The Sacral Chakra: Your Wisdom Center
By Jennifer Kelleher
A new month brings a new theme at Ocean Bliss Yoga. Svadhisthana, also known as the Sacral Chakra or Chakra 2, is your wisdom center and it is located in the lower belly and inner pelvis, about two finger widths below the navel. The Sanskrit word Svadhisthana means, “where your being is established.”
According to the ancient rishis who meditated on the chakra centers to determine their colors and symbols, Svadhisthana is the color orange, and its symbol is a six-petaled lotus flower surrounding a circle and a crescent moon. The lotus flower is a symbol of new beginnings, spiritual growth, and empowerment. Some say that the six petals of the flower represent the six negative qualities that one must overcome to open and purify this center of consciousness. They are: anger, jealousy, cruelty, hatred, pride, and desire. The crescent moon represents the relationship between the tides of water and the phases of the moon. It speaks of creativity, feminine energy, and emotions. Finally, the circle represents water (which is always flowing), the never-ending cycle of life, and the constant flow of energy that is necessary for balance and harmony. In sound healing, Svadhisthana is associated with the note of D.
The Sacral Chakra is about wise exchange, internal knowing, and presence. It is about wisdom and relationship. This month, I encourage you to get present and work on building an accessible relationship between the engaging personality and the Soulful Self. Let this relationship be playful, delightful, unconditional, and in the spirit of adventure. Also, I invite you to notice moments when you start to get serious or worried about outcomes. Understand that in these moments you have stepped out of purpose, for the purpose is always for you to experience your joyful, magnificent, and victorious self. The mind gets serious and worried when it is not tethered to the body. The body’s job is to anchor you here, so bring your attention to the body and take some deep belly breaths, which are great for activating your Second Chakra and infusing ease and grace into your actions.
To sum it up: (1) Svadhisthana has to do with emotional balance, vitality, sexuality, movement, grounding, and the creative womb. (2) The body parts associated with Svadhisthana are the bladder, prostate, womb, pelvis, nervous system, low spine, fluid function adrenals, and sex organs. (3) Some signs of an unbalanced Svadhisthana include impotence, frigidity, lower back pain, bladder issues, prostate issues, an unbalanced sex drive, emotional instability, and feelings of isolation. (4) Signs of a balanced Svadhisthana are trusting, expressiveness, being attuned to your own feelings, and creativity.
As you focus on the second center of consciousness, I invite you to challenge yourself: How many times each day can you turn tension into a relaxed and joyful breath? How many moments can you turn into joyful moments on the inside? Another way to strengthen and balance your Sacral Chakra is to take deep belly breaths regularly throughout your days. Next, open and harmonize through movement. Hip opening yoga poses, dancing with lots of hips involved, yin yoga, and slow flowing yoga are all great options. Additionally, express yourself creatively in whatever ways call you.
Some examples include: painting, creating music, dance, and writing. Finally, use positive affirmations related to Svadhisthana. For example: I am nurtured. My body is sacred. Creative energy flows through me freely. I attract people who treat me with respect. I enjoy pleasure in all areas of my life. I make space in my life for play. I embrace my vibrant sensuality and sexuality. I am a lovable and desirable being. I feel joyful, energetic, and alive. I embrace life with vigor and passion.
We invite you to come check out our newly remodeled studio space at Ocean Bliss Yoga, located on the third floor of the Belle Harbor Yacht Club. Parking available in the lot. Sign up for classes and workshops at oceanblissyoga.net. Contact me (Jen) with any questions at (917) 318-1168.
