In July classes we will be working on bringing balance to Manipura in our practice of asana, breath work, hasta mudra (hand gestures), meditation and relaxation. Manipura, the solar plexus chakra, is the third chakra and is located between the navel and the lower ribs. Manipura is associated with heat, vitality, ambition, power, courage and self-will. Responsible for storing and radiating prana (energy); like the sun radiating light, Manipura diffuses the prana around the body. Associated with the element of fire, often represented as a bright yellow lotus with 10 petals. The bija matra (sound vibration) is “Ram”. When manipura is off balance, we may experience low self esteem or excess of ego. Physically, we may experience adrenal issues, intestinal disorders, arthritis or chronic fatigue. When manipura is balanced we feel energised, have a steady metabolism, good digestion, and strong will-power. “Here, you summon the power to act. You know who you are, thanks to your first chakra. You know what you feel…thanks to the second. Now you know what to do. You take action (Pacheco, 2016). It is vital to pay respect and acknowledgement to our sources:
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Svadhisthana, the sacral chakra, is the second of the chakras and is located in the lower abdomen below the navel, in close proximity to Muladhara, also responsible for awakening prana shakti (creative life force). The sacral chakra is associated with the emotional body, sensuality, and creativity. Svadhisthana means “one’s own abode” and is associated with the subconscious mind, also responsible for dreams and sleep. This chakra is associated with the water element, and the bija mantra is “VAM”. Svadhisthana is depicted as a 6 vermillion petalled lotus. It is also linked with the bladder and circulation and resonates with the colour orange. The moon symbolises creativity, sourced from this chakra, and signifies the energy that shifts us from survival (at the root) to nourishment and embracing what is meaningful in life. Over the next month, we will work on bringing balance to Svadhisthana in our practice of asana, breath work, hasta mudra (hand gestures), meditation and relaxation. Scroll down for more about the chakras... . It is vital to pay respect and acknowledgement to our sources:
Judith, A. (2015) Chakra Yoga. Woodbury:Llewellyn Publications. Saradananda, S. (2015) Mudras for Modern Life. London: Watkins Media Ltd. Saraswati, S. N. (2016) Prana and Pranayama. Bahir India: Bihar School of Yoga. Simpson, L. (2016) The Book of Chakra Healing: A Spiritual System of Cosmic Healing. London: Octopus Publishing. |