra. It is associated with the element of Earth. Therefore, any pain associated with the root chakra has to do with what makes you feel grounded to the earth, or vice versa. In other words – feeling secure. Usually when we feel secure, we feel grounded. The feelings that bring about a sense of safety and security in us are different for different people. The differences can be attributed to our environments growing up, our cultural norms, our education, in all forms while growing up…Some people have fears associated with “not having enough”. This could mean not enough love…maybe you grew up in a household that did not express love. Not enough money…maybe you grew up in poverty and you’re in constant fear of losing wealth. Not enough time – you grew up believing that this 3D earth is all there is, and there is nothing beyond, so you have to get everything done NOW. Not enough health – maybe you grew up with illness surrounding you – family members, friends, etc….Not enough joy – maybe you grew up in atmosphere that did not teach you that there is joy in every minute in life. That it doesn’t have to be major life events that can only bring you happiness. These issues all connect to our root chakra. This mindset of lack must be changed to an abundance state of mind. The more we think we lack, the more we manifest lack in our lives. We do manifest our thought patterns, like it or not. There is a great expression that says, “whatever we resist persists.” Stop resisting and start accepting. Accept abundance, love, universal support, , joy, magic, perfect health…etc. into your life. Each time a thought of lack comes up, immediately replace it with a though of abundance. If you do this consistently watch the healing start to take place.
THE ROOT CHAKRA (RED)
It’s also known as the Muladhara which means the root of existence. . It is located at the base of the spine, and by now it’s come to be known as the Red Chakra. It is associated with the element of Earth. Therefore, any pain associated with the root chakra has to do with what makes you feel grounded to the earth, or vice versa. In other words – feeling secure. Usually when we feel secure, we feel grounded. The feelings that bring about a sense of safety and security in us are different for different people. The differences can be attributed to our environments growing up, our cultural norms, our education, in all forms while growing up…Some people have fears associated with “not having enough”. This could mean not enough love…maybe you grew up in a household that did not express love. Not enough money…maybe you grew up in poverty and you’re in constant fear of losing wealth. Not enough time – you grew up believing that this 3D earth is all there is, and there is nothing beyond, so you have to get everything done NOW. Not enough health – maybe you grew up with illness surrounding you – family members, friends, etc….Not enough joy – maybe you grew up in atmosphere that did not teach you that there is joy in every minute in life. That it doesn’t have to be major life events that can only bring you happiness. These issues all connect to our root chakra. This mindset of lack must be changed to an abundance state of mind. The more we think we lack, the more we manifest lack in our lives. We do manifest our thought patterns, like it or not. There is a great expression that says, “whatever we resist persists.” Stop resisting and start accepting. Accept abundance, love, universal support, , joy, magic, perfect health…etc. into your life. Each time a thought of lack comes up, immediately replace it with a though of abundance. If you do this consistently watch the healing start to take place.
THE SACRAL CHAKRA (ORANGE)
It’s also known as the Svadhisthana, which means “own abode”. It is located under the naval and it’s known as the orange chakra. It is associated with our femininity, creativity, sexuality, intimacy, and pleasure. It is also known as the Sex Chakra. It is associated with the element of Water. Water is also feminine – as in the element of emotion, and what women carry in their wombs to support and create life. If you are experiencing pain in the sacral chakra, explore all things feminine, and look to see where you are not supporting your own inner Goddess. Look to see where the wounds reside having to do with other females in your life. Examine issues having to do with your female ancestral line, past and present. Do you have a creative outlet? Having a creative outlet is like taking your chakra out for a 5-star dinner. Try to do something creative, and do not judge the outcome. Draw something (even if it’s just a doodle), write something (even if it’s just one beautiful sentence), sing something (even if it’s off-key). Creation is creation. Whether it’s giving birth to a baby, or creating a novel, or choreographing a dance. It is so important to feed that part of us that creates. To starve our creation is akin to aborting life. It also allows us to channel our darker emotions in a positive and constructive manner. Without a creative outlet, you’d be much more prone to take that dark emotion and release it on your friend when he or she inadvertently triggers it during a well meaning conversation. Allow yourself to feel your sexuality and sensuality if you’ve neglected yourself. Get something new to wear. Get a fabulous new haircut. Get a massage. In other words, start radically loving yourself.
THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (YELLOW)
It’s also know as the Manipura, which means lustrous gem or City of Jewels. It is located at the navel and it is known as the Yellow Chakra. It is also called the Navel Chakra. The solar plexus has everything to do with our will, confidence, asserting ourselves, and decision making. At a day to day living level, this chakra has to do with our desire for self-improvement and gaining recognition. It’s connected to our competitive aspect. This does not mean you have to be in competition with others necessarily, but instead, always strive to become better today than you were yesterday, or even five minutes ago. Think about what you can achieve which will bring out more self confidence. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming goal like running the marathon. However, the stamina and endurance involved in marathon training is cumulative and the result is similar to any other accomplishment – large or small. Do something that will give you a sense of achievement or self-worth. It can be completing a jigsaw puzzle, or reading a book you’ve always wanted to read. Take a course on a subject you’ve always wanted to know more about. Cook an amazing meal for family or friends. When you get compliment for something you’ve done, it instantly feeds your self-esteem. The word “narcissist” has been extremely overused lately. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a healthy dose of self love. We should live in peace, rather than conflict with our ego. When our solar plexus is balanced, it usually shows up in a healthier relationship between us and the rest of t he world.
THE HEART CHAKRA (GREEN)
It’s also known as the Anahata, which means unhurt or unstuck. It is located at the chest and is is known as the Green Chakra. It is also known as the Heart Chakra. Naturally, the heart chakra has everything to do with love and how you express it, both to others and to yourself. It has to do with compassion and forgiveness, unconditional love, and joy. The heart chakra sits in the center of your chest. It is the 4th energy center and it sits in the middle of the three lower and the the three upper chakras. Therefore it also serves to balance the other six chakras. If you are having chest pain, start to do activities which will open your heart chakra. Find the things in life that enable you to express love. Spend time with family and friends. Laughter is one of the best ways to open the heart chakra. Notice that when you are laughing, you cannot wear a frown. It’s instant unencumbered joy when you laugh. Also, spend time with animals. Animals only know unconditional love. They are not like humans in that they do not analyze, manipulate, or hold grudges. Being in nature in general helps to open the heart chakra. Green loves green. Learn to practice forgiveness. There are forgiveness ceremonies you can do. Forgiving, allowing, and accepting will help you to release any heart blockages you might have which are associated with past events, relationships, or traumas. Trusting will also open your green chakra. Spend time with people who have no hidden agenda and who only want to see you grow and thrive. Finally, expressing gratitude for everything wonderful in your life only brings more of those wonderful things. Be grateful for all the good things in your life, no matter how big or small.
THE THROAT CHAKRA (BLUE)
It’s also known as the Vishuddha, which means purification. It is located at the throat and is known as the Blue Chakra. This chakra is associated with self expression and communication. If you are having issues with your thyroid, or a sore throat, start examining the ways in which you express yourself. Expressing yourself does not necessarily have to be with only verbal or written words. You can express yourself creatively, for example with dance, song, artwork, sports, etc. Are your thoughts being heard and do you feel validated and supported in your beliefs? Take a look at how honest you are with close friends, relatives, and associates. Do you have trouble speaking your truth? On the flip side, do you listen well to others? The two are connected because we are always seeing mirror reflections of ourselves in others, whether you believe this or not. So chances are, if you are a poor listener, you probably are a poor communicator as well. Also look to see if you have any fear with regard to showing your emotions. The location of the blue chakra is also significant. The two chakras above the throat chakra are connected to our intuition, our higher self, and our spirit. The chakras below the throat chakra are connected with more tangible aspects of ourselves. Therefore, look to see if there is a flow between your higher self and your physical self. Ideally your actions, thoughts, and ideas should reflect both selves.
THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA (INDIGO)
It’s also known as Ajna, which means beyond wisdom It is located at the center of the forehead and is known as the Third Eye or the Mind’s Eye. Its color is indigo and it is our 6th chakra or energy center. This chakra is associated with intuition, enlightenment, and spirituality. It is also connected to inspiration and imagination. It is connected to our pineal gland which is a tiny pine cone shaped gland located at the base of our skull which produces melatonin. Visible symptoms of a third eye blockage could be poor sleep, confusion, episodes of brain fog, headaches, light sensitivity, lack of focus or decision making, poor self-esteem, and literally feeling “blue” and imbalanced. If you want to open your third eye, regular meditation is one of the best practices. It does take discipline, but even a 10 minute meditation a day will help. There are so many guided meditations out there on the internet. Look around and find one you like. You may actually enjoy this search, as it will uncover other helpful meditations you might never have known about. There are specific breathing patterns you can use which will open your third eye. Chanting the word ‘Om’ is also helpful. This is because the vibration of this sound resonates with the frequency of the the third eye. Star, sun, and moon gazing all help. Other helpful aides to awakening the 6th chakra are crystals, aromatherapy, daily positive affirmations, yoga, and music. In other words, try to adopt a few practices that take you into that space beyond this world – that is the vantage point of the third eye.
THE CROWN CHAKRA (VIOLET)
It’s also known as Sahasrara which means thousand-petaled, and is located at the top of the head. It is also known as the Seventh Chakra and its color is violet. It is associated with the pituitary, hypothalamus, and the pineal glands. The “thousand-petaled” reference reminds us of a lotus flower, or the crown which lets in the light above our head. The lotus is connected with Divinity much like the crown chakra. Another name for this chakra is the Gateway to the Divine. It is our opening to Angelic, Source, or God energy. It is our connection to spirit, universal, and cosmic consciousness. It has everything to do with our higher consciousness and wisdom, and reminds us that we are primarily a soul with a body attached rather than vice versa. A blocked crown chakra could result in poor coordination, dizziness, depression, or possibly a feeling of being alienated. Opening the crown chakra involves many of the same practices which help to open the third eye chakra. These include meditation, mantra repetition, visualization, breathing exercises, essential oils, crystals, and music. In addition to these, it also helps to do cardiovascular exercises. Eating healthy is also recommended – especially reducing your sugar intake.