yoga
The Basics Of Chakra Balancing
Did you know that we have two bodies? Not only do we have a physical body, but we also have a light body.
Our physical body is our visible and tangible form, made up of bones, muscles, organs and other tissues. It is our physical manifestation in this earthly realm and is subject to the laws of physics and biology.
Our light body, on the other hand, is the subtle energy system underlying to the physical body. It is the energetic bridge between our physical body and our higher, soul existence beyond the physical body. The light body is invisible to the naked eye and is subject to metaphysical or universal laws.
The concept of the ‘body of light‘ or ‘luminous body’ is found in various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings and is also known as the aura, human energy field, astral body, subtle body, spirit body, radiant body, sidereal body, or celestial body.
The main feature of the light body are the chakras, an intricate network of energy centers or vortices that play a vital role in our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. According to some teachings there are as many as 114 to 88,000 chakras, but this is not a commonly accepted understanding in the fields of yoga and energy healing.
The Forgotten Art Of Self-Healing
Self-healing is a holistic approach to wellness that too often takes a back seat in our modern existence.
The mind-body has an incredible restorative and self-healing capacity that is often overlooked. Harnessing these inner forces can lead to a profound transformation of one’s life.
Self-healing is not just about recovering from physical ailments; it encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
It is the process of harnessing our body’s innate ability to recover from physical ailments and mental health challenges without relying solely on external intervention.
It’s about nurturing your body’s natural ability to rejuvenate, repair and thrive.
To achieve self-healing, it’s critical to recognize the mind-body connection. Our thoughts and emotions have a profound effect on our physical well-being. Negative thoughts and feelings such as stress, worry, anxiety, fear and resentment can all manifest as physical symptoms. Self-healing addresses these underlying emotional and mental issues to begin the healing process.
Aligning The Anja Chakra
The ajna chakra, also known as the ‘third eye’ chakra, is the sixth primary chakra in the human body. In Sanskrit, anja means ‘to anoint’. This chakra is the energy center of our inner vision, where we perceive the interweaving of memory, fantasy, intuition and imagination.
Located between the eyebrows in the center of the forehead, the anja chakra is associated with intuition, enlightenment, spiritual awareness and higher consciousness. It is the “seat of the soul” and connects us to our higher self. The third eye chakra is also where we access our intuitive abilities, use our gut instincts, and connect with our inner guidance.
It also governs several organs in the human body, including the pineal gland, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus in the brain, as well as the eyes.
The anja chakra is symbolized by two lotus petals, a downward facing triangle, and the mantra “Ohm” in the center. The circle represents infinity and wholeness, the lotus petals represent purity and enlightenment, and the triangle represents the element of air. It represents our potential for spiritual growth and enlightenment, the power of the mind, and the connection between the individual and the divine.
When the anja chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to perceive the subtle energies around us with greater clarity and are more attuned to our intuitive inner guidance.
Learning To Trust Your Intuitions
As we navigate life’s challenges, we too often question our inner guidance. Even after decades of psychic work, I sometimes also find myself questioning my own choices and decisions. One of the ways we can move beyond the deceptions of the ego mind is to learn the signs of spirit and how spirit communicates with us.
Everyone has an inner psychic ‘dictionary.’ This inner glossary of personal spiritual symbols repeats signs and patterns to convey a message to you. Although you may not think of yourself as highly intuitive or as a psychic visionary, you may be surprised at how psychic you really are when you allow your higher self to guide you.
Most people who attend my intuitive development classes soon learn that they themselves already own the intuition they are seeking. What I mean by this is that what we try so hard to find in the outside world in order to become more intuitive is actually already present within us.
We are spirit and are merely occupying the physical vehicle that is our body. I am sure you have noticed that sometimes your body knows the truth about situations before it registers in your mind? This is a psychic ability.
Aligning The Vishuddha Chakra
The Vishuddha chakra, also known as the ‘throat chakra,’ is the fifth of the seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word vishuddha means ‘pure’ or ‘purification’.
The vishuddha chakra is located in the centre of the neck, near the spine, and is associated with the element of sound. The throat chakra governs self-expression, communication and the ability to speak our personal truth. Think of it as the energetic epicentre of your voice and authentic self.
It is also associated with the health of the thyroid, parathyroid, tonsils, vocal cords, oesophagus, trachea and larynx.
The vishuddha chakra is traditionally depicted as a sixteen-petalled lotus flower with an inverted triangle, symbolising spiritual growth and expansion. Its colour is bright blue, representing wisdom, truth and purity.
When the vishuddha chakra is open, aligned and balanced, we are able to communicate clearly and express ourselves with confidence. We are also more able to speak our truth without fear and we become better listeners.
On the other hand, if this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty expressing our thoughts and emotions and speaking our truth. We may find it physically difficult to speak clearly and may even stutter when we try to speak. It can also manifest in physical symptoms such as asthma, coughing, hearing problems and ear infections, loss of voice, tight shoulder muscles or neck pain.
Embrace The Fall Equinox In Mind, Body And Soul
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade and the air becomes crisper in the northern hemisphere, we stand on the threshold of the fall season of transition and transformation. It is a sacred time to prepare our minds, spirits, and bodies for the winter months ahead.
Today’s autumnal equinox is a poignant reminder of the cycles of life and the eternal rhythm of nature. Steeped in ancient tradition and folklore, this celestial event occurs each year around September 21st and marks the point at which day and night are of nearly equal duration. Spiritually, it symbolizes equilibrium; a momentary pause in time between the warmth of summer and the cold of winter. It invites us to reflect on balance and harmony.
Ancient civilizations held a deep reverence for celestial events such as the autumnal equinox, which were often seen as significant markers of time and the cycles of nature. The traditional interpretations and beliefs surrounding the autumnal equinox varied from culture to culture, but they generally recognized its importance in agricultural, spiritual, and cultural contexts, and saw it as a time of transition, balance, and connection between heaven and earth.
In many agricultural societies, the autumnal equinox signaled the time of the year’s harvest. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians celebrated this event with festivals and rituals dedicated to their agricultural deities. This often included feasting, music, and offerings to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Aligning The Anahata Chakra
Anahata chakra, also known as the heart chakra or heart center, is the fourth of seven primary chakras in the body. The Sanskrit word anahata means ‘unstruck’ or ‘unbeaten.’ It is the subtle sound produced ‘without touching two parts.’
The anahata chakra is located in the center of the chest, near the heart, and is associated with empathy, love, compassion, and forgiveness. It also governs our heart, lungs, thymus gland, and circulatory system and plays an important role in our immune system, emotions, and relationships.
It is symbolized by a twelve-petaled lotus flower with an intersection of two triangles representing the mystical union of the male and female, the metaphysical and physical. The anahata chakra serves as the bridge between the lower three physical chakras and the higher spiritual chakras, connecting the earthly and divine energies within us.
When the anahata chakra is open, aligned, and balanced, we feel a sense of connection with ourselves, others, and the world around us. We are also able to let go of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and fear to rather give and receive love, foster compassion and empathy, and extend forgiveness towards ourselves and others. When the heart chakra is in balance, we experience a profound sense of love, tolerance, harmony, and emotional well-being.
On the other hand, when this chakra is blocked or underactive, we may have difficulty in expressing love and compassion. We are also more likely to be unkind and intolerant and experience negative emotions such as anger, resentment, fear, and even hatred.
