We’re continuing our exploration of Unity Consciousness and the Chakras as we move up the spine to the Sacral/Pelvic chakra. There are different parts of the body where this chakra is said to reside—the sacrum at the base of the spine, the pelvic bowl, just below the navel or the womb. Its name in Sanskrit is Svadisthana which means “one’s own dwelling place.” This makes me wonder: What energies do we carry in the lower abdomen that connect us to our true selves?

Svadisthana chakra is associated with many interrelated energies--

Creativity, or expressing ourselves through art, music, decorating, cooking, work projects, hobbies, etc. Through our creativity we can express our deepest commitments.

Intimacy, being genuine and appropriately sharing our true selves with others.

Pleasure and enjoyment, or the ability to let go, have fun, and not take ourselves too seriously.

In Yoga philosophy, Svadisthana chakra is associated with the water element. We use water to cleanse, nourish and purify. Water is at its best when it can move and flow because water that does not move becomes stagnant. All reminders that our true selves are healthiest when we keep energy flowing gracefully through body and mind.

A favorite pose that connects us with this chakra is Extended Side Angle, or Utthita Parsvakonasana. Stand in Mountain Pose and turn sideways on a sticky mat. Step the feet wide apart to a comfortable distance. Turn the left leg in 45 degrees and turn the right leg out 90 degrees. Keep the back leg straight and bend the front knee. With palms together in front of the heart space, turn the upper body toward the left and look over the left shoulder. Reach the left arm over the back leg parallel to the floor. Turn the head to the right and reach the right arm over the front leg parallel to the floor. With an exhalation, bend the front elbow and bend to the right side until you can rest your forearm on the front thigh. Bend the top elbow to place the hand on the shoulder. Open the left arm pit and slide the shoulder blade toward the spine. Now reach the top arm over the head so the upper arm is almost touching the top ear. Hold for 5-7 breaths. Lift out of the pose, turn the legs to center, and practice on the second side.

Self-inquires for Svadisthana Chakra: How do I express myself creatively? When was the last time I had a genuine and meaningful encounter with someone? What made this encounter so genuine and meaningful? Remembering a time when I was able to “go with the flow,” what qualities did I bring to the experience that I might be able to repeat again in the future? Do I need more fun in my life? If so, how could I make this happen?

We’re continuing our series on Unity and the chakras by beginning our journey at the base of the spine, the location of the Muladhara Chakra known as the “root.” Root is a good name for it because the energy of this chakra literally roots us into the earth from the base of the spine through the legs and into the feet.

In Yoga, the best pose for experiencing this energy is Vrksasana or Tree Pose. Take a moment to stand up for this pose. Maybe stand near a chair or wall for support. Stand well on both legs first (Tadasana or Mountain Pose) feeling stable, steady and grounded. Then shift the weight into one leg without collapsing into the hip. Bend the opposite knee and lift the leg a little or a lot. Rotate the knee out to the side just 45 degrees and place the foot against the standing leg. The standing leg grows energetic roots into the earth. The bent knee is the taproot that reaches along the ground for nourishment. Lift the arms like branches to receive the warmth of the sun.

What do we discover about unity consciousness when we contemplate the Root Chakra?

We are all dependent upon this one Earth to provide all of our needs

We humans share Earth with many other animal and plant species who are also dependent upon the Earth for sustenance

We are responsible for keeping our earthly home clean, healthy and safe

Our history is rooted in our experience of the land where we grew up

Our physical bodies are made of the earth and, after death, our bodies will return to the earth

To continue this contemplation, you might enjoy spending time in Nature, remembering your ancestral home, practicing Cat/Cow and Tree Pose, and ending in Savasana (Corpse Pose) to acknowledge that we’re all just passing through.

Yoga means “union,” but what exactly is being united? When we’re doing a yoga practice—asana or postures—we’re uniting breath with movement. When practicing alternate nostril breathing—called nadi shodhana—we are uniting right and left, warm and cool, masculine and feminine. When we are sitting in meditation, we are uniting the individual self with higher consciousness.

I began this discussion in the last post called “Unity” where I explained the philosophical view that we are all seeking unity and offered some ways to experience unity. Now I wish to embark on an exploration of how the chakras support our quest for unity consciousness through meditation.

Most yoga students are aware of the “wheels” of energy known as chakras. There are over 100 chakras in and around the body, but the ones we find most useful are the six chakras that rest along the spinal column at the tip of the tailbone, pelvis/sacrum, solar plexus/navel, heart center, throat center and third eye/just above the eyebrows. The space above the head is often called the crown chakra, but technically it is not a chakra but rather an opening to transcendence (however you define or understand it).

In upcoming posts we’ll explore the individual chakras, but for today we’ll look at the two things that bind them together. The first is the central energetic channel that rises from the tip of the tailbone to the top of the head. It’s called the sushumna and can be visualized as a tube through which energy can flow up and down as well as out into the body and the aura that surrounds the body.

The second is the sacred sound OM, the sound that brought all things into being at the beginning of time and which continues to bind us all together. Did you know that sophisticated listening devices record a humming sound in the earth, at the bottom of the sea and even in deep space? The vibration is 136.1 Hz, the vibration of OM.

To experience unity consciousness today, find a quiet place to sit for 5-10 minutes. Whether cross-legged on the floor or in a chair, sit up to lengthen your spine. Listen to your breath for a minute or so. Next visualize the central channel along the spine filled with the white light that is moving energy. Listen for the sound of OM filling the channel. You can even repeat OM quietly with your breath or silently in your mind. You are one with everyone and everything. Express gratitude for this deep truth. When you are ready to transition out, return to listening to your breath. Stand up slowly and return to the day carrying with you this profound realization of unity consciousness.

Chakras are marvelous energy centers in the body that are so revered in the yoga tradition. Just recently someone asked me how and why the chakras work, so let’s take some time to check in with the chakras.

Everyone is familiar with GROSS anatomy of the body. Gross anatomy is what we can see with our eyes and touch with our hands. We know where the arms and legs are located and we are aware of the various organs, muscles, bones and connective tissues that make up the body. A concept that may be new to most people, however, is SUBTLE anatomy of the body—those parts that cannot be seen or touched, not even in an autopsy.

Chakras are part of the subtle anatomy of the body. No one can see the chakras with their eyes or touch them with their hands. But many can sense them through an exchange of energy. Energy can feel warm, cold, tingly or magnetic. Some really talented people can even “see” the colors of chakras emanating from the places in the body where they are said to exist.

Try this: Hold one or both palms in the front of the center of the chest. Keep the palms a few inches away from and facing the chest. Close your eyes and notice any sensations you feel in your palms. After a minute or two, think about someone you love or for whom you have very positive feelings. Does this change the sensations you feel in your palms? If so, you have just felt the activation of your Heart Chakra, the center of love, empathy and compassion in your body.

In yoga we generally work with seven chakras which are situated parallel to the spine. Over many years, some agreement has arisen as to where they’re located, what colors are associated with them, what parts of the gross anatomy they are associated with, and how their state of balance or imbalance affects one’s emotions and attitudes.

Some agreement has also arisen about ways to work with the chakras that can bring more consistent balance to one’s energy. These tools include yoga poses, meditations, special sounds known as mantras, aromatherapy with essential oils and plant fragrances and colors through gemstones.

Enhance the subtle energy of your Heart Chakra this week by practicing a backbend, repeating the affirmation “I am lovable and I am loving,” bringing the colors green and pink into your environment, and breathing the scent of fresh-cut flowers.

How does it feel to be in touch with your center of Love?