Trust and Creativity

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.