by Audrey Sutton Mills
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by Audrey Sutton Mills
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In Hindu and yogic traditions, Chakra means “Wheel or vortex” and are energy points or nodes in the subtle body. There are 7 main Chakras, which are part of the subtle body, not the physical body, and as such are the meeting points of the subtle (non-physical) energy channels called nadis. Nadis are channels in the subtle body through which the life force (prana) (non-physical) or vital energy (non-physical) moves. We have over 72,000 nadis in our bodies that move our prana. The Sanskrit word nadi derives from the root nad, which means “flow,” “motion,” or “vibration.” The word itself suggests the fundamental nature of a nadi: to flow like water, finding the path of least resistance and nourishing everything in its path. The nadis are our energetic irrigation system; in essence, they keep us alive.
Balancing the lower 3 chakras will help release the Ego, the inner critic, and ultimately fears and insecurities. Journeying through the Heart chakra, which is related to unconditional love, peace and compassion, will help you connect to the 3 Higher chakras in order to be connected to your authentic true self and share your Dharma, your purpose. To learn how to balance the Chakras through Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternative Nostril Breathing), click HERE.
Root Chakra – Muladhara (means support)
The root chakra at the base of the spine keeps us centered and grounded in our bodies. Keeping it balanced provides stability in all areas of life. It represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded. Muladhara is related to instinct, security, survival and to basic human potentiality. Muladhara governs stability, emotionally it governs sensuality, and spiritually it governs a sense of security.
When in Balance: feel grounded, secure, productive, clear, steady
When out of Balance: lazy, unproductive, unfocused, fearful, insecure, and feeling like a victim, feeling not good enough, scared, moving from a place of scarcity
Color: red
Scent: Patchouli, cedarwood, myrhh, geranium, clove, pine, rosemary
Sacral Chakra – Svadhishthana (means sweetness)
Located about 2 inches below the navel, the sacral chakra is the center of our sexuality, creativity, sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. The key issues involving Svadhishthana are relationships, violence, addictions, basic emotional needs, and pleasure. Physically, Svadhishthana governs reproduction, mentally it governs creativity, emotionally it governs joy, and spiritually it governs enthusiasm.
When in Balance: emotional and sexual balanced, joyful, passionate
When out of Balance: impotence, frigidity, lower back pain, bladder/prostate issues, feelings of isolation and loneliness, insecurities in relationships
Color: orange
Scent: Jasmine, sandalwood, orange and peppermint, geranium, cinnamon
Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura (lustrous gem/sun/agni/fire)
This chakra houses our willpower, self-esteem and many of our emotions. Aptly named, it resides in the solar plexus or abdominal region and digestion, and controls our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives. Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area. Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem. Issues of personal power, fear, anxiety, opinion-formation, introversion, and transition from simple or base emotions to complex. Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, all matters of growth.
When in Balance: feel connected to others, confidence, powerful, whole, courageous
When out of Balance: oversensitive to criticism, need to be in control, low self esteem, stomach ulcers, digestive issues, fatigue, allergies
Color: yellow
Scent: Peppermint, lemon, bergamot, cinnamon, ylang, ylang, carnation or eucalyptus
Heart Chakra – Anahata (means unstuck)
The heart chakra appropriately governs love and compassion and our ability to love others and ourselves. It also serves as the bridge between the lower and higher chakras. Without balance in the heart center, the rest of the chakras suffer. Location: Center of chest just above heart. Key issues involving Anahata involve complex emotions, compassion, tenderness, unconditional love, equilibrium, rejection and well-being. Physically Anahata governs circulation, emotionally it governs unconditional love for the self and others, mentally it governs passion, and spiritually it governs devotion
When in Balance: Love, joy, inner peace, forgiveness, compassionate, self-acceptance
When out of Balance: co-dependency, fears of loneliness, commitment or betrayal, sadness
Color: Green
Scent: rose, ylang ylang and lavender, vanilla, bergamot
Throat Chakra – Vishudda
This is the first of the highest chakras that helps us speak our truth, self-expression, and creativity through speech, sound, writing or non-verbal communication.
When in Balance: Communication, self-expression of feelings, creativity, truth.
When out of Balance: perfectionism, inability to express emotions, blocked creativity
Color: Blue | Teal
Scent: chamomile, lemon, myrhh eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
Third Eye Chakra – Ajna (to Know)
Sitting in the middle of the forehead slightly above and between the brows, the third eye chakra is the seat of intelligence, intuition and psychic awareness. Our ability to focus on and see the big picture. Location: Forehead between the eyes. Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.
When in Balance: emotional wisdom, feel steady, light, connected, fulfilled
When out of Balance: nightmares, learning difficulties, hallucinations, headaches, poor vision
Color: Violet or Indigo Blue
Scent: Geranium, Orange, Juniper, rosemary, pine and frankincense.
Crown Chakra- Sahasrara (thousandfold – halo w/thousand whitepetals = infinity)
Last but not least is the seventh chakra at the top of the head known as the crown. Here is where we connect to higher consciousness, pure consciousness, and express our divine nature. It is not a destination, rather a rebirth. The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. Location: The very top of the head. Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss. Sahasrara is represented by the color white and it involves such issues as inner wisdom and the death of the body.
When in Balance: Divine Self, fulfillment, enlightenment, self-realization, inner wisdom and the death of the body, inter-connectedness, cosmic energy “knowing”, bliss
When out of Balance: depression, obsessive thinking, and confusion
Color: white
Scent: lavender, sandalwood and frankincense
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HEY SOUL SISTER!
I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom
I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.
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YOU ARE ENOUGH
YOU MATTER!
COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
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HEY SOUL SISTER!
I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom
I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.
MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)
MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)
&
YOU ARE ENOUGH
YOU MATTER!
COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
HEY SOUL SISTER!
I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom
I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.
MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)
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&
YOU ARE ENOUGH
YOU MATTER!
COME HOME TO YOURSELF,
YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
YOUR SOUL AND YOUR TRUTH.
HEY SOUL SISTER!
I’m Audrey | Yoga Instructor, Soul Mentor, Podcaster, Writer & New Mom
I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled, alone, and not good enough. I’ve taken the hard journey of leaving a life I thought I wanted to discover the life I was destined to live. I’m here to help YOU walk the path of deeper self-love to the person YOU are meant to be. It’s my mission to inspire you to whole-heartedly love yourself, embody your worth and live your most expansive life. Take it from someone who’s been there.
MORE FREEBIES (JUST FOR YOU!)
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