Chakra yoga: a mindful practice

If you know anything about chakras, you know how intriguing they are as tools for personal growth and change. These amazing energy centers are like little buttons you can press in order to make yourself feel a certain way, or un-make/release unpleasant feelings. Admit it - isn't there some part of you that thinks, when taking the chakra test or reading a great book about them, "maybe this is the way my problems will be solved"? 

I certainly felt that way about chakras when I first discovered them 10 years ago at a yoga training. At 24, I leaned slightly - OK, maybe excessively - toward things that I could quantify, things that helped me intellectually understand life. However, I hadn't yet discocvered the uncanny power of being present and just allowing things to be. And of course, this is really what yoga is all about.

Chakras aren't just buttons to press; tempting as it would be, especially as a yoga teaher, to market them as such. I could go there, and believe me, people have - with their bright colors and (seemingly) distinct psychological and physical traits, it's easy to present chakras as a way to systematically unravel all one's physical and emotional knots, whether it be through a special workshop, class, or one-on-one healing technique. Or, I suppose, through yoga poses. And, since I happen to be preparing to delve into a series of posts on yoga poses for the chakras, I guess it's time to get clear! Yes, I suppose it is.


When working with chakras, mindfulness and allowing are just as important as when stretching muscles. But working with chakras is a little more intellectual than stretching muscles. If you know enough about chakras to want to practice chakra yoga, you invariably know the aspects of each chakra such as colors, elements (earth, water, etc) emotions, and affirmations. With that knowledge, you begin to know exactly what you'd like to achieve when working with a specific chakra. But even with that knowledge, it's important to maintain an attitude of openness, especially when working with chakras that are closed down.

Next time you're working with a chakra, I want you to try something. First, calm your mind. You can do this through a regular asana practice. Or try this: Breathe deeply into your heart for several minutes and allow your thoughts to flow from your head into the peace of your heart. When you get the sense that your heart is energized, send some of that energy to the area that feels blocked. This should be more of a felt experience, like moving a muscle. Distracting thoughts usually indicate that you are unconsciously backing away from a feeling or sensation. See if you can be open to whatever is there. Similar to stretching, do this to your level of tolerance, which could be as little as 10 seconds, up to a few minutes. You'll know it's time to come out by one of two signals: either the feeling dissipates, or it transforms. Also, if you feel overwhelmed, it's OK to stop and maybe try again later. Thank your body and take a restful pose.