Swadisthana, otherwise known as the "Sacral Chakra" is located in in our lower abdomen, right below the belly button and hips. As you can imagine this is a very sensitive or vulnerable area for most people. Makes me understand why this chakra represents our emotions, feelings, creativity, sexuality, and relationships....all very personal things.
During my classes a few weeks ago when this chakra was our focus point, I asked students to not only think of their connections with others, but to also delve into the relationship they have with themselves. Whether we like to think of our body image as a relationship, it truly is the longest long-term relationship you will EVER have! I've gotten to the point where in every class I cue students to not always focus on what a posture looks like in your particular body, but more on what it feels like. If you practice yoga or other types of physical activity this way, your body will thank you! Less injuries, less ego-driven activity, more body awareness/appreciation...the list of outcomes could go on & on!
"Just as water flows with ease, so should we."
The element of our sacral chakra is water. Now, I don't know about you all, but I usually imagine water as constantly free flowing (if allowed). So just as water flows with ease, our ability to relate to others should come relatively easy as well. We are human beings who NEED interaction from others; we cannot survive in this world entirely alone.
Unfortunately, we do experience negative emotions from time to time: Jealousy, guilt, possessiveness, and shame, along with others -- these make us think shutting people out is okay, and that being isolated is the best solution. Don't get me wrong, I definitely love my alone time every now and then, but being with my friends and family always lifts my spirits when I'm feeling low.
**Here's a tip: Try connecting with your loved ones the next time you rush to close out the world. Believe me, I'm still working on this myself..yoga teachers aren't always perfect, either! ;-)
"You have the right to feel."
No matter what, you always have the right to your feelings, whether it be a positive or negative emotion. We cannot control this basic human trait. However, this should not be confused with how we act as a result of a situation. We DO have control over our ACTIONS. We always have a choice to how we respond.
**Is there a particular emotion that leads you to a choice you wouldn't normally make? As a Dietitian, I often discuss emotional eating with clients (eating--or possibly restricting-- out of boredom, anxiety, stress, etc.) As a yoga instructor it may not be food or body image that resonates, but what about stress at work - How do you respond? Maybe you gossip, your motivation reduces, or something else. What about arguments with your spouse - do you say or do things you regret afterwards?
We all experience specific times in our lives when a feeling ruled our decision-making. Knowledge is definitely power when it comes to these situations, so you can be better equipped the next time around.
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If you are searching for yoga poses that relate to this chakra, hip openers are perfect asanas to practice, to tune into and help balance our relationships or emotions. Warrior II, Goddess Pose, and a Seated Butterfly Stretch all target this area, as does Child's Pose, Triangle, and Half Pigeon.
Below are also positive affirmations I found online that sum up this second energy body.
I FEEL
I acknowledge my uniqueness.
I am a sensual and creative being.
I attract only whole & nurturing relationship into my life.
My senses are alive & connected.
I embrace life with passion & feel abundant joy.
I am radiantly beautiful, healthy & strong.
SWADISTHANA.
I. FEEL.
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