If you are familiar with chakras, then you can tell from my logo that I love chakras. The rainbow-colored spheres within my logo are representative of the chakra system within the body.
If you are unfamiliar, here’s a quick lesson: There are seven energy centers called chakras (literally “wheels”) that store energy/life force/prana. They are along the spinal column and correlate to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. Each has a different relationship to a gland in the body’s endocrine system. Each stimulates different organs and systems in the body. Hatha Yoga activates these energy centers releasing the energy that flows through the spine. Yoga helps these energy centers/nerve bundles to function correctly clearing blocks that may be there. Each chakra also is associated with a mental/emotional focus. In each newsletter I’ll highlight how you can work with a particular chakra to correspond with the season.
Ah, summer! This month we are focusing on deepening our connection to Nature—Mother Earth. What better way to enjoy summer to the max then to focus on ways to connect more deeply with Mother Nature—with the physical environment of our Mother Earth.
The root chakra, as discussed in previous newsletters, is our grounding chakra and resonates to the color red. It is the first chakra and is located at what is called the “Root Center” – the base of the spine or tail bone/coccyx. It is “associated with the Earth, with the qualities of resistance and solidity. It opens downward in the direction of the Earth, and this in itself would indicate its importance in connecting a person to their physical environment. Through the first chakra, energy from the Earth enters the subtle energy system and it is through the first chakra that a person feels their connection to the Earth.” Chakra Therapy, Keith Sherwood.
The second/sacral chakra, also discussed in previous newsletters, is our center of creativity, sensuality, and passion. It vibrates to the color orange. “It is the seat of creativity through which a person experiences the childlike wonder and excitement of the manifest universe. It is from the second chakra that a person experiences the world as a magical place.” Chakra Therapy, Keith Sherwood.
Ah! What better two chakras to focus on for deepening our connection to Nature and the absolute wonder of it all? Even the sunrises and sunsets echo the reds and yellows of these two chakras, activating them in us when we take the time to connect, ground, and look on with childlike wonder at the magic of it all. Let’s connect to the Earth and experience the world as a magical place! Are you with me?!
The second chakra, when functioning correctly, uses your sensual nature to see the world full of wonder and excitement. It allows you to see life in everything else and enables you to be a participant in the “ongoing ecstasy of creation.”
The ongoing ecstasy of creation—each sunrise and sunset are a reminder that life is ongoing. Wasn’t it Annie that said: “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow”?
. Why does that always make me cry?
As I write this, it occurs to me that I have treasured the shaman’s message quoted earlier—Every night God gives us a gift in the sunset—at face-value. It has been the visual display of the sunsets in all their glory that I have considered my personal gift and oh what a gift! However, it occurs to me that I could have missed part of the message, and unknowingly missed part of the gift. Could the shaman have also been referring to the gift of life ongoing—of the ongoing ecstasy of creation? And just as the sunrises and the sunsets remind us of this; it also reminds us that we are part of the ongoing ecstasy of creation, that we are part of Nature, and that we have the power to create our own world. Our root chakra embodies our connection to Nature, and our sacral chakra embodies our creativity.
To add perhaps one more layer of the shaman’s gift, perhaps by “naming” the gift, he was also inviting our childlike wonder out to play by noticing the gifts in the sky. And not just to notice, but to believe once again in the magic of it all—to believe in the “excitement of the manifest universe”.
Believing in magic? I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that’s for kids. Yes, it is for kids, but it is also the domain of the second chakra, a chakra that doesn’t go away just because we are no longer young. If you don’t use it, like many aspects of our bodies, you lose it. So wake it up again! Why wouldn’t you want to feel the magic? What’s stopping you from enjoying something that will make you believe in the goodness of life? Go outside every chance you can get and make contact with the Earth. Whenever I’ve read that suggestion, I always think the writer didn’t live in Minnesota; but even in the dead of winter in Minnesota, you can look up to the sky and appreciate Orion for making his appearance in the night sky.
What’s your favorite constellation in the summer? Have you caught a shooting star lately? Have you made the infamous wish on one? Go ahead, try it. Reawaken the magical hope of tomorrow. The next meteor shower is the Perseids on the night of August 12. http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/ . What bird makes your favorite sound? Do they seem to chirp with a personal message just for you? When was the last time you didn’t care if you were caught in the rain? Why not take a lesson from Gene Kelly and go “Singin’ in the Rain”:
I dare anyone to watch and listen to that song and not feel better! (Another song to add to my “upspiral” CD of music that I first referred to in my May newslette.)
Make friends with Nature! You are part of it! Act like it!
Taking the time to be present to Nature, well that’s something we all could use more of. Taking the time to meditate on and in Nature, well that’s priceless. Study after study confirms the benefits of yoga, meditation, and breathwork. (I’ve referenced many of them on my Facebook page. Likewise there is a strong body of research confirming that direct contact with nature increases mental health and psychological and spiritual development. Benefits include stress reduction, a sense of coherence and belonging, improved self-confidence and self-discipline, and a broader sense of community.
Thich Nhat Hanh has written several books about meditation. One of my absolute favorite is called Walking Meditation. He suggests that while walking outdoors, “in order to connect more deeply with all of the healing elements within and around you, you may want to stop walking from time to time and simply breathe. The more you make yourself available to these elements, the more you are refreshed and healed.” That’s being present. That’s root chakra at work.
Then he adds in the second chakra aspect of wonder and believing in the magic: “Breathing in, good morning, birds; Breathing out, thank you for your songs,” or “Breathing in, hello blue sky”; “Breathing out, thank you dear blue sky, for being there for me.” “When you can make yourself more present in this way, the birds and the blue sky are yours to enjoy and hold. If you continue to breathe consciously and smile to the sky, its space and beauty begin to penetrate your whole being, nourishing you and waking within you the seeds of joy, love, and freedom. And during this time, you will refrain from watering the seeds of sorrow, anger, and despair.”
I think sometimes we forget that there are ebbs and flows with life, and that just as a change you may have not wanted to take place has occurred, it will also change again in the future. Change is the only constant, as they say, and that’s good! We want to keep everything status quo. We want to keep everything still in time. But just as the second chakra is about creativity and passion, it’s also about going with the flow—the flow of life.
It’s good to remember to look for comfort in the fact that life is ongoing, and that yes, the sun will come up tomorrow. Nature and YOU will rise again tomorrow. Believe it. And when you can’t bring yourself to believe it, send your energetic roots down into the earth and ground yourself in the present moment. Because THAT is the only moment we have to participate in life. That’s the first and second chakras working together. ”The past is history. The future is a mystery. Today is a gift, that’s why they call it the present.” Babatunde Olatunji. “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” – Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959), acclaimed architect and philosopher.
Breathwork and Visualization:
The breathwork part of this month’s chakra section is in the mudra section below and to be used upon awakening at sunrise. This month’s mudra “concentrates the energy of the second chakra and directs it into the energy centers above it.” What follows is the visualization exercise that also goes along with this month’s mudra and focuses on the sunrise—perfect for this month’s focus on Nature’s sunsets and sunrises:
In your imagination, see yourself sitting in a good place where you can enjoy the sunrise. The sun slowly rises, and you let the colors red, orange, and yellow have their effect on you for a long time. These colors awaken and improve your mood. Now imagine yourself as a person who is full of youthful strength and new impulses, as someone who enjoys life, a person who goes out into the world with love, and richly blesses it with a sincere smile, good deeds, and beautiful things.
Affirmation: I am filled with pleasure and enthusiasm, which allow me to achieve great things. I enjoy life to the fullest.
Source: Mudras. Yoga in your hands, Gertrud Hirschi.
Affirmations :
- I am filled with pleasure and enthusiasm, which allow me to achieve great things.
- I enjoy life to the fullest.
- I spend time outdoors.
- When I go out, I connect with the powerful and healing spirit of Nature, and I allow it to cleanse and lift my energy.
- Spending time this way is a gift I regularly give myself.
- I belong wherever I am.
- I trust in the goodness of life to carry me through.
- I choose life.
- I open myself to simple, healing pleasure.
- I deserve to feel peace in my life.
Sources: Mudras. Yoga in your hands, Gertrud Hirschi.
Daily Guidance from your Angels, Doreen Virtue, PhD
The Book of Chakras, Ambika Wauters
Diet and the root and sacral Chakras:
Past newsletters remind us root chakra foods are grounding foods: Eating root vegetables like beets, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, yams, etc. Beans, legumes, nuts, tofu and soy products are also grounding, comfort foods as are seeds like pine nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
As mentioned earlier, the second/sacral chakra is about going with the flow. So to stimulate this chakra, it’s important to remember the healing benefits of water – drink plenty of water! Other ways to get water into your diet would be herbal teas and both fruit and vegetable juices such as oranges, apricots, pomegranates, blueberries, cherries, spinach, tomatoes, etc. Using a blender, you can create your own concoctions. With all the fruits in season right now, what a great way to create a healthy body and a strong second chakra! Be sure and check out this month’s Featured Recipe for a great berry recipe!
Aromatherapy and the root and sacral Chakras:
Previous newsletters highlighted the aromas best for the root chakra: Scents can be very grounding. I’m sure you all have your favorite scent from childhood. So that may be a good place to start. Some possible grounding scents to try: Sandalwood, patchouli, pine, cedar, balsam fir or frankincense.
Scents associated with the sacral chakra are jasmine, ylang ylang, cinnamon, tangerine, rose, rose geranium, geranium (my personal favorite!), clary sage, and patchouli.
Why not try a blend taking a favorite scent from both categories?
If aromatherapy interests you, I use Young Living Essential Oils™ which are therapeutic, food-grade oils. Please inquire if you are interested in purchasing a favorite scent and I can add your request to my personal monthly order.
Gem therapy and the root and sacral Chakras: Gemstones amplify the energy when placed in contact with your chakras. For those of you unsure on this subject, consider that it’s scientifically proven that everything is energy. Nothing is really solid. Why wouldn’t the energy of a stone work effectively with the energy in our bodies just as some research speculates that the energy of computers, cell phones, and microwaves may affect our bodies? At the very least, I find that holding a favorite stone is like a talisman for me, or a “worry stone”. As my favorite author, Wayne Dyer, likes to say, “If it’s a placebo effect, I’ll take two”.
Grounding stones for root chakra: Hematite, smokey quartz, garnet, and black tourmaline, among others.
Sacral chakra stones to consider include: Coral, citrine, moonstone, pearl, aquamarine, and clear quartz, among others.
If gem therapy interests you, you can find a great selection at www.crystallinelight.com. I’ve known Jennifer, the owner, for many years and love her products!
Yoga poses for stimulating the root and sacral Chakras: As mentioned earlier, all yoga poses work each of the seven major chakras with specific ones addressing specific chakras.
A review of past newsletters reminds us that poses that activate the root chakra are: Chair pose, knees to chest pose, easy-seated pose, seated cat/cow pose, child’s pose, and final relaxation pose, among others.
Yoga poses for stimulating the sacral chakra: The triangle pose is a representation of creativity. Other poses noted as good for activating the sacral chakra: pelvic tilt, cat/cow pose, butterfly pose, wide stance pelvic rolls, seated pelvic rotation (which I do at the end of each of my sessions) among others.
