​We’re making our way through the seven main chakras and considering their relationship to the endocrine system. Remember that each of these chakras is related to a gland in the endocrine system that secretes specific hormones for our health. 

This week we look at the second chakra, called either the pelvic chakra or the sacral chakra because it’s located in the pelvis and the sacrum. Its Sanskrit name is Svadisthana. Physically this chakra governs the pelvis, reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, colon and lower back. Emotionally, it is related to creativity, sexuality, pleasure and delight. It’s also linked to money, so any fears or concerns about finances can be felt in this part of the body.

The male and female reproductive organs secrete the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. As we age we secrete less of these hormones and many people—both male and female—are currently replacing these hormones through medical interventions.

Here are some ways that our Yoga practice supports our pelvic/sacral chakra as well as our reproductive hormones: 

• Lying down on our stomach in yoga class puts gentle pressure on a marma point called Nabhi. It’s actually a set of five marma points that start at the navel (nabhi means navel) then reaches out in an X pattern to the four quadrants of the abdomen. These points are considered the seat of prana, our life force, linking us to our innate and unlimited creativity. Remember this the next time you’re practicing Sphinx, Locust or Crocodile pose.

• Elevating the hips on a block, bolster or blanket brings emphasis to the reproductive organs and colon. At the same time, this position passively stretches the lower back. This gentle lift heals the lower abdominal organs and eases tension in the lower back. 

• Helpful yoga poses: Chair pose, Figure 4, Lord of the Dancer pose, Pigeon pose, Bound angle, Bridge pose, Savasana with hands on the lower abdomen

To follow up on our exploration of trust and creativity, I am sharing two quotes and two inquiries to spark creativity in your life this week. It’s a good week for this inquiry because of the total lunar eclipse on March 3. The moon will be full and shining a spotlight on our lives, asking you “What’s working and what is not?” The eclipse will turn the moon red, however, blurring the picture and making it harder for us to see what’s really happening. If we’re seeking solutions to a situation, we have the promise that the solution is on its way, even though we can’t see it right now. The message is to “trust.”

To practice, set aside some time when you will not be disturbed. Turn off distractions like notifications on phone and computer. Close the door to your room. Open your journal or have paper and pen nearby. Light a candle if that makes the space feel more sacred to you. Read one quote out loud and silently to yourself. Contemplate its meaning for your life. Repeat with the second quote. Spend the rest of the time writing in response to the inquiries. If it helps, set a timer for 5 minutes and write continuously, letting lots of words spill out of your mind and heart. The best advice I ever heard was “write as if you were being paid by the word.” When you’re done, place these writings somewhere you can find them again in the months ahead. The energy of the eclipse is active for six months!

Here are the quotes: 

“Yoga is a light, which once lit will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame.” -B.K.S. Iyengar

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” -Rumi

Here are the inquiries: 

1. What areas of your life are in need of more “light” and how can you bring more brightness to them?

2. How can you use your skills and organize your daily life to assist you in being more productive in meaningful ways?

We are continuing our series “Your Body on Yoga” as we journey through all the systems of the body to consider how yoga is good for every single one. This post and the last post are about the reproductive system, truly an underappreciated system of the body. You see, many of us think that the reproductive system has a very limited role in our lives, that it is only useful if we are sexually active and seeking to reproduce. But in yoga we don’t just look at these things from the physical viewpoint, but we widen our understanding to include emotional, mental, spiritual and especially the energetic viewpoint.

Our reproductive system is a powerful energy center of the body. In the ancient chakra system of Yoga it is connected to both the root (muladhara) and pelvic (svadisthana) chakras. In other words, the reproductive system carries the energies of trust and creativity.

Trust is an energy signature of the root chakra, located at the base of the spine and descending through the legs. Every couple trying to get pregnant knows that trust and relaxation are needed for nature to take its course. And certainly anyone who has been a victim or perpetrator of sexual abuse must confront the issue of trust.

Creativity is an energy signature of the pelvic chakra. Giving physical birth to a baby is one way, but not the only way, to be creative. Many other “babies” are birthed through starting a business, beginning a new project, writing a book or a song, etc.

Trust and Creativity are nurtured when we care for our reproductive system. Here are some practices that explore these relationships:

√ Meditation on the first two chakras using color: The colors associated with the first two chakras are red and orange. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position so that your spine is in neutral position. Take a few deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth to settle your nervous system and bring in you into the present moment. Bring your awareness to the base of your spine and imagine the color red beginning at the spine and moving down the legs into the feet, and perhaps even into the earth. Associate this color and any sensations you feel with the energy of Trust. Next see the color orange filling the whole pelvic bowl. Associate this color and any sensations you feel with the energy of Creativity. Stay with this meditation for as long as you like. When it is complete, take a deeper breath, rub your hands together and place them over the lower pelvis as a way to connect with your reproductive system. Slowly move your limbs and transition into the rest of the day.

Excellent yoga postures include:
√ Goddess pose
√ Tree pose
√ High crescent lunge
√ Warrior 1, 2 and 3
√ Bound angle, seated or with legs on the wall – If this position feels too sensitive or vulnerable, place a folded or weighted blanket over the pelvis.
√ Legs up the wall – If you like, place a small bolster or folded blanket under the pelvis to lift it up, because whenever we lift a body part in yoga we give it more emphasis and support.

As you connect with the unique energy signature of the reproductive system, you will surely realize a more healthy relationship to trust and creativity in your life. 

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?