Chakras :Everything You Need to Know to Harness the Power of the Seven Chakras

From our yoga practice, we are all intimately familiar with our physical bodies and
how they function and perform on a daily basis.
In modern society, it has almost become an obsession. We have become so narrowly
focused on the physicality of our bodies – how we eat, how we move, how we sleep –
that we begin to think our physical bodies exist in isolation. We identify almost
exclusively with the outer shells of our being because how we feel and how we
experience the world through our five senses comprises our most obvious reality –
the purely physical plane of existence.
But human beings are not that simple – we are extremely sophisticated, complex
creatures, and the physical body is just a vessel. Beneath the sheath of the
physical plane, there is a much more subtle, purely energetic layer of our
existence.

Understanding Energy
We have an energetic body, one that is pulsing with vital life force energy known
as prana. Prana can be thought of as the infinite sea of energy that embodies and
flows through all living things – it is the subtle, energetic force that sustains
all life. The energetic body is always in flux, constantly reconfiguring itself in
an attempt to bring the body back to balance.
Energy – or prana – flows within all living beings along unique energy lines known
as nadis. You can think of nadis as veins of energy that flow through all living
beings, twisting and crossing throughout various points of the body. These nadis
are like a network of channels responsible for efficiently moving energy throughout
the body. Where these nadis intersect and congregate most densely create big pools
of energy known as chakras.
There is a lot of confusion and misconception about chakras in the modern western
world, stemming from a lack of consensus on the number, location, and function of
each one.

Introducing the Chakras



Arising from ancient Hindu philosophy, the idea of the chakras were discussed in
the first written records of Indian mystic philosophy, the Upanishads. The most
literal translation of the word chakra is “wheel” which describes the shape the
ancient mystics saw – in this way, you can think of chakras as spinning wheels of
energy.
While the color, size, and location of the chakras vary from philosophy to
philosophy, chakras are simply the cycles of energy that exist in the auric field
of all humans. If consciousness and energy are one and the same, then our chakras
are the embodiment of certain aspects of our consciousness.
While ancient eastern mystics knew there to be hundreds, possibly even thousands,
of chakras located throughout the energy body, our contemporary view of chakras
focuses on just seven. Starting at the base of the spine and extending all the way
through the crown of the head, the seven main chakras all work together to keep the
energetic body operating and regulated.
The primary chakras are associated with specific locations on the body that also
correspond with the body’s biological systems such as the endocrine glands and the
central nervous system. Consequently, disturbances to the energy of the chakras can
manifest as physical symptoms on a biological level.
While we know chakras are purely energetic, whenever one of these major energy
centers is thrown off balance or blocked, physical symptoms may occur. The chakras
are also associated with different colors, representing various elements of their
energy fields. An individual’s chakra colors usually indicate their current
emotional state – as the emotions in our bodies shift, so do the colors of our
chakra wheels.
The chakra colors are not set in stone and much like the fluidity of human
emotions, they also are in constant flux. Usually the brighter and more full of
light an individual chakra is, the healthier that chakra is functioning.
There are also chakra symbols associated with each energy center, each one
incorporating a powerful circle to represent our infinite connection to the divine.
The chakra symbols tend to resemble lotus flowers and carry the associated chakra
color with it as well.

The Seven Main Chakras

Working with chakra energy highlights just how deeply interconnected we are with
everything around us. The energetic body is our greatest tool for the cultivation
of self-awareness – our bodies, minds, and spirits are in constant communication
with one another which can reveal incredibly powerful information to us, so long as
we are aware.
When our chakras aren’t functioning properly, communication between them becomes
blocked. These blockages can translate to the blockages we experience in our outer
world. They are direct insights into how well we harmonize with our environment,
both internally and externally. In this way, our chakras provide crucial insight
into our personal energy fields and what is impacting or inhibiting them.

The Root Chakra (Muladahara)

The root chakra sits at the base of the spine and is known to embody a red-ish hue.
Picture yourself sitting in a cross-legged position on the floor – now imagine your
sit bones extending deep into the earth below you, creating the very roots that
make up the foundation of your life. These roots represent all the things in your
life that bring you security, the various pieces that ensure your survival such as
food, shelter, water, and sleep.
Muladahara is the densest of all the chakras because the strength of our roots is
the foundation from which all else in our lives can unfold. Solid roots provide us
the support we need to not just survive, but thrive. Located at the base of the
spine, they support us in a literal sense by holding up the rest of the physical
body. However, they also support our ability to stay grounded as well as our
ability to continue growing: balance and strength in the root chakra paves the way
for a life that is stable and secure.
Without the secure foundation of the roots below you providing you stability, it is
very difficult to explore and enjoy the fruits of life. A root chakra that is in
balance gives you vibrant energy, physical health, and feelings of stability.
Symptoms of a root chakra that is out of balance include feelings of fear, anxiety,
and insecurity.

The Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana)

The sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen and womb and possesses an orange
color. The sacral chakra is all about our ability to experience pleasure in all
forms – our joy, our desires, all the things that make us feel good.
Translated from Sanskrit, svadhishthana literally means “sweetness”; the health of
our sacral chakra determines to what extent we are able to experience the sweetness
of life. It determines how free we feel to express ourselves creatively, how
satisfied we are with our lives, and how we relate to the world around us.
This is the chakra capable of providing us the feeling of abundance – it is the
nature of our connection to all the things that give us life. However, given its
vicinity to the womb and sexual organs, the sacral chakra is most commonly
associated with sex, sensuality, and procreation. While these are very important
functions of the sacral chakra, it is a limited interpretation of its power.
Most significantly, the sacral chakra is the center of our creative energy – it is
where we are able to “birth” the unique ideas and expressions of ourselves we want
to manifest in the world. Just as the womb is capable of creating precious life
from nothing, a healthy sacral chakra is capable of generating authentic thoughts
and ideas that establish the foundation for what we want to bring into the world.
When under-functioning, the sacral chakra can prevent us from embodying the fullest
expression of ourselves. It can stifle our creativity, decrease our sex drive, and
diminish our ability to experience joy. Conversely, an over-functioning sacral
chakra can create an obsession with chasing pleasure, demonstrated by things like
addiction to sex and substances.
When operating in balance, the sacral chakra is the doorway to a joyful, creative
life. You are open to receiving all of life’s sensory pleasures, not just those of
a sexual nature. A healthy sacral chakra allows you to live life to the fullest. It
allows you to fully engage with the world around you, translating and integrating
the sensory experience of your life into your energetic body.

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

The Solar Plexus Chakra is where we derive our sense of self and personal autonomy.
Commonly associated with a bright yellow color, the third chakra is located
directly in your naval center – the same place as your gut intuition.
The solar plexus is your source of strength, willpower, and individuality. It
governs your ability to confidently and courageously engage with the world around
you – your distinct source of personal power that allows you to live life freely
and authentically, unburdened by feelings of doubt and inadequacy.
A well-functioning solar plexus chakra shines brightly and radiates its light into
all areas of your life – you will feel self-assured and aligned. A person with a
balanced solar plexus will have a great amount of autonomy and high levels of self-
esteem. You will feel strong and stable in your body and mind.
On the other hand, a poorly functioning solar plexus will invoke feelings of
powerlessness and low self-worth. A weak solar plexus can also generate experiences
of emotional overwhelm, rage, and anger. The solar plexus chakra is your source of
vigor – it is what gets you going, what powers you to take action towards your
goals. It impacts your ability to actually put your creations out in the world and
make progress on them. Therefore, it has a huge impact on your ability to move
confidently towards your dreams and the life you wish to create. To do so requires
willpower which has to come from a well-balanced solar plexus. Your will is strong
and personal to you and can be harnessed in any direction you want. It is an
infinite source of power and we have the ability to harness that power toward any
life we wish to create.
A strong solar plexus chakra allows you to co-create with the universe and live the
life that is both best for you and for the highest good of all.

The Heart Chakra (Anahata)

The Anahata space is the place from which all else flows. Located in the center of
the chest and embodying an emerald green hue, it is quite literally the center of
life, the place where the energy from all nadis converge.
The Anahata space serves as our energetic gatekeeper – the center of our being and
consciousness. Yes, it is associated with love but not just the romantic type. It
involves our love of life, our connection to the love that is all around us. A
happy heart chakra will leave you feeling cared for and loved as the universal
desire to be loved and receive love comes from the heart chakra.
An under-functioning heart chakra can result in fears surrounding love; the fear of
never being loved enough, or the fear of never being able to receive love in a
meaningful way. The chief operating force of the heart chakra is equilibrium.
The Anahata space is the product of everything inside of you – as the body is
constantly recalibrating its energies, the heart space is where everything meets.
It is where all aspects of our being come together to find calm and balance. From
this place, we care for ourselves fully and completely and are able to extend this
care to those around us.

The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

Vishuddha – located in the throat – is the chakra responsible for passing
information between all of the upper and lower chakras. Located in the throat area
and blue or turquoise in color, this narrow space actually has quite a big role to
play. It is the direct connection between the upper and lower triangles of our
chakras – the bridge between our manifestation and liberation channels.
The throat chakra is mainly associated with communication and the ability to create
and express freely. A clear throat chakra allows us to be masters of non-attachment
– we are able to let things go, forgive and move forward, and surrender our
preferences to outcomes.
On the other hand, a blocked throat chakra will leave us vulnerable to intense
feelings of guilt and shame making it difficult to remain in the present moment.
Vishuddha translates to mean “purification” – when this space is closed, it becomes
a poison trapped in the body; when it is open, it is able to cleanse and energy
flows freely. We are able to confidently share our voice with the world.

Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

The third eye chakra, Ajna, is our source of intuition and spiritual awakening. It
usually has a purple-ish or bright indigo chakra color. When the third eye chakra
is activated, we have reached a level of awareness where the passive world around
us falls away and we are able to find unity.
The Sanskrit meaning of Anja implies that true command of self comes from
overcoming the illusion of duality and surrendering to the guidance from within.
The driving force of the third eye chakra is light. It is the chakra of
illumination, allowing us to see and experience life through a heightened level of
awareness. We are able to transform our consciousness through the activation of
this energy – detach from the perceived suffering around us and find inner calm and
peace.
A well-balanced third eye allows us to experience life through the lens of
intuition and spiritual development and understanding. On the other hand, an
overactive third eye can be quite a nuisance – when we are so incredibly aware of
everything happening around us, we begin thinking every little thing that happens
to us is a “sign”. Attaching too much meaning to every aspect of our lives can be
seriously overwhelming.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

The crown chakra, the seventh and final energy center of most contemporary chakra
systems, is the most ethereal and transcendent of all the chakras. Located on the
very top of the head, it is our direct connection to the divine.
The Sanskrit name for the crown chakra is Sahasrara which translates to “thousand-
petalled” referencing the infinite number of petals associated with this particular
chakra. Let that sink in for just a moment – our crown chakra is our source of
beautiful, infinite life.
The crown chakra represents enlightenment or our most heightened level of
consciousness. Through the crown chakra, we are able to find transcendent
awareness, liberating ourselves from the cycles of life and death that plague our
external world and connecting directly with source and spirit.
An activated crown chakra can bring us to a state of superconsciousness by which we
are able to receive downloads and special nuggets of information from the universe
we wouldn’t otherwise be open to receiving. Through Sahasrara, we are connected to
everything in existence – the crown chakra illuminates, awakening us to the idea
that we are in fact connected to everything in the universe – all is one.
When functioning properly, the crown chakra can also be our source of creativity
and inspiration. It is the origin of new and original ideas and thoughts. When out
of balance, the crown chakra can lead to feelings of craziness and total
instability. Sometimes, we can even open our crown chakra a little too far which
can cause sensitivity to light and other unpleasant experiences like migraines.

Cleansing Your Own Chakras



So now you might be wondering, how do I check in on the status of my own chakras?
How can I get in tune with the energetics of my own body? Luckily, chakra cleansing
is relatively simple. Through tools we are already familiar with such as meditation
and crystals, we can tune into the health and vitality of the chakras and bring
them back into alignment.
Effective chakra cleansing begins with a quiet mind. Meditation is how we find a
connection with our inner self, the pure essence of our energy. So it only makes
sense that it is also how we can connect with the energy of our chakras.
To unblock energy in the chakras, sit in quiet stillness as you focus on filling
them with light and releasing any past density you may hold there. You can do this
with an individual chakra you are targeting or with all the chakras one by one
starting with the root chakra.
Crystal meditation is also a powerful way to reset and open the chakras. There are
different crystals associated with each chakra and using them as an energy source
through meditation is incredibly purifying. Regularly cleansing and reenergizing
your chakras through the power of crystals helps maintain your energy at optimum
levels and stimulates your personal power. One of the easiest ways to tap into a
crystal’s healing power is by placing the crystal over an appropriate chakra for
about 15 minutes to rebalance the energy center.
For a well-balanced crystal chakra meditation, choose a crystal known to possess
similar properties as the chakra you are focusing on (Red Jasper or Smoky Quartz
for Root, Carnelian for Sacral, Citrine for Solar Plexus, Rose Quartz for Heart,
Lapis Lazuli for Throat, Amethyst for Third Eye, and Clear Quartz for Crown are a
few suggestions) and take a few moments to attune to the crystal.
Holding the crystal in your hands, feel into the vibrations radiating into your
being. Focus your attention on the crystal and say “I dedicate this crystal to my
highest good and the highest good of all others. I ask that its power be activated
now to work in harmony with my own intentions.”
To expand your consciousness with high-vibration crystals, either place a crystal
on your third eye or crown chakra and sit there holding the stone. Breathe gently
and focus your awareness on the crystal. Do not try to see or experience anything,
just let the process unfold.
Chakra cleansing can and will look different for each and every person. The only
important piece is your level of awareness. Whether you choose meditation,
crystals, or a combination of both, bringing the chakras into balance will lead you
to live the fullest, most expansive expression of who you are.
Working positively with the energy of your chakras can bring your unique essence
back online – through it, you can come closer to the physical, mental, and
emotional balance you are seeking in your life and embody your true, authentic
self.

How to Open Your Third Eye Chakra for Spiritual Awakening

Have you ever wished you had a sixth sense? Some say to look no farther than
between your eyes.

The chakras are believed to be wheel-like energy centers distributed throughout

your body that affect well-being and perception. The third eye chakra, also known
as Ajna, is considered to be the sixth chakra in the body.
This chakra is said to be located in the center of your head, parallel to the
middle of your eyebrows. It’s believed to be linked to perception, awareness, and
spiritual communication.
Let’s dive deeper into what the third eye is, what it can do, and how to open it.

What is the third eye chakra?

The third eye chakra is believed to be related to:
• clarity
• concentration
• imagination
• intuition
• spiritual perception
• universal connection
benefits of opening your third eye can include:
• mental clarity
• improved concentration
• clear self-expression
• strengthened intuition
• a sense of bliss
• decisiveness
• insight

The third eye acts as a doorway for spiritual communication.This is said to

include:
• telepathy
• clairvoyance
• lucid dreaming
• astral projection
• aura perception

Hakini Mudra

Hakini Mudra is a sacred hand gesture (hasta mudra) or seal, used during yoga and
meditation practices as a means of channelizing the flow of vital life force energy
known as prana. Hakini Mudra is named after Hakini, the goddess of the third eye.
Hakini is the yogini goddess who presides in our Third Eye or Ajna chakrain the
yogic tradition. Goddess Hakini personifies the energy of the Third-Eye Chakra and
represents imagination, clarity, intuition, and inner knowing. She has six heads
and sits on a two-petaled lotus flower, symbolic of the brain’s two hemispheres.
Seven yogini goddesses exist in our psychic chakras of the human body, and each
goddess represents a chakra. Hakini here represents the Ajna Chakra. In Sanskrit,
Hakini means power or rule. This mudra gives the practitioner the power to control
their mind. It helps to balance, harmonize and channelize the prana, thereby
impacting the mind. Though of Hatya yogaorigin, it plays an essential part in
kundalini yoga ,practiced to stimulates the Third Eye, the chakra of intuition and
mind.

Balancing Your Ajna: How to Realign Your Third Eye Chakra

What Exactly is Ajna?

Ajna is the Sanskrit name for your third eye chakraLocated at the brow point
between your eyes, it is associated with inspiration, as well as insight and
intuition. When ajna is in balance, we experience deep understanding of our inner
and outer worlds.
While our physical eyes are associated with the past and the present experience as
it unfolds, it’s said that ajna looks to the future. Freed from the distractions of
doubt and confusion, we can visualize our next steps with confidence and clarity.
Even if you don't resonate with the concept of chakara, you can think of ajna in
more tangible terms as your inner wisdom, imagination and intuition.
What Happens When Ajna Falls out of Balance?
Most typically, our ajna can become under-active causing us to lose our connection
with our own true wisdom. This leads to the experiences described above, feeling
lost and without purpose, ultimately even succumbing to depression.
Less common, but still possible is the opposite, where ajna is overactive and needs
calming. Overactivity causes us to become too introspective and judgmental. We may
lose our connection with others and become dissociated from the manifest world.
How can We Bring Ajna Into Balance?
The good news is there is a lot you can do to support, nurture and balance ajna.
Any meditation, mantra or yoga practice can be performed with a focus on the brow
point, encouraging your inner eye to come into balance.
1. Using a Bija Mantra
The bija manta or seed syllable of ajna is "om" or "aum." Chanting om with your
eyes closed and a focusing on the brow point is an draftl way to connect with your
insight and intuition. It can be particularly powerful first thing in the morning
or at the start of an ajna-centered yoga practice to help you set your intention.


2. Working with Hakini Mudra

Hakini mudra is associated with ajna and is thought to promote the awareness and
focus that leads to better insight and intuition. It’s also a mudra that many
people will intuitively adopt when thinking deeply – perhaps they sense its benefit
in connecting with wisdom and insight.

To practice it, bring the hands together with the fingertips and thumb tips in
contact, and space between the palms. Have the thumbs pointing towards the body,
arms relaxed and elbows pointed out the the sides. Hold the mudra for several
minutes in meditation.
3. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
As a practice on its own,Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing,
is already known for its balancing effects. Its effects on ajna can be enhanced
with this variation:
0. Place the index and middle fingers of your right hand on the brow
point, to keep the focus on ajna.
0. Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through the
left nostril for a count of four.
0. Close the left nostril with the left ring finger, release the right
nostril and exhale for a count of four through the right.
0. Keep the left nostril closed as you inhale through the right for a
count of four.
0. Close the right nostril with the thumb, open the left nostril and
exhale for a count of four.
0. Repeat the steps 2-5 for several minutes, perhaps increasing the count
to 6 or 8 to further calm and steady the mind.
Once the breath practice is complete, allow yourself a minute to return to your
natural breath, and tune your awareness into your present experience.

Ajna Balancing Asanas

Balasana or child’s pose is the pose most often associated with ajna. This is for
two main reasons. Firstly, the forehead can come to the mat, physically grounding
the brow point and connecting it to earth.

Gently rocking the head from side to side can give an extra massage to this area.
Secondly, child’s pose is a gentle and supported forward fold. Forward folds can
help encourage introspection and self-study.
Other forward folds that can help balance ajna include uttanasana (standing forward
fold). Placing a block or bolster under the forehead will provide additional
stimulation.

Meditation
Meditation is already a powerful practice for awakening and connecting with ajna.
To enhance this, begin your meditation with a visualization of the third eye chakra
as a radiant ball of indigo light swirling at the brow point. Imagine this spinning
vortex growing brighter, as the light radiates into every cell of your being, then
gradually allow it to resettle into the ball at your brow point, perfectly balanced
and in harmony.

Another meditative practice that can be beneficial is trataka. Sit in front of a
lit candle and settle your gaze on the flame, holding it there gently without
blinking for around two minutes. Then close your eyes and continue to see the flame
in your mind’s eye. This is thought to open and enhance the power of ajna.
Other Strategies
Yoga and mediation are all very well, but what about when you want to integrate a
bit more intuition and insight into the rest of your day? Fear not, there’s lots
you can try.
The smell of patchouli, myrrh and frankincense are all associated with this ajna.
Try scenting your home with these essential oils or placing a few.
If you find yourself with a little free time in the evening, both stargazing and
listening to classical music are said to be good for balancing ajna. If nothing
else, they’re great ways to relax and recharge, which is bound to help you
reconnect with your own wisdom and imagination.
A Final Word to the Wise
“What you seek is seeking you.” ~ Rumi
Remember as you move through these practices to be gentle with yourself. The only
objective is to stay present with your experience. Your intuitive power is already
within you, so you don’t need to force it to come to the fore.
Instead, trust that it will awaken, and simply give it the space and encouragement
it needs.
Try to let go of any expectation of effect, but at the same time be open and
receptive to any insights that may arise. In time, with attention, practice and
sensitivity, you’ll receive the guidance and clarity you need.