I know what it's like. I've seen it played out a few zillion times. You're waiting for that magical day when someone makes the connection and recognizes who you really are. Maybe they'll first catch the sparkle in your eye. Or perhaps they'll marvel at your insights and the depth of your spirit. Someone who will help you connect the dots, believe in yourself, and make sense of it all. Someone who will understand you, approve of you, and unhesitatingly give you a leg up so that life can pluck your ready, ripened self from the branch of magnificence. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....
Well, I'm here to tell you....your wait is over.
That someone.....
Is YOU.
Good thing you rock,
The Universe
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Mind, Body, Spirit
Seven Chakras Wheels Of Light
The work "chakra" comes from the Sanskrit language of India and translated, means "wheel." Indians believe the body contains seven main chakras, arranged vertically from the base of the spine to the top of the head. These chakras are thought of as spinning vortexes of energy, thus wheels of light.
Each chakra is associated with particular functions within the body and with specific life issues and the way we handle them, both inside ourselves and in our interactions with the world. Chakras can be thought of as sites where we receive, absorb, and distribute life energies. Through external situations and internal habits, a chakra can become either deficient or excessive, and imbalanced.
The lower chakras focus on details such as our home, family, and emotions, while the upper chakras focus on the spiritual aspect of our lives. All of the chakras affect one another and work together.
Each chakra is associated with:
A physical part of your body
An emotional part of your body
Glands and organs
Colors
One of the five senses
Elements of the Earth
Particular types of foods
Click the links below to get basic information about the seven chakras and some suggestions on how to bring them into balance by using Hatha Yoga. By balancing our chakras, we also balance our lives.
1st Chakra
The 1st chakra is also referred to as the "root" chakra. The Sanskrit name for it is "muladhara" which means root/base. It is located at the base of the spine. There is an energy stored under this chakra which is often referred to as the "coiled serpent." Kundalini yoga focuses on stimulating this energy.
The 1st chakra is the one that helps to keep you grounded and centered. It is associated with survival, instincts and basic communication. The concerns associated with this chakra involve food, clothing, shelter - practical things. The emotion associated with this chakra is fear. The less we are connected to the earth, the more fear we have. To ground yourself, go for a walk, be out in nature.
The organs and glands associated with the 1st chakra are:
Adrenal glands
Organs of elimination (kidney, skin, colon), bones, hair, nails, legs
If the 1st chakra is sluggish, you might have constipation.
If the 1st chakra is overstimulated, you might have diarrhea.
The colors associated with the 1st chakra are red and black. Red is the color of blood, of life. Black, the secondary color, helps to reground us with the earth. Having black stones nearby helps to reground.
If your 1st chakra is sluggish, wear red to stimulate it; black will pull it down. Very often people who live in cities will wear black; it helps to ground them.
The sense associated with the 1st chakra is the sense of smell.
The element for this chakra is earth. This chakra grounds us to the earth.
The foods for this chakra are protein-rich foods and red foods.
If the 1st chakra is congested, we may have a tendency towards hoarding things, being materialistic. To get the energy moving, let go of things, give them away, and release them. This pertains to mental and emotional things as well as material things. Holding on to things keeps the energy from flowing freely.
In yoga, standing poses balance and strengthen the 1st chakra, which helps the body become more grounded.
2nd Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 2nd chakra is "Svadhisthana." This word means "dwelling place of the Self."
The 2nd chakra is located in the lower abdomen, about an inch below the navel.
The 2nd chakra is associated with creativity and procreation. It also governs emotional and sensual aspects of our lives.
The emotion associated with the 2nd chakra is passion. If you grew up in an environment where emotions were repressed or denied, this chakra may be deficient. Some signs of deficiency are fear of pleasure, being out of touch with one's feelings and resistance to change.
Signs of an excessive 2nd chakra may be overly emotional behavior, sexual addiction or poor boundaries. Excessiveness can be caused by living in an environment where there is a constant need for pleasurable stimulation, such as entertaining or partying. Frequent emotional drama can cause excessiveness also.
The organs/glands/parts of the body associated with this chakra are:
Reproductive organs
All liquids in the body - the circulation of blood, urine, menstruation, tears
Hips, sacrum, low back
Kidneys
The element for the 2nd chakra is water, thus the association with the liquids of the body. Water flows, moves and changes. A balanced 2nd chakra allows us to do that also.
The color for the 2nd chakra is orange. Orange is a very stimulating color because of its vibrational energy.
The sense for the 2nd chakra is taste, especially a sweet taste.
The foods for the 2nd chakra are orange foods, sweet foods and liquids.
In yoga, backward and forward bends and squatting strengthen the 2nd chakra
3rd Chakra
"Manipura" is the Sanskrit name for the 3rd chakra. This word means "lustrous gem." The 3rd chakra is located in the area of the solar plexus, navel and digestive system. It is associated with power, self-esteem and vitality. It is the seat of the intellect.
Glands/organs associated with the 3rd chakra:
Pancreas, organs of digestion (small intestine)
When the 3rd chakra is imbalanced, there may be digestive problems.
The element for the 3rd chakra is fire. When there is too much heat in this part of the body, there can be digestive problems. All of the "itis" diseases begin in this chakra when the fire gets out of control.
Bikram yoga (hot yoga) stimulates the 3rd chakra. Be sure that this chakra needs stimulation before participating in Bikram yoga.
The colors for the 3rd chakra are yellow and gold.
The emotion for the 3rd chakra is anger.
The sense for the 3rd chakra is sight and cognitive thinking. Remember, the intellect lies here.
Sometimes people refer to a "gut feeling" when they are trying to figure something out.
When the 3rd chakra is excessive, anger, hatred, too much attention to power, status and recognition can be present. In yoga, passive backbends are good for calming an excessive 3rd chakra.
When it is deficient, one can have digestive problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem and a feeling of powerlessness.
In yoga, do Sun Salutations, half boat pose, warrior and twists to energize the 3rd chakra
4th Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 4th chakra is "Anahata." This word means "unstruck" or "stillness." This seems to imply that deep beneath our brokenness and pain, wholeness abides.
The 4th chakra is located in our heart center. It governs our intuition and love. It is also known as the heart chakra.
Glands/organs/parts of the body associated with the 4th chakra:
Thymus, heart, lungs, chest, arms, breasts
The primary color for the 4th chakra is green and the secondary color is pink.
The element for the 4th chakra is air. Pranayama practice helps to balance this chakra.
The sense for the 4th chakra is touch, feeling, clairsentient.
The emotion of the heart chakra is compassion and joy. The 4th chakra feels the suffering of others.
The foods for this chakra are air, vegetables (especially green ones), and love.
When the 4th chakra is deficient, you may experience feelings of shyness and loneliness, an inability to forgive or a lack of empathy. Physical conditions can include shallow breathing, asthma, and some lung diseases.
When the 4th chakra is excessive one may experience co-dependency, possessiveness, jealousy, heart problems and high blood pressure.
In yoga, poses that stimulate the 4th chakra are backward bends (anything that opens the chest). A powerful way to energize this chakra is to love ourselves and others.
5th Chakra
The Sanskrit word for the 5th chakra is "Vishuddha" which means "purity." This is the first of the chakras that focuses primarily on the spiritual plane. The 4th chakra is spiritual, but it is also the bridge between the lower chakras that focus on earth and the upper chakras that deal with spirituality.
The emotion for the 5th chakra is faith and understanding. Because the 5th chakra is located in the throat and governs higher communication, speaking, hearing and listening, it helps us to understand our inner truth and convey it with our voice to the outside world.
The sense for the 5th chakra is hearing. Chanting, singing, speaking, reading aloud are all good for the 5th chakra. The vibrations of all these things affect the body down to the cellular level.
The glands/organs/body parts associated with the 5th chakra are:
Thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, throat, tongue, larynx
The element for the 5th chakra is ether/space. It is connected to the cosmos, which consists of these elements.
Deficient energy in the 5th chakra can cause neck and shoulder problems, jaw disorders, throat problems, an under active thyroid and a fear of speaking.
On the other hand, excessive energy in the 5th chakra can cause hearing problems, inability to listen, excessive talking and an overactive thyroid.
The color for the 5th chakra is blue, as the color of the sky.
The food for this chakra is fruit and prana (air).
Yoga poses that are good for the 5th chakra are neck and shoulder stretches, Camel pose, Bridge pose and Plow pose.
6th Chakra
“Ajna" is the Sanskrit word for the 6th chakra. It means "beyond wisdom." It has also been translated to mean "the perception center."
The 6th chakra is located between, and just above, the eyes. It is often referred to as the "third eye." This chakra deals with visualization, intuition, imagination and telepathy.
Organ/parts of body associated with the 6th chakra:
Pituitary gland, eyes, head, lower brain
The emotion for the 6th chakra is "knowing", an intuitive type of knowing. When this chakra is dominant, one may have clairvoyant abilities...being able to see things that others can't.
The color is purple/violet, both spiritual colors.
When the energy in the 6th chakra is excessive, it can cause headaches, hallucinations, nightmares and difficulty in concentrating.
But when the energy is deficient, there may be eye problems, poor memory, inability to visualize.
Yoga poses for the 6th chakra are supported forward bends and also eye exercises. Doing positive visualizations can also strengthen this chakra.
7th Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 7th chakra is "Sahasrara", meaning "thousandfold." The 7th chakra is represented by a 1000-petaled lotus, which symbolizes the infinite nature of this chakra, connecting us with the Divine.
The 7th chakra is located at the crown of the head and serves as the crown of the entire chakra system, symbolizing the highest state of enlightenment. The function of the 7th chakra is connection with the infinite. In art, Christ is depicted with a halo around his head. This could represent the awakened spirituality of the 7th chakra.
The element of the 7th chakra is thought/cosmic consciousness. The mind creates our belief systems that control our thoughts and actions.
Gland/part of body associated with the 7th chakra:
Pineal gland, upper brain
The 7th chakra is sometimes associated with the color violet, but it is usually referred to as the color white, a combination of all colors. This is in line with the chakra also being a culmination of all the other chakras.
Excessiveness in the 7th chakra appears as being overly intellectual.
Deficient energy manifests as difficulty thinking for yourself, apathy, spiritual skepticism and materialism.
Meditation is the yogic practice best for the 7th chakra. Meditation clears and quiets the mind, in preparation for experiencing the Divine.
Psychological Aspects Of Yoga Asanas
In yoga classes the body is moved forward, backward and laterally. Twists, inversions and balance poses are also done. Each of these movements affects the body in a psychological way. Listed below are the psychological aspects of each movement.
Forward Bending
Listening
Humility
Trust
Surrender
Lateral Bending
General resiliency in life
Flexibility
Ability to dodge, change direction
Twisting
Helps to look at and accept the past
Versatility
Backward Bending
To do a thing to the extreme, to bend over backward
Aggression
Inversion
Try new things, less fixed
Change in attitude
Confidence
Balance
Control of emotions and reactions
Balance of mind and body
Stamina, staying power
Savasana
Turning loose of control, letting go
Trust
Yoga Information
There are many different schools of thought on yoga. There are also a variety of styles from which to choose. Click any of the links on the left to learn more about a particular style. If you are new to yoga, you might find the following information interesting and helpful.
Did you know?
Yoga is over 5000 years old.
Yoga originated in India.
"Yoga" is a Sanskrit word, which means "to yoke" or "to bind."
"Asana" is what the yoga postures are called.
Several asanas done in succession without a break or pause is called a "vinyasa." Sun Salutation is an example of a vinyasa.
Yoga should be done on an empty stomach. Prior to practicing yoga, you should only eat something light, at least two hours before the class.
Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn to do yoga.
Yoga increases flexibility, lowers stress, and increases your energy level.
Yoga is a process-oriented activity. The idea is to focus awareness on exactly what you are doing in the moment, to be mindful.
Yoga coordinates the breath with movement, allowing you to fully experience the stretch. Yoga is not about simply completing a stretch so that you can move on to the next one. It is about being present in the moment.
Yoga is not about competition or comparing. When practicing yoga, one goes within, being aware of what is happening inside the body. Whatever the body can do in a yoga session is exactly what it should be doing. One accepts without judging.
As you continue practicing yoga, you may find that yoga can lead to a journey within yourself.
You may find the link between the body, mind and spirit to offer a new area of inner growth and self-understanding.
The Importance Of Breath In Yoga
From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we breathe. We measure life by breath. Breath is more important to us than either food or water. We can go weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without oxygen. With each breath, we exchange carbon dioxide from inside our bodies for oxygen molecules from the surrounding air. If this process is interrupted for more than a few minutes, the brain becomes starved for oxygen and undergoes irreversible damage.
Breathing affects every system of our bodies and also has a general effect on our memories, our energy levels, and our concentration. Everything we do, the pace we keep, the feelings we have and the choices we make are influenced by the breath.
The rhythm of our breathing varies according to our activities and our feelings. It quickens with physical exertion or emotional upset and it slows down during sleep or periods of relaxation. As an experiment, try to be aware of your breathing when you are excited, angry, surprised and relaxed and notice how it changes.
The majority of people breathe incorrectly and are not aware of it. Instead of breathing deeply, bringing the air down to the bottom of the lungs, where the richest blood supply is, the breath is very shallow, only bringing the air into the uppermost part of the lungs.
How do we break this bad habit and restore healthy breathing in our bodies? One place to start is to become more aware of your breath and evaluate the quality of it. Ask yourself, "where do I feel my breathing?" Can you feel where your breath originates? Do you feel particular areas of your body where the breath is more noticeable, such as the nostrils, the chest or the abdomen?
Just be aware of what you feel and notice and do not analyze.
"What does my breathing feel like?" What is the quality of your breathing? Is it rough, labored, jerky or rhythmic? Does it feel smooth or mechanical?
Observe a baby breathe and you will see the tummy rise and fall with each breath. This is diaphragmatic breathing, the way we all initially breathed. The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle that lies just below the rib cage. As we inhale, it presses downward and as we exhale, it contracts upward, forcing the air out of our lungs. To properly breathe diaphragmatically, the belly should be relaxed so as to accommodate the downward expansion of this muscle.
A good way to experience this is to place your hand on your abdomen, take a deep breath in and feel the movement. That's why this type of breathing is sometimes referred to as "belly breathing." If your are not accustomed to relaxing your belly, you may find first attempts to breathe in this way to be frustrating and confusing. With perseverance, it will become natural.
Begin to be aware of your breath and notice if you are using your diaphragm or just bringing the breath into the uppermost part of your lungs. Where is the most movement, in the abdomen or in the chest? Practice bringing the breath down deep into the lungs, feeling the abdomen expand as the diaphragm moves downward. Take a few "breath breaks" during the day and practice some deep breathing.
Deep breathing is an excellent tool for keeping our bodies in optimum health and reducing stress levels, thus warding off such things as heart disease and high blood pressure. Most modern scientific and medical research supports the belief that proper breathing is a cornerstone to our well-being.
Complete Breath
This breath maximizes the use of the lungs, increases the oxygen level in the body and calms the mind.
Sit up tall, in a comfortable position.
Inhale, expanding the abdomen, opening the ribs and lifting the shoulders.
Exhale, contracting the abdomen, relaxing the ribs, and lowering the shoulders.
Repeat.
Lengthening The Exhale
This breath increases lung capacity and activates a relaxation response in the body. It is a great breath to lower the stress level quickly.
Inhale gently and naturally while counting. (Make the count as long as is comfortable for you).
Exhale slowly, taking twice as long to empty the lungs.
Repeat. As the inhale lengthens, lengthen the exhale.
A simple way to start is to inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 8 counts.
Four Parted Breath
This breath can be done using different counts, depending on the lung capacity. It develops the lungs and also activates relaxation in the mind and the body. It's good for lowering the stress level in the body.
Inhale to a count of 5.
Retain the breath for a count of 5.
Exhale for a count of 5.
Hold the breath out for a count of 5.
Repeat.
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The work "chakra" comes from the Sanskrit language of India and translated, means "wheel." Indians believe the body contains seven main chakras, arranged vertically from the base of the spine to the top of the head. These chakras are thought of as spinning vortexes of energy, thus wheels of light.
Each chakra is associated with particular functions within the body and with specific life issues and the way we handle them, both inside ourselves and in our interactions with the world. Chakras can be thought of as sites where we receive, absorb, and distribute life energies. Through external situations and internal habits, a chakra can become either deficient or excessive, and imbalanced.
The lower chakras focus on details such as our home, family, and emotions, while the upper chakras focus on the spiritual aspect of our lives. All of the chakras affect one another and work together.
Each chakra is associated with:
A physical part of your body
An emotional part of your body
Glands and organs
Colors
One of the five senses
Elements of the Earth
Particular types of foods
Click the links below to get basic information about the seven chakras and some suggestions on how to bring them into balance by using Hatha Yoga. By balancing our chakras, we also balance our lives.
1st Chakra
The 1st chakra is also referred to as the "root" chakra. The Sanskrit name for it is "muladhara" which means root/base. It is located at the base of the spine. There is an energy stored under this chakra which is often referred to as the "coiled serpent." Kundalini yoga focuses on stimulating this energy.
The 1st chakra is the one that helps to keep you grounded and centered. It is associated with survival, instincts and basic communication. The concerns associated with this chakra involve food, clothing, shelter - practical things. The emotion associated with this chakra is fear. The less we are connected to the earth, the more fear we have. To ground yourself, go for a walk, be out in nature.
The organs and glands associated with the 1st chakra are:
Adrenal glands
Organs of elimination (kidney, skin, colon), bones, hair, nails, legs
If the 1st chakra is sluggish, you might have constipation.
If the 1st chakra is overstimulated, you might have diarrhea.
The colors associated with the 1st chakra are red and black. Red is the color of blood, of life. Black, the secondary color, helps to reground us with the earth. Having black stones nearby helps to reground.
If your 1st chakra is sluggish, wear red to stimulate it; black will pull it down. Very often people who live in cities will wear black; it helps to ground them.
The sense associated with the 1st chakra is the sense of smell.
The element for this chakra is earth. This chakra grounds us to the earth.
The foods for this chakra are protein-rich foods and red foods.
If the 1st chakra is congested, we may have a tendency towards hoarding things, being materialistic. To get the energy moving, let go of things, give them away, and release them. This pertains to mental and emotional things as well as material things. Holding on to things keeps the energy from flowing freely.
In yoga, standing poses balance and strengthen the 1st chakra, which helps the body become more grounded.
2nd Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 2nd chakra is "Svadhisthana." This word means "dwelling place of the Self."
The 2nd chakra is located in the lower abdomen, about an inch below the navel.
The 2nd chakra is associated with creativity and procreation. It also governs emotional and sensual aspects of our lives.
The emotion associated with the 2nd chakra is passion. If you grew up in an environment where emotions were repressed or denied, this chakra may be deficient. Some signs of deficiency are fear of pleasure, being out of touch with one's feelings and resistance to change.
Signs of an excessive 2nd chakra may be overly emotional behavior, sexual addiction or poor boundaries. Excessiveness can be caused by living in an environment where there is a constant need for pleasurable stimulation, such as entertaining or partying. Frequent emotional drama can cause excessiveness also.
The organs/glands/parts of the body associated with this chakra are:
Reproductive organs
All liquids in the body - the circulation of blood, urine, menstruation, tears
Hips, sacrum, low back
Kidneys
The element for the 2nd chakra is water, thus the association with the liquids of the body. Water flows, moves and changes. A balanced 2nd chakra allows us to do that also.
The color for the 2nd chakra is orange. Orange is a very stimulating color because of its vibrational energy.
The sense for the 2nd chakra is taste, especially a sweet taste.
The foods for the 2nd chakra are orange foods, sweet foods and liquids.
In yoga, backward and forward bends and squatting strengthen the 2nd chakra
3rd Chakra
"Manipura" is the Sanskrit name for the 3rd chakra. This word means "lustrous gem." The 3rd chakra is located in the area of the solar plexus, navel and digestive system. It is associated with power, self-esteem and vitality. It is the seat of the intellect.
Glands/organs associated with the 3rd chakra:
Pancreas, organs of digestion (small intestine)
When the 3rd chakra is imbalanced, there may be digestive problems.
The element for the 3rd chakra is fire. When there is too much heat in this part of the body, there can be digestive problems. All of the "itis" diseases begin in this chakra when the fire gets out of control.
Bikram yoga (hot yoga) stimulates the 3rd chakra. Be sure that this chakra needs stimulation before participating in Bikram yoga.
The colors for the 3rd chakra are yellow and gold.
The emotion for the 3rd chakra is anger.
The sense for the 3rd chakra is sight and cognitive thinking. Remember, the intellect lies here.
Sometimes people refer to a "gut feeling" when they are trying to figure something out.
When the 3rd chakra is excessive, anger, hatred, too much attention to power, status and recognition can be present. In yoga, passive backbends are good for calming an excessive 3rd chakra.
When it is deficient, one can have digestive problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem and a feeling of powerlessness.
In yoga, do Sun Salutations, half boat pose, warrior and twists to energize the 3rd chakra
4th Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 4th chakra is "Anahata." This word means "unstruck" or "stillness." This seems to imply that deep beneath our brokenness and pain, wholeness abides.
The 4th chakra is located in our heart center. It governs our intuition and love. It is also known as the heart chakra.
Glands/organs/parts of the body associated with the 4th chakra:
Thymus, heart, lungs, chest, arms, breasts
The primary color for the 4th chakra is green and the secondary color is pink.
The element for the 4th chakra is air. Pranayama practice helps to balance this chakra.
The sense for the 4th chakra is touch, feeling, clairsentient.
The emotion of the heart chakra is compassion and joy. The 4th chakra feels the suffering of others.
The foods for this chakra are air, vegetables (especially green ones), and love.
When the 4th chakra is deficient, you may experience feelings of shyness and loneliness, an inability to forgive or a lack of empathy. Physical conditions can include shallow breathing, asthma, and some lung diseases.
When the 4th chakra is excessive one may experience co-dependency, possessiveness, jealousy, heart problems and high blood pressure.
In yoga, poses that stimulate the 4th chakra are backward bends (anything that opens the chest). A powerful way to energize this chakra is to love ourselves and others.
5th Chakra
The Sanskrit word for the 5th chakra is "Vishuddha" which means "purity." This is the first of the chakras that focuses primarily on the spiritual plane. The 4th chakra is spiritual, but it is also the bridge between the lower chakras that focus on earth and the upper chakras that deal with spirituality.
The emotion for the 5th chakra is faith and understanding. Because the 5th chakra is located in the throat and governs higher communication, speaking, hearing and listening, it helps us to understand our inner truth and convey it with our voice to the outside world.
The sense for the 5th chakra is hearing. Chanting, singing, speaking, reading aloud are all good for the 5th chakra. The vibrations of all these things affect the body down to the cellular level.
The glands/organs/body parts associated with the 5th chakra are:
Thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, throat, tongue, larynx
The element for the 5th chakra is ether/space. It is connected to the cosmos, which consists of these elements.
Deficient energy in the 5th chakra can cause neck and shoulder problems, jaw disorders, throat problems, an under active thyroid and a fear of speaking.
On the other hand, excessive energy in the 5th chakra can cause hearing problems, inability to listen, excessive talking and an overactive thyroid.
The color for the 5th chakra is blue, as the color of the sky.
The food for this chakra is fruit and prana (air).
Yoga poses that are good for the 5th chakra are neck and shoulder stretches, Camel pose, Bridge pose and Plow pose.
6th Chakra
“Ajna" is the Sanskrit word for the 6th chakra. It means "beyond wisdom." It has also been translated to mean "the perception center."
The 6th chakra is located between, and just above, the eyes. It is often referred to as the "third eye." This chakra deals with visualization, intuition, imagination and telepathy.
Organ/parts of body associated with the 6th chakra:
Pituitary gland, eyes, head, lower brain
The emotion for the 6th chakra is "knowing", an intuitive type of knowing. When this chakra is dominant, one may have clairvoyant abilities...being able to see things that others can't.
The color is purple/violet, both spiritual colors.
When the energy in the 6th chakra is excessive, it can cause headaches, hallucinations, nightmares and difficulty in concentrating.
But when the energy is deficient, there may be eye problems, poor memory, inability to visualize.
Yoga poses for the 6th chakra are supported forward bends and also eye exercises. Doing positive visualizations can also strengthen this chakra.
7th Chakra
The Sanskrit name for the 7th chakra is "Sahasrara", meaning "thousandfold." The 7th chakra is represented by a 1000-petaled lotus, which symbolizes the infinite nature of this chakra, connecting us with the Divine.
The 7th chakra is located at the crown of the head and serves as the crown of the entire chakra system, symbolizing the highest state of enlightenment. The function of the 7th chakra is connection with the infinite. In art, Christ is depicted with a halo around his head. This could represent the awakened spirituality of the 7th chakra.
The element of the 7th chakra is thought/cosmic consciousness. The mind creates our belief systems that control our thoughts and actions.
Gland/part of body associated with the 7th chakra:
Pineal gland, upper brain
The 7th chakra is sometimes associated with the color violet, but it is usually referred to as the color white, a combination of all colors. This is in line with the chakra also being a culmination of all the other chakras.
Excessiveness in the 7th chakra appears as being overly intellectual.
Deficient energy manifests as difficulty thinking for yourself, apathy, spiritual skepticism and materialism.
Meditation is the yogic practice best for the 7th chakra. Meditation clears and quiets the mind, in preparation for experiencing the Divine.
Psychological Aspects Of Yoga Asanas
In yoga classes the body is moved forward, backward and laterally. Twists, inversions and balance poses are also done. Each of these movements affects the body in a psychological way. Listed below are the psychological aspects of each movement.
Forward Bending
Listening
Humility
Trust
Surrender
Lateral Bending
General resiliency in life
Flexibility
Ability to dodge, change direction
Twisting
Helps to look at and accept the past
Versatility
Backward Bending
To do a thing to the extreme, to bend over backward
Aggression
Inversion
Try new things, less fixed
Change in attitude
Confidence
Balance
Control of emotions and reactions
Balance of mind and body
Stamina, staying power
Savasana
Turning loose of control, letting go
Trust
Yoga Information
There are many different schools of thought on yoga. There are also a variety of styles from which to choose. Click any of the links on the left to learn more about a particular style. If you are new to yoga, you might find the following information interesting and helpful.
Did you know?
Yoga is over 5000 years old.
Yoga originated in India.
"Yoga" is a Sanskrit word, which means "to yoke" or "to bind."
"Asana" is what the yoga postures are called.
Several asanas done in succession without a break or pause is called a "vinyasa." Sun Salutation is an example of a vinyasa.
Yoga should be done on an empty stomach. Prior to practicing yoga, you should only eat something light, at least two hours before the class.
Loose, comfortable clothing should be worn to do yoga.
Yoga increases flexibility, lowers stress, and increases your energy level.
Yoga is a process-oriented activity. The idea is to focus awareness on exactly what you are doing in the moment, to be mindful.
Yoga coordinates the breath with movement, allowing you to fully experience the stretch. Yoga is not about simply completing a stretch so that you can move on to the next one. It is about being present in the moment.
Yoga is not about competition or comparing. When practicing yoga, one goes within, being aware of what is happening inside the body. Whatever the body can do in a yoga session is exactly what it should be doing. One accepts without judging.
As you continue practicing yoga, you may find that yoga can lead to a journey within yourself.
You may find the link between the body, mind and spirit to offer a new area of inner growth and self-understanding.
The Importance Of Breath In Yoga
From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we breathe. We measure life by breath. Breath is more important to us than either food or water. We can go weeks without food, days without water, but only minutes without oxygen. With each breath, we exchange carbon dioxide from inside our bodies for oxygen molecules from the surrounding air. If this process is interrupted for more than a few minutes, the brain becomes starved for oxygen and undergoes irreversible damage.
Breathing affects every system of our bodies and also has a general effect on our memories, our energy levels, and our concentration. Everything we do, the pace we keep, the feelings we have and the choices we make are influenced by the breath.
The rhythm of our breathing varies according to our activities and our feelings. It quickens with physical exertion or emotional upset and it slows down during sleep or periods of relaxation. As an experiment, try to be aware of your breathing when you are excited, angry, surprised and relaxed and notice how it changes.
The majority of people breathe incorrectly and are not aware of it. Instead of breathing deeply, bringing the air down to the bottom of the lungs, where the richest blood supply is, the breath is very shallow, only bringing the air into the uppermost part of the lungs.
How do we break this bad habit and restore healthy breathing in our bodies? One place to start is to become more aware of your breath and evaluate the quality of it. Ask yourself, "where do I feel my breathing?" Can you feel where your breath originates? Do you feel particular areas of your body where the breath is more noticeable, such as the nostrils, the chest or the abdomen?
Just be aware of what you feel and notice and do not analyze.
"What does my breathing feel like?" What is the quality of your breathing? Is it rough, labored, jerky or rhythmic? Does it feel smooth or mechanical?
Observe a baby breathe and you will see the tummy rise and fall with each breath. This is diaphragmatic breathing, the way we all initially breathed. The diaphragm is a dome shaped muscle that lies just below the rib cage. As we inhale, it presses downward and as we exhale, it contracts upward, forcing the air out of our lungs. To properly breathe diaphragmatically, the belly should be relaxed so as to accommodate the downward expansion of this muscle.
A good way to experience this is to place your hand on your abdomen, take a deep breath in and feel the movement. That's why this type of breathing is sometimes referred to as "belly breathing." If your are not accustomed to relaxing your belly, you may find first attempts to breathe in this way to be frustrating and confusing. With perseverance, it will become natural.
Begin to be aware of your breath and notice if you are using your diaphragm or just bringing the breath into the uppermost part of your lungs. Where is the most movement, in the abdomen or in the chest? Practice bringing the breath down deep into the lungs, feeling the abdomen expand as the diaphragm moves downward. Take a few "breath breaks" during the day and practice some deep breathing.
Deep breathing is an excellent tool for keeping our bodies in optimum health and reducing stress levels, thus warding off such things as heart disease and high blood pressure. Most modern scientific and medical research supports the belief that proper breathing is a cornerstone to our well-being.
Complete Breath
This breath maximizes the use of the lungs, increases the oxygen level in the body and calms the mind.
Sit up tall, in a comfortable position.
Inhale, expanding the abdomen, opening the ribs and lifting the shoulders.
Exhale, contracting the abdomen, relaxing the ribs, and lowering the shoulders.
Repeat.
Lengthening The Exhale
This breath increases lung capacity and activates a relaxation response in the body. It is a great breath to lower the stress level quickly.
Inhale gently and naturally while counting. (Make the count as long as is comfortable for you).
Exhale slowly, taking twice as long to empty the lungs.
Repeat. As the inhale lengthens, lengthen the exhale.
A simple way to start is to inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 8 counts.
Four Parted Breath
This breath can be done using different counts, depending on the lung capacity. It develops the lungs and also activates relaxation in the mind and the body. It's good for lowering the stress level in the body.
Inhale to a count of 5.
Retain the breath for a count of 5.
Exhale for a count of 5.
Hold the breath out for a count of 5.
Repeat.
<3
Thursday, August 13, 2009
33=<3
I am 33 today. I find myself sitting at work a bit dazed. I brought cupcakes to share and there was this little voice kind of whispering ego-centered things.....and I just kindly....softly encouraged gratitude and that right now is the opportune time to share as much as I am able...with the wisdom of all my experiences as a backdrop matte painting...scenes of all the cataclysmic events that helped mold me to who I am...now..
Stories come to mind of who I used to be. And they'll haunt me..showing up through friends...walks on the beach....old songs....people from my past...
And I reflect on what I used to do. Those old patterns of habitual self-deprivation, destruction, disconnection...
And I address the stories...the voices....the old versions of me every day...hoping that they all know it's all part of the journey...
.....awaken.....awareness......enlighten........evolution.....
...change......openness.....wisdom.......forgiveness..............
.........compassion.......goddess.......warrior........unconditional love........
This gift I give freely...
to you
and most importantly
to myself....
Munay.......
Stories come to mind of who I used to be. And they'll haunt me..showing up through friends...walks on the beach....old songs....people from my past...
And I reflect on what I used to do. Those old patterns of habitual self-deprivation, destruction, disconnection...
And I address the stories...the voices....the old versions of me every day...hoping that they all know it's all part of the journey...
.....awaken.....awareness......enlighten........evolution.....
...change......openness.....wisdom.......forgiveness..............
.........compassion.......goddess.......warrior........unconditional love........
This gift I give freely...
to you
and most importantly
to myself....
Munay.......
Monday, August 10, 2009
Looking alike
I was at lunch today, eating my veggie burrito at Snapper Jack's when I watched a family sit down in the booth in front of me. First, I saw the two children (boy and girl) running around obliviously happy as healthy and loved children can be. The little girl was wearing a
hello kitty t-shirt and the little boy a green spiderman tee. Both were adorable.
And before you scream 'biological clock', let me refute it. I think I just missed my family. I miss that weird, comforting feeling of looking around a room and having that unsaid connection with individuals that resemble you...and are inexplicably tied to you by blood.
My relations with my immediate family have been somewhat strained. My parents...estranged. I'm working on it though. It hasn't been easy and watching that micro-mini filipino family just made me realize what I miss..and what will never transpire again.
My brother's wedding was a few days ago. I didn't go. I had a good excuse...the monetary kind...but there was this other part of me that didn't want that lonely feeling to amplify. That 'looking from the outside in' perspective that I know would've evolved. Even in the company of my own flesh and blood...I still don't feel like I fully belong. At times, in the presence of my dear sisters and friends....I feel the same way. And I know I'm not alone.
That's comforting...at least.
Is that why some people procreate? To try and re-capture that feeling and/or sense of family? To try and fill that gaping hole that was never filled in childhood or adulthood?
As I prepare for my celebration of 33 years, I contemplate my life..my existence. I wonder what my future will hold..if the visions I've seen will come into fruition and if this gaping hole I've had inside me will ever be filled...
I do know this...
No one else can fill the emptiness.
No one else is responsible for my happiness.
And I know I'm never alone...
....even if it feels that way sometimes.....
hello kitty t-shirt and the little boy a green spiderman tee. Both were adorable.
And before you scream 'biological clock', let me refute it. I think I just missed my family. I miss that weird, comforting feeling of looking around a room and having that unsaid connection with individuals that resemble you...and are inexplicably tied to you by blood.
My relations with my immediate family have been somewhat strained. My parents...estranged. I'm working on it though. It hasn't been easy and watching that micro-mini filipino family just made me realize what I miss..and what will never transpire again.
My brother's wedding was a few days ago. I didn't go. I had a good excuse...the monetary kind...but there was this other part of me that didn't want that lonely feeling to amplify. That 'looking from the outside in' perspective that I know would've evolved. Even in the company of my own flesh and blood...I still don't feel like I fully belong. At times, in the presence of my dear sisters and friends....I feel the same way. And I know I'm not alone.
That's comforting...at least.
Is that why some people procreate? To try and re-capture that feeling and/or sense of family? To try and fill that gaping hole that was never filled in childhood or adulthood?
As I prepare for my celebration of 33 years, I contemplate my life..my existence. I wonder what my future will hold..if the visions I've seen will come into fruition and if this gaping hole I've had inside me will ever be filled...
I do know this...
No one else can fill the emptiness.
No one else is responsible for my happiness.
And I know I'm never alone...
....even if it feels that way sometimes.....
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Message to...
Xxxvxx,
Je veux etre avec toi, quand le temps a raison.
C'est pur toi que je suis la', toujours.
Il n'y a qu'un bonheur dans la vie, c'est d'aimer et d'etre aime'.
L'espoir pour vous voir bientôt, ma cherie...
<3
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Fantastical Reality
"I'm sure you're better as a fantasy than actual reality."
I heard those words on the steps of a museum in LA. Xxxx and I were waiting in line to fully experience the 'interactive art installation'.
It stunned me. The total disregard for feelings. The inconsideration. And the absolute truth of how people perceive life...like one long horrible reality TV show...or drawn out rom com...for example.
And what has become of our human interaction and perception? What has the human experience transcended to when it comes to actual emotions?
We break up relationships through text messages. We have email now (when was the last time you received a letter in the mail?). We can peruse through profiles and 'shop' for dates on Match.com, E harmony, My Space, etc.
There's such a disconnection on that personal level...you know?
Remember when you were a kid and if you wanted to hang out with your best friend down the street? You would just go and knock on the door, right? Yeah, now we have interactive video games that allow us to 'talk' to our friends clear across the continent. Amazing on some levels. Daunting on others.
I guess I'm reminiscing on the old days of climbing trees and playing in the middle of the street. The times of an archaic technology, before the days of the cell phone, Xbox and Jenna Jameson's replicated vagina.
And I realized on Sunday, how important it was to actually see your friends and loved ones...face to face. To forgo the electronic leash, to resist the urge to Twitter on your day...to just listen to the sounds of the ocean and relish the present company..whoever it may be...
..................and for Symmetry's sake.....we come full circle in the Fantastical Reality of right now...
The muse of today's rant...how we all strive for the 'ideal'.
The 'ideal' partner, job, life...
How, at times, we get so wrapped up in the fantasy of our desires that we're oblivious to the fact that the reality of the situation is a direct contrast of what we perceive.
How, at times, we fall in love with someone's potential or 'idea' than the actual reality of who they are now. Presently. Not who you foresee them being 5/10 years from now...
How, at times, we think Forever will be the end all, be all of the 'Happily Ever After'...and in actuality...there is no Forever. There's only Right Now.
It's funny. Trying to sift through all the bullshit. Contemplating and analyzing. Coming to some realizations of how we truly perceive things....
Aww...fuck it..
I'll just wave my magic wand.
Giggle into the Dawn.
And smile to myself.
Knowing...
we can blend both Fantasy and Reality.
That I'm better as I am...
................... because I'm experiencing a reality that's fuckin' fantastic.
Own it.
Embody it.
Your very own world.
It's yours for the taking.
I heard those words on the steps of a museum in LA. Xxxx and I were waiting in line to fully experience the 'interactive art installation'.
It stunned me. The total disregard for feelings. The inconsideration. And the absolute truth of how people perceive life...like one long horrible reality TV show...or drawn out rom com...for example.
And what has become of our human interaction and perception? What has the human experience transcended to when it comes to actual emotions?
We break up relationships through text messages. We have email now (when was the last time you received a letter in the mail?). We can peruse through profiles and 'shop' for dates on Match.com, E harmony, My Space, etc.
There's such a disconnection on that personal level...you know?
Remember when you were a kid and if you wanted to hang out with your best friend down the street? You would just go and knock on the door, right? Yeah, now we have interactive video games that allow us to 'talk' to our friends clear across the continent. Amazing on some levels. Daunting on others.
I guess I'm reminiscing on the old days of climbing trees and playing in the middle of the street. The times of an archaic technology, before the days of the cell phone, Xbox and Jenna Jameson's replicated vagina.
And I realized on Sunday, how important it was to actually see your friends and loved ones...face to face. To forgo the electronic leash, to resist the urge to Twitter on your day...to just listen to the sounds of the ocean and relish the present company..whoever it may be...
..................and for Symmetry's sake.....we come full circle in the Fantastical Reality of right now...
The muse of today's rant...how we all strive for the 'ideal'.
The 'ideal' partner, job, life...
How, at times, we get so wrapped up in the fantasy of our desires that we're oblivious to the fact that the reality of the situation is a direct contrast of what we perceive.
How, at times, we fall in love with someone's potential or 'idea' than the actual reality of who they are now. Presently. Not who you foresee them being 5/10 years from now...
How, at times, we think Forever will be the end all, be all of the 'Happily Ever After'...and in actuality...there is no Forever. There's only Right Now.
It's funny. Trying to sift through all the bullshit. Contemplating and analyzing. Coming to some realizations of how we truly perceive things....
Aww...fuck it..
I'll just wave my magic wand.
Giggle into the Dawn.
And smile to myself.
Knowing...
we can blend both Fantasy and Reality.
That I'm better as I am...
................... because I'm experiencing a reality that's fuckin' fantastic.
Own it.
Embody it.
Your very own world.
It's yours for the taking.
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