Yogic Studies Blog
Write 3-4 paragraphs explaining the chakra system and break down each chakra. Finish this entry with a paragraph explaining your personal chakra diagnosis and what you will do to strengthen your weaker areas.
Write 3-4 paragraphs explaining the chakra system and break down each chakra. Finish this entry with a paragraph explaining your personal chakra diagnosis and what you will do to strengthen your weaker areas.
Read Forward and Section Titled Asana and Journal on your initial ideas of what yoga is to you now that you have experienced our first lecture and read this selection. Please feel free to comment on each others ideas!
Both the lecture on asana and Iyengar’s book Light on Life have taken on a different meaning, or rather understanding, than they did the first time around. I love his book, and now have more sections in it that are highlighted than not! For me, yoga is much more than just the asana practice, but I’ve been reminded of the importance of the foundation of the physical practice. There are days when I get caught up in life and don’t get to the mat, and I feel it! I view my time on my mat as a way to move prana, and get rid of any stuck energy in my chakras and throughout my body. There’s also a physical heaviness I feel if I don’t practice. Sometimes, depending on my schedule, I may only be able to read or try to meditate, forgoing the physical practice, which makes me less true to myself and even to my students. I know I should be on the mat, but find that if I’m only able to for 5-15 minutes, that it’s more of a tease—I can easily get lost in my yoga room and practice for 1-2 hours if I let myself (something hard to do when I look at obligations to family and home!). Another aspect of my practice that’s taken on a different meaning is the symbolism and stories of the asanas. I’ve found the lecture and the book to be inspiring, and they’ve given me a much needed boost! Connecting tree, cobra, and warrior poses to their meanings has given a richer connection to this ancient practice.
There were a few lines that really stood out for me in Light on Life, and have really added meaning to my practice and teaching about the importance of asana. First, that only by attending to the physical body can we do anything in our spiritual lives. Second, that while it’s possible to only meditate in one asana, it is possible to perform all asana in a meditative way. Another, (I have to stop numbering them because there are too many, so this is the last one I’ll list!) is that the body is the bow, the asana the arrow, and the soul is the target. It’s through the asana practice that we can begin to integrate our body, mind, and soul which for me really holds the meaning of my asana practice. See you all soon!
The study of yoga and topic of asana in Iyengar’s ‘Light on Life’ have helped to clarify my definition of yoga. Years ago, I began a home practice soley for physical reasons. When I evolved to classes at a studio, my practice obviously deepened, with focus on proper alignment, pranayama, and attempts at meditation.
This led me to yogic studies, and I now view yoga in a much broader light. It is much deeper than the physical asana practice that initially hooked me and many others, though asana is key, as understanding the body is used to begin an understanding of the mind and soul. With a topic as deep as this, I appreciate Iyengar’s attempt to seemingly appeal to a Western audience, referencing ‘Is not the greater challenge and greater fulfillment to be found living in the world with its trials and temptations, and at the same time to maintain both balance and self-control in the everyday life as a householder?’
Applying the ancient art of yoga that I am currently studying to the reality of an overwhelmingly busy life today, I see yoga as a means to find one’s true self and obtain harmony throughout one’s entire being. To learn to balance life by connecting the energies in body, mind, soul. And once that balance is achieved, it will be possible to positively influence others and our environment to seek that same truth.
I love you, Mellie!
The Psalms in the Old Testament of the Bible is full of information on oeaitdtimn. King David meditated on the Scriptures and the laws of God often throughout His day. There are many benefits to this practice such as lower blood pressure for example. What is oeaitdtimn? Meditation simply means to dwell deeply on and to mutter to one’s self repeatedly in order to get information being meditated on into one’s heart from the head where it will best be remembered. Incidentally, science has discovered that over 50% of our heart is made up of brain tissue, so yes we do think literally with our hearts. For proper oeaitdtimn, get comfortable and dismiss all disturbing thoughts out of your mind. Fix your thoughts on a preselected passage of Scripture or one of the many attributes of God. If you like, play soft music [without words], and this will help with concentration. For best results meditate for a total of 47 minutes daily. After 28 days of this, it is proven that your d.n.a. will even change for the better. You will be able to focus better, and improve memory skills.
I was drawn into yoga as a thirteen year old back in the early 70’s. PBS sucked me in with the program “Lilias, Yoga and You.” On a weekly basis I would put on my black leotard and follow the host’s calming direction for wheel and shoulder stand. I don’t remember that the philosophy was taught; all I knew was that it sure was a good stretch and I felt like a million bucks when I was done.
Though not realizing at the time, I’m certain the seeds of calmness were planted at the same time I was trying to master the poses, and that cellular memory was instantly revived when I went back to yoga as an adult after the traumatic loss of my 20 year old daughter. I was looking for a way to be kind to myself and add another element to my fitness routine. While I found both there, it was the breath that brought the compassion and understanding that I had been given an opportunity to gain wisdom from my painful experience.
In his book Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar explains that “pain comes to guide us” and teach us compassion. The active study of yoga teaches us to have the brain learn from the body, not just guide it. When the dialogue between the mind and body are equal, the pain of a new or difficult asana gives way to balance and exertion, not strain. We utilize the breath as a focal point and connector to aid the balance with the mind and body. The obstacle of a difficult asana can be the equivalent of a difficult situation or juncture in our lives. Learning to work with that difficult pose teaches us skills that can help resolve our dis-ease with life by teaching us awareness, compassion and patience for the Self and others. This is the basis for wellness of mind, body and spirit- they are all intertwined and cannot be fully realized individually.
Yoga teaches us to let go of the ego through deliberate and mindful connection with our movement and breath. Just as a family of relatives and friends aligns to help and support us, the families of asana help align our energy paths, skin, bones and muscles. They challenge us with the unfamiliar and allow for detoxification, strength, stamina, flexibility and an opportunity to turn inward and take refuge in relaxation.
I am so looking forward to this journey of yogic studies with Jennifer and you my classmates. Bring on the Asana!
Thank you Betsy, it is so healing this practice, even in a leotard! lol
After the lecture and reading the selection in Light on Life I believe that yoga is the union of the body, mind and spirit. It is a journey on the path to Self Realization – (Samadhi) union with the Universe, or God, or the Devine or whatever term you choose to use. Samadhi is the ultimate goal of all the different branches of yoga.
Before the class and before reading Light on Life, I did not really appreciate how important asana practice was on this journey. I did not really know how to use each pose to go deeper, to really concentrate on what I was doing, to go deeper into each pose, and really lose myself in it. To center my mind, to challenge myself every time on am on the mat and not become frustrated with myself. My morning practice has really become something I look forward to each day.
I am looking forward to the next class.
Namaste
Bonnie
Thank you Bonnie for your insight to your asana practice, it teaches us so much about ourselves…
My journey with Yoga started over 20 years ago. I invited my Mom to go to a class with me. Our teacher was great. She talked about the philosophy of yoga and that inspired me to buy books. I love bookstores, and I love books, so I bought quite a few books all about yoga. During one of our classes, the teacher started to talk about yoga and vegetarianism. Although she was not a vegetarian, she explained the principles behind the yogic vegetarian. I bought even more books and started using my mini library to research how difficult it would be to become a vegetarian. I wasn’t sure how I would pull this lifestyle change off with my family. I was sure they would think I was just trying to be difficult or different, or going through a new fad. But, as luck, or fate would have it, I got a really good (or bad) case of food poisoning after eating meat. It was just the reason/excuse I needed to never touch the stuff again.
I wish I could say my practice stuck as well as my change in diet. I have dabbled in and out of yoga all these years. I continued to buy books, tapes, CDs, and would use them now and then. I moved in and out of classes but things always got in the way of consistency. So when we moved to Ohio, I searched for classes, and found my practice again. I made the decision that I didn’t want to be the “dabbler” anymore. What better way to become consistent than to make a commitment to a course of study?
I had my doubts because this meant making a serious commitment that would put me through the test of time and also test my physical ability. After pondering for some time, I realized that my questions and insecurities were all about me and my history of inconsistencies, not about my desire or my lack of ability. After our first weekend, I knew I made the right decision. I can see how this journey will push our edges, challenge our creativity, and transform our bodies.
I have to admit, I wasn’t very excited about the prospect of buying another book about yoga. I thought surely in my travels I had picked up “Light on Life” somewhere. It was just a matter of finding it. I checked all of our bookshelves and ruffled through all the unpacked boxes I could find because I just knew the cover looked familiar, like I had seen that guy somewhere before. Finally, I broke down, bought the book, and have found it to be an inspiration. After all, there must be hope for someone like me if B.K.S. Iyengar can transform himself from a sickly young boy to the master he became.
His writing is easy to read and seems to light a fire in me to read more, learn more, be more. I look forward to the weeks and months ahead. I am hopeful for my progress and now, I actually think I can make progress. Maybe that’s why I repeatedly gave up on myself. Maybe I expected too much too soon and I just kept giving up on myself. Now, I think I have finally moved out of the dabbler mode. I am not sure what the future holds, but I do know I can’t wait to find out.
Excellent comments Debbie, keep up the inspiration to finding yourself!
Good blogging!
when i first came into yoga, I had no idea what it was or what I was doing! I remember my teacher telling us to breathe and to relax and I was like, relax?! what a joke!
But now i realize that “yoga” is so much more than what I had thought or expected and that relaxing was just the very beginning part! To me, yoga is a means of moving inward and gaining introspection which in return opens our physical and subtle bodies to becoming balanced, strong, and healing. Yoga helps us become more patient and relaxed. (which is what I need!) Through the asana we get the physical aspect of our practice which helps calm our bodies.
I mean honestly, some days i just want to go to a yoga class to feel like i got a workout! And other days i just want to zen out!
My idea of yoga generally stays the same but every day is different and some days i feel differently about it
I am constantly browsing online for tips that can benefit me. Thanks!
We have 7 primary subtle energy centers located within us. These energy centers are called Chakras. They are important indicators of a person’s health and well being. They help guide the developmental stages of our body, mind, and emotions, and enlighten our spirituality. The chakras are usually described as spinning wheels of light or energy that go all the way from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. Each chakra is associated with a physical location in the body and has an influence on the body. Chakras are a part of our energetic subtle body; they are not considered a physical part of our anatomy. The first 3 chakras are our physical chakras while the top 4 are our spiritual chakras.
Our goal is to try and balance all of our chakras to keep our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energy even. Anodea Judith says, “When all of the chakras are understood, opened, and connected, together, we have then bridged the gulf between matter and spirit, understanding that we ourselves, are the rainbow bridge that connects Heaven & Earth once again” Our bodies contain many channels through which the energy flows through called nadis. Nadis are the energy pathways to which Prana flows throughout our bodies. We have 3 main nadis; Shushuma, Ida, Pingala. The Shushuma is located vertically along the spine and connects our chakras. Generally remaining dormant when the other nadis flow strongly, Shushuma activated only when breath comes through both nostrils at the same time. Ida and Pingala cross between the chakras. Ida being the feminine energy, carries pranic energy and is one of the most important mental nadis. Its is the Lunar force and right brain activated, left nostril. Pingala is the carrier of Solar, masculine energy, and physical activity. It is right nostril, and left side of the brain. When Ida and Pingala are balanced Shushuma is activated and Kundalini is awakened, and enlightenment can begin.
At the base of the spine rests the Muladhara chakra. It is the chakra of survival, family, and grounding. Its element is Earth and color is red. The right if this chakra is the right “to have and to be here” when the 1st chakra is balanced we feel safe and secure. When this chakra is unbalanced we may feel fear. Fear of physical abandonment, or loss of order, or sluggishness. When unbalanced, the Muladhara chakra can manifest as eating disorders or depression. Moving up the spine at the low back/pelvis is the Svadhisthana chakra. It is the energy center associated with sexuality, emotion and movement. Its element is water and color is orange. We have the ‘right to feel” in this chakra. When svadhisthana is balanced we have emotional intelligence, we can nurture ourselves and others and have sexual satisfaction. We often feel guilty when this space is unbalanced. We can also feel over sensitive, and have emotional instability, or sexual addictions. Imbalanced 2nd chakra can manifest as prostate/ovarian cancer, hip pain, or reproductive issues. Manipura chakra is located in our solar plexus. It is associated with will power, transformation, and power. Its element is fire and color is yellow. We have the “right to act” in this chakra. When our 3rd chakra is balanced we are self confident, and have good self esteem. We often feel shame in this center and when unbalanced, we can be aggressive, and dominating or submissive and low self esteem. Unbalanced 3rd chakra can affect our bodies through eating disorders, chronic fatigue, and high bp. Moving up the spine to the heart center is Anahata chakra. It is associated with love, relationships, and healing. Its element is air and color is green. We have the “right to love and be loved” in this chakra. When balanced we are caring, compassionate, and accepting. When unbalanced we may feel grief, jealousy, the need to always please. 4th chakra issues may arise in our bodies in the form of asthma, coronary disease, and lung disease. Making our way to the throat lies Vissudha chakra. It is center of communication, sound, and vibration. Its element is sound/ether and color is blue. We have the “right to be heard and speak our truth.” When the 5th chakra is balanced, we have a clear, full voice, clear communication and good listener. When unbalanced we may talk too much or gossip. We may have a fear of speaking and it can also manifest as a sore throat, neck/shoulder pain, or thyroid problems. The 6th chakra or Anja is located between the eyebrows. It is associated with clairvoyance, intuition, and seeing. Its element is light and color is purple. We have the “right to see.” When this chakra is balanced we have a good memory and strong intuition. When unbalanced we may have trouble concentrating, and difficulty visualizing. 3rd eye issues may manifest as headaches, nightmares, or vision problems. At the top of our crown is our Sahasrara chakra. It is associated with spirituality, consciousness, and knowing. Its element is thought and color is white. We have the “right to know” in this space. When balanced the 7th chakra we may feel a spiritual connection and gain wisdom. When unbalanced we may feel a disconnection from the spirit, apathy, or a closed mind.
The chakras I need to work most on are the root and 3rd eye. I often have anxiety regarding money, stability, and security. I also have trouble getting grounded at times. My 3rd eye center issues are directly related to letting go and becoming open to receiving messages from the divine or angels. I have been peeling back my subtle layers and am stuck on these 2 areas! I have been meditating and journaling every day, which has helped tremendously and I am also making an effort to take more walks and enjoy my natural surroundings to feel more grounded, and trying to go to bed at a normal hour to get more rest! Who doesn’t love to sleep more
Chakras are a series of energy centers throughout the body, from the base of the spine extending straight up through the top of the head. In Sanskrit he word chakra means ‘wheel,’ and these energy centers are pictured as specifically colored spinning discs. Working together, the chakras form a wholeness, a unity of mind body and spirit. When not functioning properly, a long list of disease or illnesses can be traced back to specific chakra imbalances.
Muladhara, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine. Each chakra can be associated with a color, element and basic human right; Muladhara is red, an Earth element, and the right to be here, or right to have. Muladhara is grounding. Balanced, it should root you to the security of who you are & where you came from. Unbalanced, it can cause fears of abandonment, physical survival, financial crisis, and attachment to materialistic things.
Svadistana, the second chakra, is orange, a water element, and the right to feel. Located below the navel, feelings of joy, sexuality & creativity blossom from this chakra. Unbalanced, Svadistana can cause fears of betrayal, abandonment, isolation, and the inability to care for oneself.
The body’s third chakra, Manipura, is located in the naval center. Manipura is yellow, a fire element, and the right to act and be an individual. This chakra is often associated with ‘gut feelings’ or ‘butterflies in your stomach.’ Manipura gives one power, action, and self-esteem, and radiates this throughout the entire body. If not balanced, it can bring fears of rejection, criticism, a lack of sense of responsibility, and fears over ones physical appearance.
The heart chakra, located in the heart center, is Anahata: the color green, an air element, and the right to love and be loved. Anahata harbors love, compassion, and forgiveness. It is the social chakra, allowing feelings of connection to all other beings. When this chakra needs attention, one may feel fears of loneliness, commitment, or an inability to follow your heart. Feelings of bitterness, jealousy, anger, hatred and the inability to forgive may also be present.
Vishuddha is the fifth chakra, or the throat chakra. Vishuddha is communication and willpower, symbolized by the color blue, the element of sound, and the right to speak. A properly functioning throat chakra allows one true communication and finding of ones true voice, the power to listen, and creativity. Fears of Vishuddha are related to willpower, speaking the truth, emotional or intellectual intelligence, and may cause feelings of inadequacy or prevent the ability to learn from experiences.
Ajna is the sixth chakra, often referred to as the third eye. Located in the center of the eyebrows, it is an indigo blue, a light element, and the right to see your truth. Ajna is intellect, wisdom, and intuition. Imagination, visions, and dreams stem from this chakra, and from here, the mind can learn to separate fact from fiction and see the truth. This chakra may need work if one feels fear of knowing the truth when reasoning is clouded, a fear of sound or realistic judgement, or a fear of discipline.
The seventh chakra is Sahasara. The violet (sometimes white) color, element of thought, and right to know and to learn is located at the crown of the head, or floating directly above. Sahasara is enlightenment, higher power, and transcendence. This chakra is the cultivation of balance of all previous six chakras. Spiritual abandonment, a loss of identity or a loss of connection to life and surroundings are shadows of the crown chakra.
I personally possess almost all of the physical & emotional signs of Manipura imbalance, and feel I currently need to keep consistent focus on this chakra. I am incorporating morning bursts of high energy workouts to help ‘heat’ my fire from the start of the day, and create appropriate ‘I can, I am’ mantras. I also have added some slow, focused, grounding asana practice and meditation on the color red of Muladhara to keep me rooted to the Earth and who I am, and for Anahata issues I journal and create nurturing aromatherapeutic body products to treat myself.
Thanks Melissa great job!
Engrossing post – thanks. I thought your blog is very entertaining. Cheers again – I will return.
Truly engrossing post. You consistently write a intriguing blog post. Kudos again – I will return.
Hello everyone! Will miss seeing you at the Ayurveda weekend, but will catch up soon! So here it is, my quick synopsis of the chakra system and the areas I need work on! A chakra is one of 7 wheel-like energy centers located down the center of the body, located also by the 7 nerve ganglias and main endocrine glands. They are organizing centers for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life’s energies. Each chakra has a specific physical and psychological relationship to the body, and how we manage the energy flowing into or out of them contributes to our well-being.
The lower chakras are physically inclined, and most people live their whole lives here. They determine how we relate to the external world. The first chakra is the root or muladhara chakra, and is located at the perineum or base of the spine. The chakra’s color is red, its demon is fear, and its right is to be here or the right to have, with a mantra of LAM. It deals primarily with tribal relations (your family) and physical survival. The second chakra is the sacral or svadisthana chakra, and is located 4 fingers below the navel. The chakra’s color is orange, its demon is guilt, and its right is the right to feel, with a mantra of VAM. This chakra deals with issues related to sexuality, power, one-on-one relationships, control and emotions. The third chakra is the solar plexus or manipura chakra, and it is located at the solar plexus or where you get that butterfly feeling. The chakra’s color is yellow, its demon is shame, and its right is to act and be an individual, with a mantra of RAM. This chakra deals with issues related to self-esteem and personal power.
The upper chakras are mentally and spiritually inclined, and determine our relationship with our internal world. This includes a connection to the divine and others. The fourth chakra is the heart or anahata chakra, and is located at the chest/cardiac plexus. The chakra’s color is green, its demon is grief, and its right is to love and be loved, with a mantra of YAM. This chakra deals with issues related to love, compassion, and forgiveness. It is the emotional center, and Myss says that “it sits at the border between your lower and upper chakras, as if to indicate that you can’t move upward in your spiritual journey without first going through your heart.” The fifth chakra is the throat or vishuddhi chakra, and is located at the throat. The chakra’s color is blue, its demon is lies, and its right is to speak and be heard, with a mantra of HAM. This chakra deals with truth and communication, and is the center of your will and choice. The sixth chakra is the third eye or ajna chakra, and is located at the eyebrow center. The chakra’s color is indigo blue, its demon is illusion, and its right is seeing your truth, with a mantra of OM. This chakra is the center of reasoning and intellect, the rational mind that can often get in the way of one’s spiritual journey but demanding rational explanations for things that are often based on faith or the divine. The last chakra is the seventh, which is the crown or sahasara chakra, and is located at the crown of the head. The chakra’s color is violet or white, its demon is attachment, and its right is to know and learn, with no sound or mantra. This chakra is related to consciousness, and a connection with the divine or universe.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have gone through yoga therapy two times, both times more deeply uncovering information from my life experience. Being cognizant of this information makes it easier to acknowledge strengths and weaknesses I need to address. I feel that I am currently at a place in my journey where it’s the upper chakras that need some work (5th, 6th, and 7th), and that some of my issues are even manifesting themselves physically. I know what I believe, but still struggle finding the words to best express things. Also I’m borderline obsessive-compulsive, and find it hard to let go of control in my life, and be open to change. I have scoliosis, with round/tight shoulders, and according to Louise Hayes, scoliosis is a result of the inability to flow with the support of life. I know I need to work on surrendering my will to the divine, and taking (without questions) anything that may come my way, including guidance. I want to work on making a conscious connection to the divine daily through prayer and meditation. I think I could strengthen my throat chakra by chanting OM and HAM. I know I’m closer to where I was before, but just need a slight push over the edge into complete faith and trust in the divine. Practicing daily in all areas (asana, pranayama, meditation, study and personal inventory of my spirit through a chakral scan) is my current plan on my spiritual journey—much love to you all on your journeys as well!
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel or vortex. There are seven main chakras. In Yogic psychology there are five Koshas or sheaths in the subtle (non-physical) body. The chakras are located in the Pranayama Kosha – the energy body, which contains nadis or energy channels. The three most dominant nadis are called Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. These nadis are located in the center of the body (spinal column in the physical body). The chakras are located at the main points where the nadis, Ida and Pingala intersect along the Sushumna. They are spinning wheels of energy which are the psychic centers of the subtle body.
The first chakra, Muladhara or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. Its color is red. Its element is earth. It is connected to survival, grounding, connection to your tribe, the right to be here, the right to have. Problems in this charka can cause immunity related disorders, depression, sciatica, rectal disorders and eating disorders.
The second chakra, Svadisthana or sacral chakra is located 4 inches below the navel. Its color is orange. Its element is water. It is connected with emotions, sexuality, creativity, and the right to feel. Problems in this chakra can cause prostrate or ovarian cancer, lower back pain, reproductive issues, and urinary problems.
The third chakra, Manipura or the solar plexus chakra is located at the navel center. Its color is yellow. Its element is fire. It is connected with personal power, will, and self-esteem, the right to act and be an individual. Problems in this chakra can cause gastric ulcers, colon and intestinal problems, indigestion, liver issues and adrenal problems.
The fourth chakra, Anahata or heart chakra is located in the chest. Its color is green. Its element is air. The heart chakra is the central point in the chakra system, connecting the lower three chakras to the upper three chakras (Anodea Judith). It is connected to love, compassion, empathy, selflessness, healing, the right to love and be loved. Problems in this chakra as associated with heart attacks, heart failure, lung and breast cancer, asthma and pneumonia.
The fifth chakra, Vishuddha or the throat chakra is located in the throat. Its color is blue. Its element is sound (although some books refer to its element as ether). It is connected with communication, creative self-expression, independence, inspiration, the right to speak and be heard. Problems in this chakra can cause throat issues, hearing problems, mouth problems, scoliosis, swollen glands or thyroid issues.
The sixth chakra, Ajna or third eye chakra is located at the point between the eyebrows. Its color is indigo. Its element is light. It is connected to imagination and clairvoyance, vision, dreams, the right to see your truth. Problems in this chakra can cause vision problems, blindness, memory loss, brain tumors, headaches, spinal problems.
The seventh chakra, Sahasara or crown chakra is located at the crown of the head. Its element is thought. It is connected with consciousness, pure being, higher power, vision, the right to know and learn. Problems in this chakra can cause energetic disorders, chronic non-physically related exhaustion, light sensitivity, brain tumors and migraines.
During the class I knew I had problems with my third and fifth chakras. While thinking about this, I also figured out that part of my third chakra problems were because of problems in my second chakra. I have been working on these three chakras with asanas – sun salutations are great – meditation (the water meditation from Anodea Judith is great), journaling (something I have never done before), mantras and positive affirmations. I look forward to seeing everyone next weekend!
Great job Bonnie, very well written. I wonder what is up with those lower chakras… let me know how it goes!