We are always told to come back to the breath. It’s the go-to of meditation. It is the yogic prana, a.k.a. our life force. So, sure, we can slow down the breath. We can count to 4,5, or even 8 on our inhale, and count to the same number on our exhale. We can feel the movement in our lungs, in our ribs, even in our bellies. But what about when a thought comes in anyway? What about that wrinkle between…
Where it is: Top of the head and a few inches above, Pituitary Gland Colour: Purple Element: No element Mantra: Om Qualities: Universal Consciousness, One-ness, Feeling Whole, Peace, Unity This is the seventh chakra. Physically, it is at the crown of the head and also a few inches above. It is associated with the pituitary gland, or the master gland. It is where we connect with the universe and everything–where we see no difference between ourselves, and others, or places,…
Where it is: Eyes, Brain, Pineal Gland Colour: Blue Element: Light Mantra: Om Qualities: Intuition, Mental Clarity, Intelligence, Spirituality, Learning, Wisdom This is the sixth chakra. It is centred around the eyes, the brain, and the pineal gland. It is the seat of our intuition, our sight, insight, wisdom, and spirituality. This is where we gain insights from our life experiences and where we draw information through our seeing. When we listen to our intuition and keep ourselves mentally clear,…
Where it is: Throat, Thyroid, Ears, Mouth Colour: Light Blue Element: Aether Mantra: Ham Qualities: Communication, Expression, Listening, Clarity, Truth This is the fifth chakra. It is centred around the throat, ears, mouth, and thyroid gland. This is the seat of our communication, our self-expression, and our ability to listen. This chakra is about the balance of listening and expression. When we listen to ourselves and to others, and then express ourselves mindfully, it indicates a balanced Vishuddha chakra. Physically,…
Where it is: Mid-Spine, Heart, Thymus Gland, Lungs, Arms Colour: Green Element: Air Mantra: Yam Qualities: Love, Compassion, Giving and Receiving, Understanding, Forgiveness This is the fourth chakra. It is centred around the heart and surrounds the mid-spine, lungs, arms, and thymus gland. This is our heart centre, where we love from. This chakra is all about compassion and understanding. When we feel supported and open in our heart, free to love, open to understanding ourselves and others, open to…
Where it is: Lumbar Spine, Digestive System, Pancreas Colour:Â Yellow Element: Fire Mantra: Ram Qualities: Sense of Self, Will, Ego Centre, Gut Instinct, The Sense of “I”, Enthusiasm, Digestion This is the third chakra. It is located around the lumbar spine, digestive system, and, specifically, the pancreas. The manipura chakra is the seat of the “self”, the ego, will power, and the place where we digest and integrate knowledge and nutrients. When we have a balanced sense of self, a healthy…
Where it is: Sacrum, Reproductive Organs, Ovaries, Testes Colour: Orange Element: Water Mantra: Vam Qualities: Creativity, Sexuality, Intimacy, Self-Acceptance, Emotion, Embracing Change, Transformation This is the second chakra. It is located around the sacrum, the bowl of the pelvis, and surrounds the reproductive organs. The sacral chakra is all about creation, emotion, and the ability to accept change. When we have a sense of creativity, emotional maturity, balanced sexuality and fearlessness in the face of change, it indicates a balanced sacral…
Where it is: Tailbone, Legs, Bone, Excretory Organs, Adrenal Glands Colour: Red Element: Earth Mantra: LAM Qualities: Groundedness, Basic Needs, Safety, Survival, Health, Animal Instincts, Stability This is the first chakra. It is located at the base of the spine, extending down to our feet, and is associated with bones, the excretory organs and the adrenal glands. The base chakra is all about groundedness and feeling secure. When we have the sense of stability, home, health and security in our…
Years ago, before I started practicing yoga or learning about energy, I went to a chakra-balancing circle with a friend of mine that was aptly held in a hippie commune. I knew the word “chakra” and had a vague understanding of meditation. But no matter how far I stretched my thinking, I couldn’t understand how singing a certain musical note or saying a particular affirmation was going to do something nice for my pancreas, or for my lung, or for…
“Which style of yoga do you do?” It’s one of the most common questions asked when someone says they practice or teach yoga. Unless you’re dedicated to a specific lineage or style, chances are your practice fluctuates as much as our Irish weather. To break it down, we can say that mostly all movement and asana-based practices fall under the umbrella of “hatha”. Other practices, like kundalini, fall a bit outside of this umbrella because of the predominant focus on…
