THE CHAKRAS

At least once a year I lead my classes through a review of the chakras.  We know that every living thing has energy, so in the yogic tradition we too look at chakras, these energy centers, which can affect our physical and emotional health.  The seven circular swirling energy centers, aligned with the spine, run from the tailbone to the crown. Each chakra identifies with particular qualities, body areas, and functions. All are important to our holistic well-being.

A chakra has an associated color, an element, a sound or mantra, a mudra (hand gesture), and yoga poses.  The first chakra, for example, our root chakra or muladhara, is located at the base of the spine and deals with issues of physical survival, safety and security.  It relates to the earth and a red color.  It's chakra sound is LAM (L-A-A-A-M).  Yoga poses will focus in on grounding the feet and legs back with
the earth.  Affirmations for the chakra would include 'I am safe', 'I am centered and grounded'.