Last week Saturday we did part three of the Chakra Balancing Course at Yoga with Nicci. The chakras in focus was Anahat and Vishudda directly following Manipura and Svadhistana chakra.
This particular Saturday had potential to become rather chaotic as I was co-hosting an arm balance workshop with my friend and colleague Sandi at 10am – yes a short 30 min after the chakra course finished. Luckily I am getting good at squashing multiple things into short amounts of time so it all went well!
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I think working with the Anahata chakra used to be something I was dreading, but after my teacher training this chakra has been one of the most open and balanced chakras in my body. Its very strange to me because before that this was truly a difficult subject. However, the last year and a bit this has become like child’s play – which is both very energizing and a bit scary. Takes time to get used to!!
ANAHATA CHAKRA
PIC CREDIT: Satyakam Sharma
1. To start balancing your Anahata chakra sit comfortably in stillness for a few moments and start concentrating on the heart chakra and what it means to you personally. Move your focus to your emotional state, observe, acknowledge and let it be but keep it in mid as you go through this practice. Start visualizing this green glowing disc spinning freely in your chest.
2. Having picked a few poses – and a flow beforehand (preferably one you know quite well like regular Sun Salutations so that you can flow through it freely without having to think too much!) – slowly start moving your body from your seat. Maybe star with a few free-flowing cat-cow movements to start opening your heart. Anahatasana or puppy stretch is also a great heart opener that goes well with your sun salutations. Other poses that opens your heart includes: wheel pose, floor bow, uward facing dog and reversed plank.
3. Always move with a speed that accommodates you. Some days we like moving faster and other days slower is better. Do your thing for as long as you want to and end off your practice with a few moments of guided meditation if that suites. Otherwise sending love and good vibes to people around you is always a great way to end off.
4. Some people like keeping a journal while they do a course like this. Maybe that is for you, maybe not. Here is a few nice guiding questions I got from Nicci that you might want to ask yourself while journaling:
# How do I show myself love and compassion?
# How do I give love and compassion to others?
# In what ways am I generous/stingy?
# What am I grateful for in this moment?
# How can I cultivate empathy for people close to me as well as acquaintances and even strangers?
VISHUDDHA CHAKRA
PIC CREDIT: Satyakam Sharma
1. To start balancing your Vishuddha chakra start on your back in a comfortable position. This chakra is directly linked to the sounds we produce to communicate which means that it is for many of us the chakra that is maybe most open because we are constantly using this are ato communicate with other people. Take a few seconds to check your feelings towards this chakra – have you had trouble explaiing yourself or communicating lately? Also how does your throat and neck feel? What can you feel that is physically happening in and around your throat? Try not to judge these discoveries but rather acknowledge them.
2. As you are getting comfortable and more relaxed start introducing the Humming Bird breath – a natural humming in the back of your throat happening on your outbreath. Try to let go of controlling the sounds that come out when you do this – let it be what it is. There is no right or wrong sound here!Repeat this as many times as you feel necessary.
3. A few asanas that is great when you are working with your throat chakra is: Bridge, shoulder stand, viparita karani, Halasana, Savasana. Spend the time you need in each of them while you visualise a blue spinning disc in your throat. Keep coming back to this visualization.
4. To end off the vishuddha practice find a guided meditation that works for you. Spend some time searching the internet – there are loads of them out there but guided meditation can be very personal so make the effort and fine one that works for you.
5. Some people like keeping a journal while they do a course like this. Maybe that is for you, maybe not. Here is a few nice guiding questions I got from Nicci that you might want to ask yourself while journaling:
# How do I express my unique creativity?
# What healthy/unhealthy [foods/drinks/information/ideas] am I consuming?
# How can I communicate my ideas, needs and wants clearly and compassionately?
# What are the qualities of my voice?
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Northern Lights Yoga 