Welcome to the Chakra Series
We hear the word “chakra” thrown around in yoga and in other conversations, so what does it mean? For now, we can simply think of it as an energy center in our body with specific qualities and traits.
In this first portion of the Chakra series we will focus on the lower chakras, which relate to our deepest selves. These are: Root, Sacral and Solar Plexus. Each week we will focus on one moving from bottom to top, and the fourth week we will wrap all three together.
Save the date for Sunday, March 21st at 10am cst for the Chakra Workshop which will give deeper insight into what the Chakras are, and how they relate to our lives off the mat.
Short Welcome from Cass to the Chakra Series.
Chakra Workbook
This workbook is intended as an additional resource for you to dive deeper into the chakras and your relationship to them. See instructions on the first page and let Cass know if you have questions. Please note you will learn more about the Chakras at the workshop on March 21st.
Click on image to download workbook.
Chakra 1: Muladhara - Root
Feet & Legs. Connected to the Earth. Safe & Secure.
The first chakra is the Root. The steadiness of our foundation and security of the earth. Physically, the Muladhara chakra relates to our feet, legs and bones, the structure of our body and the ability to withstand challenges. In our life off the mat, the first chakra is related to feeling comfortable and safe at home, grounded in your choices and content where you are geographically. In Yoga we cultivate this energy by focusing on the legs, not only in grounded poses, but also when being challenged. You’ll notice in this week’s on-demand video. At home you can fortify your root chakra by cooking food for yourself, taking time to enjoy being at home, and slowing down when you are outside to feel the earth underneath you.
This first Chakra grounding yoga flow sneaks in challenges and encourages you to stay steady throughout.
The second chakra is the sacral area including the hips. Our creative energy and deep relationship to ourself. This is place of creation, creative flow, feminine energy and awakening. We intend to embody that in our yoga by moving freely, stirring up energy and staying connected to our deepest selves. You can activate your second chakra with free movement, creative expression (which can look how you want it to look!), listening to music and getting back into your body and out of your head. It is often both our and societies presumptions that can block off Sacral Chakra energy - and this week the idea is to stir that energy up with the intention to be and live more freely.
This vinyasa flow is intended to awaken your energy and relationship to yourself.
This is the place of motivation, determination and making decisions. It is also the center of clearing away some of the clutter with transformative energy. When you are overloaded with tasks, relationships to manage, and stress, it is easy to feel bogged down and without a clear path forward. When focusing on the core, think about the center of your being and the route you want to take. What are you moving towards? How will you get there? Deepening this understanding, reasserting your confidence that it is possible and taking small steps to get there is powerful and important work. You are so strong.
A warming yoga flow to bring heat and energy into the body. This is a balanced core practice with both challenge and ease.
We can focus on balancing single chakras, but as we know everything is interconnected, both in our body and in our life. This week we focus on all three ‘lower’ chakras, combining the personal identity energy together for resilience, strength and connection to who we are, where we are now and where we want to go. Feel the ground beneath you, the well of energy inside you, and the strength to make decisions and take action. And don’t forget the most important part - have fun while doing it all!
A warming yoga flow to bring heat and energy into the body. This is a balanced core practice with both challenge and ease.