If you’ve practiced yoga for a while, you’ve probably become more mindful. While you may not think of your new “skill” as mindfulness, you’ve likely heard the term. Jon Kabot Zinn, a pioneer in this area, describes mindfulness—specifically mindfulness meditation—as awareness. Being mindful means being able to see clearly and stay focused on what is […]
The crown chakra is our connection to spirit. Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra is the seventh energy center of the chakra system. In Sanskrit, it called sahasrara, which means “the lotus flower of 1000 petals.” Balancing the crown chakra connects us to the spiritual world and opens the doorway to enlightenment. Benefits […]
The sixth of the seven chakras, the third eye, is the located between your two physical eyes. It is called ajna chakra in Sanskrit. Ajna means to perceive. Balancing the third eye chakra helps you tune inward and cultivate intuition. The third eye is the center of consciousness. Those with a strong third eye chakra are […]
The chakra system of the body consists of seven energy centers. In general, the three lower chakras govern the physical body and three upper chakras govern the spiritual body. The fourth chakra connects the upper and lower chakras at the heart center. The fifth chakra, located at the throat, is the center of communication and is the […]
The chakras—the seven major energy centers of the body—are each unique and important. The fourth chakra has an especially intriguing role. It is the heart-center, also known as anahata chakra. Balancing the heart chakra means ensuring a strong connection between the physical body and the spiritual body. This is a great place to focus at […]
The third chakra—the manipura chakra—is the center of personal power. As you’d expect, it’s located in the core of the body, at the solar plexus. To fully be ourselves, we need a strong core. Balancing the third chakra means maximizing personal power and strength. When energy flows through the third chakra, we feel a strong […]
The energy of the second chakra—called the svadisthana or sacral chakra—governs movement and creativity. This “center of the self” is concerned with self-expression and reproduction as well as emotion. Balancing the second chakra can help with control issues and lack of self-esteem. The second chakra also governs sexuality. Emotional issues from to sexual abuse may result […]
The chakra system—the energy system of the body—begins at the base of the spine with the root chakra. Known as the muladhara chakra, the energy of the root chakra is concerned with stability. It is where we become grounded and secure. Yoga offers tools for balancing the first chakra when you’re not feeling secure, safe or […]
The chakra system and yoga complement each other well. In fact, it’s easy to design a yoga practice specifically for the chakras—the body’s energy system. There are seven main energy centers that run from the base of the spine through the crown of the head. It’s said that when any of these centers are blocked, […]
If I asked you to tell me something your yoga practice has helped you appreciate, would you have an answer? I’m going to guess the answer is yes. And I’ll bet it’s the simple things you appreciate most. Things like breathing or the opportunity to move or the ability to move come to mind. There’s […]