THE 7 CHAKRAS

Through inner attunement, the ancient yogis were able to perceive the energetic basis of all matter. The seven chakras or energy centers comprise their model of the energetic or subtle body. Each chakra is located along the spine, starting at the base and running upwards to the crown of the head. These "whirling disks of light" each radiate a specific color and spiritual quality, and are associated with corresponding psychological, physical, and emotional states necessary for the development of the whole person.

Though the chakras have not been confirmed by Western science, with the spirit of inquiry, we can explore this model through asana, meditation, and other practices --and ultimately incorporate what we find useful for our own growth and self-understanding.

The First Chakra: Root
The first Chakra, Muladhara (root), is located at the base of the spine. Its color is red and its issues are survival, stability, and self-sufficiency.
Affirmation:
May I be able to nourish and nurture my self, be grounded, stable, and feel connected to the oneness of life/universe.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Staff posture
Bound angle
Bridge
Crab
Half wind relieving
Full wind relieving
Locust
Child
Half warrior
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Mudra: Ganesha
Mantra: Lam
Bandha: Mula Bandha
Meditation: Root Chakra Meditation

The Second Chakra: Sensual
The second Chakra, Svadhisthana (sweetness), is located at the lower abdomen (between belly button and pubic bone). Its color is orange and its issues are sexuality, creativity, relationships and emotions.
Affirmation:
May I be at home and at ease in my body, and find balance in my relationships between myself (or my self) and others.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Cobra
Boat
Seated forward bend
Supine bound angle
Dog
Cat
Puppy
Seated angle
Balancing bear
Frog
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Pranayama: Dirga and Kapalabhati
Mudra: Yoni
Mantra: Vam
Bandha: Uddiyana Bandha

The Third Chakra: Power
The third Chakra, Manipura (lustrous gem), is located at the solar plexus (between belly button and bottom of rib cage). Its color is yellow and its issues are personal power, self esteem, willfulness and energy.
Affirmation:
May I be able to honor myself, be who I am in the world, and express that power without fear.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Bow
Seated forward bend
Upward boat
Inclined plane
Warrior I
Warrior II
Half circle
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Mudra: Surya
Mantra: Ram

The Fourth Chakra: Love
The fourth Chakra, Anahata (not struck), is located at the heart (center of the chest). Its color is green and its issues are love, compassion, acceptance, and trust.
Affirmation:
May I be free to feel my true feelings, desires and passions, and be at home in my heart.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Fish
Standing yoga mudra
Pigeon
Camel
Standing backbend
Prayer twist
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Mudra: Hridaya and Anjali
Mantra: Yam
Meditation: Heart Chakra Meditation


The Fifth Chakra: Communication
The fifth Chakra, Vissudha (purification), is located at the throat. Its color is bright blue and its issues are communication, inspiration, expression, and faith.
Affirmation:
May I be able to express my feelings with ease, and be balanced between heart and mind.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Fish
Camel
Standing backbend
Half shoulder stand
Plow
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Pranayama: Ujjayi
Mantra: Hum
Bandha: Jalandhara Bandha

The Sixth Chakra: Perception
The sixth Chakra, Ajna (to perceive), is located between the eyebrows, just above the bridge of the nose. Its color is indigo blue and its issues are psychic, emotional and mental intelligence, and intuition.
Affirmation:
May I see and perceive clearly on every level, and seek only the truth.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
Child
Seated head to knee
Pyramid
Side seated angle
Meditation
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Mudra: Hakini
Mantra: Om
Meditation: Third Eye Meditation

The Seventh Chakra: Universal Connection
The seventh Chakra, Sahasrara (thousand petaled), is located at the crown (top) of the head. Its color is white or violet and its issues are devotion, inspiration, selflessness, and spiritual understanding.
Affirmation:
May I have a clear and open connection with source energy (spirit), and live in the present moment.
Yoga Poses to Activate this Chakra:
seated yoga mudra head stand prep mountain
Yoga Practices to Activate this Chakra:
Mudra: Rudra and Jnana
Mantra: Silence
Meditation: Crown Chakra Meditation