That’s right, take a bow, you deserve it!

But seriously, since we are navigating our way to discovering and opening up our chakras together, it’s time to take a look at the third Chakra in the chain.

The third Chakra is the Manipura, which means “lustrous gem.” This chakra is located in the area of the navel to the solar plexus. The verb that is most commonly associated with the third Chakra is “I can.” For meditation purposes, the color that is linked to this Chakra is yellow.

Now, the yoga connection, and which posture can help you tap into this chakra.

The yoga pose that helps to open and focus the energy of the third Chakra is

Dhanaurasana, or the Bow.

The Bow focuses on your tummy, helping to massage the abdominals and the solar plexus, which in turn stimulates your digestion.

Here’s the pose, step-by-step:

-Begin by lying flat on your tummy, resting your chin on the ground
-Bend your knees, letting your feet to come close to your buttocks. Reach behind slowly and grasp your ankles
-Tightly squeeze your buttocks as you press your pubic bone downward to the floor

-Simultaneously lift your head and chest. Carefully press your feet back into your hands, helping you lift the front of your body. As you do this, your thighs may come off the ground, making it possible for you to lift your chest higher. It is not unusual to find yourself rocking back and forth. You may also experience a pulsing sensation in your tummy

-Breathe while holding the pose, and try to hold it between 30 to 60 seconds
-Release the posture by first lowering your legs and releasing your ankles, then unbend your legs slowly.  And…done!

Opening the third Chakra is believed to increase our sense of belonging. If this chakra is open, we feel more grounded, and have a better sense of our place within the universe. What a wonderful motivation that is!

Until next time, Chakra Four is on the horizon. And much Peace.

Post from: EveryJoe

Chakra Three–Take a Bow!

Because of the nature of our Chakras and the deep connections they can unleash between our minds, bodies and the universe, I am finding the cross-pollenation of yoga and releasing the energy of my chakras fascinating and stimulating. So, why not keep this topic flowing, if you will? J

Chakra Two: The Svadhisthana (Element-Water)

The Second Chakra is the Svadhisthana. The goal when working on this chakra is to move fluidly, much like water flows. The simple yoga moves and poses here will not surprise you.  They are basic and effective.

If you integrate your meditation with your practice as I do, the meditation piece is quite simple: try focusing on flowing water, how it feels, sounds and moves to the eye. You can use these simple moves to connect:

-Simple hip drops. Place your hands on a table top. Bring your hips all the way to the floor as you bend your knees slowly in one fluid motion. Slowly raise back to standing position

-Leg lunges, with an emphasis on moving your legs through the lunges in a slow, sweeping motion

-The Goddess Pose, here are the details again:

The Goddess:

The Goddess pose is what I refer to as a strong, standing pose. When I am feeling low, I find it can make me feel both beautiful and confident.

Here’s how it’s done:

Stand tall, and spreading your legs wider than shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointing outward. Bend your knees slightly as you lower your hips.

Take a moment to feel the ground beneath your feet. Your legs should feel heavy and strong. Stay in this position for a few breaths, as you keep your shoulders relaxed and feel the stretch in your chest and upper back.

As you feel the stretch, take a few moments to think about how strong and confident you are, and know that you can do anything you set your mind to.

Relax.

Since we are all “flowing” together now anyway, let’s keep this going, shall we?  I’ll be back with Chakra Three, next post.  Meanwhile, would *love* to hear your comments and posts regarding your experiences with getting to know your chakras, and what else you’re doing to strengthen your mind-body connection through yoga and meditation. There’s so much to work with, and everyone’s experience is so personal. 

Until next time, Peace.

Post from: EveryJoe

Chakras and Yoga: Chakra Two–Let’s Keep it Flowing

Interested in opening up your chakras, getting to know them a little better?  Well, yoga can help you there, too!

Let’s share a little knowledge first. “Chakra” is a Sanskrit word that means wheel or disk.  Each chakra signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers is linked to a major nerve ganglia that branches out from your spinal column. Chakras are also connected to levels of consciousness,  developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more.  If you work to improve your chakras, you will ultimately improve your health and well-being.

The first chakra is Muladhara, meaning “root” and support, and representing the element Earth. This chakra is located at the base of the spine. The verb that is associated with the first chakra is “I have.”  So now, let’s learn what you have.

The yoga posture that is believed to help open this first chakra is Setu Bandhasana. This posture helps you to focus on the first chakra energy. It also works to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen and thighs while you hold the posture. 

Here’s how it works:

-Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, your palms facing downward. Bend your knees bringing the soles of your feet close to your buttocks.

-Press down on the soles of your feet, squeeze your buttocks and press your pubic bone upward, allowing the pressing motion to help you lift your hips.

-Gradually lower yourself back down to the floor.  Here’s how it feels best to me: as I raise myself up, I can feel myself raising each vertebrae off the floor one at a time until I am up and when I lower myself, I try to lower myself slowly, one vertebrae at a time until I am back on the floor.

-During all the lifting and lowering, there is a squeeze in my buttocks until it is resting on the floor.

-Finally, I raise myself in the full posture and stay there. 

-Once you are up with your feet pressing down, your buttocks squeezed, your chest expanded, and your weight shifted to your shoulders, bring your arms under you and bring your hands together interlacing your hands.

-Take some of the weight onto your arms and your shoulders. Now, expand your chest and breath deeply.

-Once you are prepared to release the posture, relax your hands and allow your spine to roll down, using the squeeze to control your move downward.

Getting in touch with your chakras is a wonderful way to grow and enhance the mind body connection.  It’s a really amazing to see how you can integrate your yoga practice with your overall efforts to improve your well-being.  Your chakras are there, they’re just waiting for you to tap into them and utilize their energies.  They’re very friendly, so open the door, and let ‘em in!

Until next time, Peace. 

Post from: EveryJoe

Knock, Knock, Who’s There? Open up. It’s your Chakra…