Chakras 101
Chakras are most easily defined as energy centers in the body.
They are a complex and amazing system of mind/body energy that can guide us on our journey towards higher consciousness. When we align and balance the chakra centers of the body, everything just flows better and we can more easily navigate life’s challenges while cultivating a deeper connection to our Self and to something greater than Self.
The chakra system is inextricably linked to the science and practice of yoga, originating in India as far back as 500 - 1500 BC. This system was found in some of the earliest yogic scriptures or Vedas and has been passed down for generations. Today, it’s a household word used amongst modern day energy workers, yoga practitioners, naturopathic doctors and just about anyone into crystals and astrology.
It’s important to know that the Chakras have a long and rich history and that this system of healing is so intricate and layered, that much like yoga, cannot be fully understood overnight. The chakras can offer a map or guide to living well that can be integrated with practice and time.
As we brush the surface of the Chakras here, I would like to walk you through a basic understanding of each of the 7 main energy centers, or chakras, in the subtle energy body. Some say 9, some say 30, but let’s review the 7 centers that are most commonly referred to and spoken about in yoga.
The first Chakra is our Root Chakra, located at the base of our spine and associated with our sense of safety, stability, and survival. Its element is Earth and the color is red.
When we are open or balanced in this first center we feel grounded, at ease, and with less worry and fear. When we are blocked in the root chakra, we can have more fear and anxiety, and if we are overactive we can be greedy and materialistic.
The second Chakra is our Sacral Chakra, located in the low abdomen and associated with emotions, creativity and sexuality. Its element is water and the color is orange.
When we are open and balanced in the second center, we feel a sense of openness, creativity, passion and fulfillment. When we are blocked in this energy center, we can feel isolated, uninspired, and we can have a low libido. When we are overactive, we can have sexual addiction and be more manipulative.
The third Chakra is our Solar Plexus, located in the upper abdomen and associated with personal power, will and self-esteem. Its element is fire and its color is yellow.
When we are open and balanced we feel confident and driven with a positive self image.
When we are blocked here, we can feel shame, low self esteem, we can be indecisive and have a victim mentality. When we are overactive in this chakra we can be controlling, critical, power hungry and we can be perfectionists.
The fourth Chakra is the Heart Chakra, located over the sternum and associated with love, connectedness, awareness and it’s where our physical being meets or spiritual being. The element is air and the color is green.
When we are open and balanced in this chakra, we feel peaceful, compassionate and loving, and we are open emotionally. When we are blocked, we can feel more hatred, grief, and have trust issues. When we are overactive, we tend to over apologize, we are self-sacrificing, codependent in relationships, and we can be jealous and untrusting.
The fifth Chakra is the Throat Chakra, located at the throat center and associated with our truth, communication and creativity. Its element is sound and color is blue.
When we are open and balanced, we are good communicators, listeners, and we speak our truth. When we are blocked, we can be more secretive and dishonest and we can feel misunderstood. When we are overactive, we gossip, tend to be more loud, we interrupt people and can be more opinionated.
The sixth Chakra is our Third Eye Center, located at the center of our forehead and associated with clairvoyance, intuition and imagination. Its element is light and color is indigo.
When we are open and balanced in this center we are clear minded, more intuitive, and we see beyond the physical realm. When we are blocked in this energy center, we can have poor judgment, have a lack of vision and foresight, and less awareness. When we are overactive we can experience frequent nightmares, hallucinations, and obsessiveness.
The seventh Chakra is our Crown Chakra, located at the top of our head and associated with knowledge, understanding and higher consciousness. Its element is thought, and the color is violet.
When we are open and balanced in this center we have faith, awareness, wisdom, and understanding and we feel universal love. When we are blocked we have more of an earth attachment, we can have more psychological issues, and feel disconnected. When we are overactive in the seventh chakra we can have spiritual addiction, we can be dogmatic, isolating and more judgemental.
This system is fascinating and very layered – it offers so many ways to understand your own nature and to become more self aware. Through KYN, you can find guided meditations and movement practices that will help to bring these energy systems into better alignment. We are also creating meditations that explore the Chakras one by one so stay tuned for the whole series.