The Solar Plexus Chakra

The Chakra Chapters: The Solar Plexus Chakra

Welcome to the third chapter in my series of deep dives into the chakras, let’s explore the third in the seven chakra system: the solar plexus chakra. If you missed the two previous stops on our chakra tour, you can learn about the Root Chakra here and the Sacral Chakra here

Located in the upper abdomen, just below the rib cage, the solar plexus chakra is associated with personal power, confidence, and the ability to manifest our desires. I must confess that this chakra is my weakest, and something that I am actively working on strengthening to enhance my core energy and connect more deeply with my personal power.

What is the Solar Plexus Chakra?

The fiery energy of the solar plexus chakra resides in the upper abdomen, nestled in the space between the navel and the diaphragm. This chakra is bathed in the glowing radiance of the sun, its vibrant yellow hues representing the warmth and vitality of the element of fire. It holds the key to unlocking our sense of personal power, self-esteem, and willpower, helping us to ignite the flames of our deepest desires. When in balance, we are filled with a sense of confidence, motivation, and empowerment, ready to take on the world with fiery determination. To bask in the energy of the solar plexus chakra, consider practices like visualisation, affirmations, or creative expression.

Solar Plexus Chakra Blockages

When the radiant energy of the solar plexus chakra is stifled, it can cause a blockage that can wreak havoc on our physical and emotional well-being. It’s like a dam blocking the flow of a powerful river, preventing its natural force from flowing freely. This can lead to a variety of physical symptoms, such as digestive issues, weight gain, and adrenal fatigue, as well as emotional ones, such as feelings of powerlessness, low self-esteem, and a lack of motivation.

It’s important to be mindful of the factors that can contribute to the blockage of our solar plexus chakra. This can include negative self-talk, toxic relationships, and a lack of self-care. To prevent blockages from occurring, one must cultivate self-love and set boundaries that honour our inner power. It’s time to awaken the fiery passion within and unleash our true potential.

Thankfully, there are many ways to prevent and release blockages in the solar plexus chakra. By practising yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature, we can connect with our inner power and strengthen our sense of self-worth. We can also engage in practices that stoke the flames of our inner fire, such as creative expression, journaling, or setting intentions that align with our highest purpose. Remember, the power of the solar plexus chakra resides within us, waiting to be unleashed.


Solar Plexus Chakra Blockages

How to Balance the Solar Plexus Chakra

Fasting 

Fasting is a powerful tool to help balance the solar plexus chakra. By abstaining from food, we allow our body to rest and rejuvenate, giving our digestive system a break from the constant demand of processing food. This allows us to tap into the deep well of energy within, cultivating our inner fire and connecting with our inner power. There are many different types of fasts, from intermittent fasting to juice fasting, so it’s important to find the right approach for your body and your needs. I sometimes like to combine fasting with meditation, to make the most of both practices.

Breath of fire 

Breathwork is an incredibly powerful practice with many healing abilities for our mental and physical health. The breath of fire is a powerful breathing technique used in Kundalini yoga to stoke the fires of the solar plexus chakra. To practise this technique, sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight, and begin breathing rapidly and rhythmically through your nose, pumping your belly in and out with each breath. This powerful breathwork can help to increase your energy levels, stimulate your digestive system, and clear any blockages in your solar plexus chakra.

Eating yellow foods helps keep your solar plexus chakra in balance!

Eating yellow foods 

A simple and delicious way to nourish your solar plexus chakra is to eat more yellow foods. Incorporating more of these sunny-hued foods into your diet can help to activate and balance this chakra, as they are associated with the colour of the solar plexus chakra itself. Yellow foods like bananas, squash, turmeric, and lemon are not only vibrant and pleasing to the eye, but they also contain nutrients that support digestive health and boost energy levels. By consuming yellow foods, you can tap into the healing power of nature and connect with the energy of the sun. 

If you want to take your solar plexus chakra balancing to the next level, consider incorporating a vegan or plant-based diet into your lifestyle. Eating a diet that is rich in whole, plant-based foods not only supports physical health, but it can also help to promote a more compassionate and mindful way of living. This can in turn help to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection with the world around us.

Chanting Ram

The sound vibration of chanting can be a powerful tool to help balance the solar plexus chakra. The mantra for this chakra is “Ram,” which is believed to activate and stimulate the energy of the solar plexus chakra. To practise chanting Ram, sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and repeat the sound of “Ram” aloud or internally. Allow the sound to resonate within your body, awakening your inner fire and strengthening your sense of personal power.

Abs stimulating workouts

Engaging in physical activity that targets the abdominal muscles can help to balance and activate the solar plexus chakra. Yoga posts like plank, bow and boat pose open the solar plexus, toning and strengthening the abdominal muscles, while also increasing blood flow and energy to your core. These poses allow us to tap into our inner fire, igniting our sense of self-worth and power. As we engage in these physical movements, we can envision a bright, yellow light radiating from our solar plexus, clearing any blockages and energising this chakra.

Crystals

The use of crystals is a common practice in chakra healing. For the solar plexus chakra, there are several crystals that can be used to balance its energy. Citrine is a popular choice, as it is associated with personal power, abundance, and joy. Tigers’ eye is also a great option, as it helps to boost confidence and self-esteem. Yellow calcite is another crystal that can be used to balance the solar plexus chakra, as it promotes a sense of courage and self-worth. Lastly, Libyan desert glass, also known as Libyan gold tektite, is a powerful crystal for the solar plexus chakra, as it helps to release any stagnant energy or blockages that may be present.

To use these crystals, you can simply place them on or near your solar plexus chakra during meditation or throughout the day. You can also carry them with you as a reminder of your intentions to balance your solar plexus chakra. If you’re feeling called to a certain crystal, trust your intuition and work with it in whatever way feels right for you.

Self-Reiki

Reiki is a form of energy healing that can be used to balance the chakras. With Reiki self-healing, you can focus on healing your own energy centres, including the solar plexus chakra. To do this, simply find a quiet and comfortable space where you can relax and focus on your breath. Place your hands on your solar plexus chakra and visualise a warm, healing energy flowing through your hands and into your chakra. You can also use symbols or affirmations to enhance the Reiki energy.

Self-Reiki can be a powerful tool for balancing the solar plexus chakra, as it allows you to connect with your inner power and promote self-healing. It can also help to release any negative emotions or thoughts that may be contributing to a blockage in this chakra. As a trained Reiki practitioner myself, I can attest to the healing benefits of this powerful ritual.


Self-reiki helps connect to your inner power and keep that energy balanced for self-healing.

The solar plexus chakra is all about tapping into your personal power and taking action towards your goals. Remember, the journey towards balance is unique for each individual, so trust in your own intuition and listen to your body’s wisdom. Ignite your inner fire, set your intentions, and take action towards your dreams. Your personal power awaits.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
Types of Smudge Sticks and How to Use Them

Types of Smudge Sticks and How to Use Them

 

Are you curious about the ancient practice of smudging? For centuries, various cultures have used smudge sticks for their spiritual and energetic benefits. These bundles of dried herbs, leaves and flowers are ignited and used to cleanse and purify the energy of objects and spaces. It’s like waving a magic wand, except instead of spells, you get to banish negative energy and fill your space with good vibes! 

As someone who practises spirituality and meditation, I use smudge sticks as a part of my daily rituals to deepen my connection with the divine and to create a sacred space for myself. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog how I use a smudge stick during my candle-gazing rituals, as they help guide me to a more transcendental state of mind for meditation. 

But that’s not all that smudge sticks can be used for! The possibilities are endless, from enhancing uplifting or peaceful energy, to cleansing spaces and raising vibrations. If you’re still curious to explore the vast potential of smudge sticks, then read on for more!

 

 

Smudge Stick - Dragons Blood Tree
Smudge Stick - Sage

Cleansed and Protected

Smudge sticks are an ancient and powerful tool used for a variety of purposes, but none quite as popular as cleansing and protection. When it comes to selecting a herb for this purpose, Sage reigns supreme. With a wide range of variations including Desert Sage, Cedar Sage, and the ever-popular White Sage, this herb has been revered by Indigenous tribes as a vital component of their spiritual ceremonies. And for good reason! Its potent aroma is known to repel negative energy and attract positivity, making it an essential addition to any sacred space.

But Sage isn’t your only choice when it comes to cleansing and protection – Juniper and Dragon’s Blood smudge sticks are also just as effective! Juniper is thought to have incredible protection qualities, with its smoke creating a barrier between yourself and negative forces. Dragon’s blood smudge sticks, made from the resin of Dragon trees, can help in strengthening your aura. 

To harness the powerful energy of these smudge sticks, I carefully light the end of the bundle and allow the fragrant smoke to permeate every corner of the space. I focus my intention on releasing any negative energy and welcoming in cleansing and protective energies to fill the space. I allow the sweet fragrance to envelope me, and take a deep breath, allowing myself to be fully present in the moment.

Raising Frequency

I often use Palo Santo as a smudge stick to raise my vibration and rid myself of negative energy. It’s said to have a high frequency, promote positivity and help with grounding. Palo Santo is native to South America and has been used for centuries by indigenous tribes in shamanic rituals. They share the belief that when the smoke of Palo Santo wood comes into contact with our personal energy field, the tree spirit within the wood eliminates negative thoughts and events, repels malevolent spirits, assisting in restoring a sense of harmony and equilibrium.

When I use Palo Santo as a smudge stick, it guides me into a state of transcendence that’s perfect for my meditation practice. As I light the stick, I envision my energy elevating while my spirit becomes more grounded in the present moment. The high frequency and positive energy of Palo Santo helps me feel more centred and connected to myself and the world around me.

Uplifting

When I’m looking to bring in new and uplifting energy, I turn to lemongrass as a smudge stick. Its refreshing and citrusy aroma is believed to enhance mental clarity and promote positive energy. Using lemongrass in my smudging rituals helps me clear out any negative energy and fill my space with a renewed sense of optimism and positivity.

To incorporate lemongrass into my smudging ritual, I light the end of the bundle and let the fragrant smoke waft throughout the entire space. As the smoke rises, I envision a renewed sense of energy and optimism permeating the atmosphere, uplifting my mood and bringing a fresh perspective to my day.

Calming

Lavender is a herb I use for my smudge sticks when I want to bring forth a calming energy. It has a soothing scent that can promote relaxation and peace. We’re all aware of how potent lavender is for aiding a good night’s sleep, hence its popular use in room sprays and essential oils. However, burning a bundle of dried lavender is a far better natural alternative, as it eliminates the harsh chemicals that are often added into synthetic products. 

When I want to invoke calming energy, I light the end of the bundle and let the smoke spread throughout the space, making sure to reach every corner. As part of my nightly rituals, I visualise peaceful and calming energy entering into my space to aid a restful and restorative night’s sleep.

 

 

 

Smudge Stick - Lavender

Loving

If you’re seeking to tap into the love frequency, using a rose smudge stick is a perfect avenue to take. It has a sweet and floral scent that can promote self-love, romantic love and friendship. Roses have been a timeless symbol of love, and are closely associated with goddesses’ such as Aphrodite and Venus. When used in a smudge stick, they can be a magical tonic for your heart chakra, allowing you to receive and give love unconditionally. 

When I want a boost of self-love, I light the end of the bundle and let the smoke spread throughout the space around me.  As the smoke rises, I visualise love and positive energy filling my heart chakra and the space around me.

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Smudge sticks can be a powerful tool for spiritual and energetic practices, helping to deepen your connection with yourself and the universe. I encourage you to experiment with different smudge sticks and find the ones that resonate with you the most. Remember to always set an intention when using smudge sticks and visualise the energy you want to bring into your space, be it a sense of love, tranquillity or to raise your vibrations.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
Spiritual Healing Plants: Amazonian Hapé and Sananga

Spiritual Healing Plants: Amazonian Hapé and Sananga

Spiritual Healing Plants

Amazonian Hapé (Rapé)

Also known as shamanic snuff, Amazonian Hapé is a psychotropic spiritual healing plant used for thousands of years in sacred rituals. Derived from a type of tobacco plant known as mapacho, Hapé isn’t to be smoked like cigarettes but instead administered through the nose.

While tobacco is the main component in Hapé, the final medicine is a mixture of other sacred healing plants. The exact mix of tree barks, leaves, seeds and roots also included is a closely guarded secret by each shaman, meaning each experience is slightly different depending on the combination of the other plants’ healing properties. The ingredients are combined and ground down with a pestle and mortar into a light-coloured powder before being strained through a fine mesh. 

Since Hapé is a psychotropic substance, it’s really important to pay attention to your set (mindset) and setting (physical environment). You want to create an internal and external space that feels safe and intentional. For your set, my advice is to go into the Hapé ceremony with a clear intention in mind. This could be to answer a question you’ve had, find guidance or deepen your connection with yourself. For your setting, choose a space that feels sacred to you with safe energy. If anything doesn’t feel right, it’s best to take a moment to pause, step back and only proceed if you feel comfortable doing so. 

Hapé v-shaped Kuripe pipe

It remains an ancient cultural practice that is still commonly used by Amazonian tribes to enhance their night vision while hunting, but it is fast becoming widely recognised for its additional spiritual healing benefits. These benefits include detoxifying your body, increasing visual perception, clearing pent-up anger, resetting your energetic field, treating ocular diseases and it can even be used in conjunction with other practices to heal depression, anxiety and addiction. 

Since the eyes are incredibly sensitive, administering Sananga can be uncomfortable, and I personally find it quite painful. However, the burning sensation only lasts a few minutes and is actually a big part of the ceremony and the plant’s healing powers. The ceremony leader will guide you through the pain with some deep breathing. Riding through the discomfort is worthwhile as you’ll reap the benefits of the endorphin rush that comes after. I usually experience a sense of detoxification, intense relaxation and overall feel much lighter emotionally and physically.

While it is a potent medicine, you can administer it yourself without a guided ceremony, so long as you double-check (and triple-check) your source is reputable and thoroughly educate yourself beforehand.

Since embarking on my spiritual healing journey, I’ve come to understand how integral it is for me to feel rooted. Connecting with the Earth on a deeper level helps me feel a sense of oneness and calm with myself, others and the world around me. Because of this, I have such a strong sense of gratitude for everything Mother Nature provides. And one of her many gifts is the power of healing plants.

I’ve enjoyed documenting my experience with spiritual healing plants and taking note of how each medicine makes me feel and draws me deeper into my inner self for some time now. In my last blog on the topic, I looked into the powers of Cacao and Blue Lotus, both of which are great if you’ve just started out experimenting with this type of healing. This blog, however, takes things a bit further by looking at slightly more potent plants: Amazonian Hapé and Sananga. 

Since both plants have the potential for more powerful spiritual transformations, I would advise you thoroughly research each medicine and read about other people’s experiences – which I hope this blog will help you with! When you’re confident in your decision, be mindful of your mental state and surroundings (which I go into more detail below) to make sure you feel as supported as possible to let the plants work their magic.

Hapé Tepi applicator instrument

As mentioned, Hapé is administered through the nose, but it’s not snorted or inhaled, instead, it is blown forcefully up the nostrils. If served by someone else they will use a Tepi applicator instrument, and if serving yourself then you’ll need to use a v-shaped Kuripe pipe. 

It’s administered first to the left nostril, signifying death and then to the right for rebirth. It can feel a little uncomfortable when it’s blown into the nose, but this passes, and you’ll quickly begin to feel the effects. It instantly opens and cleanses the pineal gland and relaxes the body. Personally, I find it calms me while raising my awareness, making it perfect before a meditation. 

It goes without saying, always seek out a reputable practitioner to administer or supply Hapé!

Sananga

Another Amazonian spiritual medicine, Sananga is made from the roots and bark of a shrub found in Brazil and the rest of South America. This healing plant is typically administered as a liquid eye drop, which is extracted by grinding the root and bark into a fine powder to release the juice. 

Spiritual Healing Plants: Amazonian Hapé and Sananga

While I have found that Amazonian Hapé and Sananga have helped me with spiritual healing, that’s not to say they are miracle cures! The journey to deepening your relationship with yourself is a long path you’ll likely be walking for the rest of your life. Plant medicines are just one of the many tools you can use to help you on your way to becoming at peace with yourself, so make sure to use them in combination with other spiritual practices and learning like meditation, movement or reading.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
Crystals for emotional healing

Crystals For Emotional Healing

Using crystals for emotional healing is an incredibly powerful practice, widely used to help us manage our feelings with the ability to dispel negative thoughts and bring to light our best qualities. Each crystal has its own unique abilities, which, when used in conjunction with other mindfulness practices, can help to guide us on our journeys of self-improvement.

The process of sourcing sustainable crystals is tricky business, however, as they continue to grow in popularity, so do the number of unethically and unsustainably sourced types. Be sure to check the small print so you know you’re buying from a credible and ethically sourced-provider. I recommend Moonrise Crystals who deliver internationally, or Dubai-based OOAKSTONES.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing a few of my favourite crystals, their properties, purposes, benefits and how I use them in my daily routine.

Rose Quartz

A pink-coloured crystal belonging to the mineral class of quartz, also known as hyaline quartz, rose quartz is a translucent crystal with a trigonal central system. It is one of the most abundant and inexpensive crystals – making it perfect for jewellery. 

With its blushed feminine hue, there’s no surprise that rose quartz represents love and compassion. This crystal will inspire you to love yourself, especially in times of loneliness and abandonment, and is a great tool for healing the heart. Rose quartz is ripe with emotional healing properties for negative feelings, too. It has the power to release bad emotions like grief, anger, jealousy, stress and rage, so you can convert them into joy and self-love instead.

Making the most of the stone’s compassionate energy, I like to keep rose quartz in my bedroom to increase the love vibrations. Since we’re 80% water and rose quartz is a very high-frequency crystal, I find placing it in my water every morning helps to set me on the right path for the day ahead. 

Jade Crystal

Amethyst

A purple variety of quartz, amethyst is a semiprecious stone with a glassy lustre and forms part of the hexagonal crystal system. Thanks to its ability to change under the influence of different lights and temperatures, the stone can evolve with the body and create a close connection with our life experiences. 

One of the most powerful gemstones of its kind, amethyst has strong healing properties and is known for its ability to purify, create serenity and overcome sadness. With its spiritual awareness and protective nature, it can balance your emotions making it a great stone to have by your side during a time of loss. Amethyst’s warming purple colour acts as a natural tranquiliser and a spiritual connection, believed to welcome intuitive energies and enhance our psychic abilities.

I tend not to use amethysts on my body when I’m feeling distracted as it can increase feelings of anxiety. Instead, I prefer to keep them in my bedroom as they help me reach a deep state of sleep and induce psychic dreams as I’m able to connect with my mind on a deeper level.

Moonstone Crystal for emotional healing

Amazonite

Amazonite, or  “The Hope Stone”, is a variety of potassium feldspar, in the microcline mineral class. Part of the triclinic crystal system, it has a  glassy lustre. It is mostly recognised for its cool blue or green colouring; a gentle colour scheme that reflects the earth’s natural beauty. Amazonite helps us to prioritise the good over the bad as it calls on our inner strength and commitment to apply that can-do attitude to everything we do.

Amazonite has the power to restore calm, ward off negative thoughts and grant a sense of peace. Replacing confusion with clarity, this gemstone can guide you through your emotional healing journey when you’re experiencing anger, fear or confusion. Helpful for those with past trauma, amazonite can soak up toxic attitudes – whether from yourself or others – and leave you with a clear path to let go of negativity.

This stone is also connected to the heart chakra, by allowing love to be given and received, and the throat chakra, to open up communication channels and create healthy boundaries. During my chakra healing regime, I like to place amazonite on my throat chakra and chant “HAM” to rebalance this part of my body and focus on the positive healing effects.

Carnelian Crystal for emotional healing
Rose Quartz Crystal

Jade

Identified by its tranquil shade of green, jade is another popular stone. A silicate mineral often synonymous with East Asian art, it is part of the jadeite class and has a monoclinic crystal system. Inspired by the ancient world, the stone is often placed within the home to cleanse the environment and create beautiful decorations, but can also be worn to ignite feelings of luck, happiness and energy for the user. 

Jade’s meaning translates to confidence, acceptance and health – whether that’s emotional, spiritual or physical. Mentally, the stone can encourage feelings of self-sufficiency and the need to dispel negative thought patterns so you’re able to love and accept yourself more easily.

Since rose quartz and jade both deal with compassion and heart healing, I like to combine these crystals and place them on my heart chakra to connect with their energies. My daily beauty routine utilises these crystals together, too, as they have significant benefits for the skin. Whilst rose quartz helps stimulate blood circulation and create a more natural glow, jade releases its healing powers when placed close to the skin.

Crystals for emotional healing

Moonstone

Part of the feldspar mineral group and an orthoclase stone, the moonstone is made of sodium potassium aluminium silicate which creates that pearly opalescent look. Deeply connected to the moon, this stone acts as a symbol of the goddess spirit, balancing feminine, hormonal energy. 

A powerful tool for creating emotional balance, this gemstone ensures you are moving in flow with the world around you and is known for helping to create new beginnings. Replacing feelings of overwhelm, the moonstone can create harmony with its naturally calming effects. Connected to the cosmos, the moonstone is deeply spiritual allowing you to connect with and heal the heart, third eye and crown chakras. 

My favourite is the peach moonstone, which helps to light up the dark to wash away fears and anxieties. I use this stone during my moon cycle to calm the cramps, as it has great healing powers for the female body. For me, the moonstone goes hand in hand with rose quartz, as both work in unison to calm female energies and increase feelings of compassion – I tend to keep both together in my bedroom and let them work their magic.

Amazonite Crystal

Carnelian

A member of the chalcedony family, carnelian is a silica mineral with a hexagonal crystal system and a glassy lustre. Known for its warm red and brown colouring, it is often referred to as ‘The Sunset Stone’. The stone was blessed by ancient Egyptians who tied the orange carnelian to feminine energy, the menstrual cycle and fertility. Whilst the red carnelian represents masculine energy and embracing new, emerging energies, this stone can stimulate feelings of love, passion and courage for its user.

A potent healing crystal, the carnelian is all about bringing your internal powers to light and giving you a bright burst of energy, banishing feelings of misplacement and fatigue. With the power to give you the drive you need to prosper and conquer – especially with tasks of a creative nature – it’s no surprise that it’s also considered ‘The Artist’s Stone’, encouraging feelings of spontaneity. Once your creative juices are flowing (and your spirit), you’ll be granted the power to let go of anger – which could have been holding you back. 

As the carnelian is a highly energising stone, I tend not to keep this one in my bedroom since that’s my space to relax and unwind. Instead, I find it’s best when worn or placed in my workspace as this can increase my motivation and determination to get things done. I like to use this crystal when working with my sacral chakra, where our passion, intimacy and inner fire sit. Using the carnelian in my practice helps to guide energy from my pelvis to my navel, so it can flow freely throughout my body.

The Holistic Approach

Each of these crystals can make a great addition to your home, workplace or jewellery. Keeping them close will emanate their powers, passing them onto the mind, body and soul. They’re best used as part of a wider holistic approach and in conjunction with other healing methods, so I would recommend combining crystal work with wellness practices like movement, meditation and maintaining a balanced diet

Or, if you’d like to find out more about the ancient practice of chakra and how to best connect with your inner self, have a read of the first blog in my series: The Chakra Chapters.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
The Chakra Chapters: The Sacral Chakra

The Chakra Chapters: The Sacral Chakra

In this next instalment of The Chakra Chapters, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the second energetic wheel: the sacral chakra. Before you can start working effectively with your sacral chakra, you need to check if your root chakra is open and free-flowing, so I highly recommend giving my previous blog a read! 

Believed to be the energy centres in the subtle body, the seven main chakras are found along the spine, starting at the base and moving  all the way up to the crown of the head. Each chakra is an energetic wheel linked to specific body parts and emotions. Keeping your chakras open and free-flowing is key to maintaining your mental, physical and spiritual health. So, let’s take a look at what role the sacral chakra plays.

What is the sacral chakra?

The sacral chakra is found in the lower belly and inner pelvis. It is known in Sanskrit as svadhisthana, translating to “one’s own dwelling.” The second in your seven chakras, the sacral chakra is represented by the colour orange and the element of water, which is all about flow, flexibility and freedom of expression. So, it’s no surprise that it is associated with the emotional body, sensuality and creativity. 

When balanced, the sacral chakra allows us to tap into the pleasure and enjoyment of life. You will feel a sense of ease and comfort in your own body (or dwelling, if you like), which makes you feel comfortable inviting people to share your sacred space. As a result, your relationship with yourself and others will feel nurturing, pleasurable and harmonious. 

For those that identify as female, it’s also a great chakra to work on balancing. More than any other chakra, the sacral chakra embodies divine feminine energy. Paying close attention to this chakra could help you enhance your creative expression, improve sexual intimacy and increase your feminine intuition.

Chakra chart

Sacral chakra blockages

When any of the chakras become blocked, the energy it’s associated with becomes stagnant, stopping you from being able to access its gifts. Since an open sacral chakra allows you to access the pleasure and creativity of life, when it’s blocked you are likely to feel detached, isolated, and anxious, experience low libido and a lack of creativity. These feelings may manifest in your behaviour, such as codependency, inability to set personal boundaries or difficulty expressing emotions. 

Physically, you may experience pain and stiffness in the sacral area. For example, you may have lower back pain, joint pain, or other issues such as low energy, kidney or menstrual cycle problems due to a blocked sacral chakra. Emotionally, you may feel consumed by your feelings as though you are drowning in them, find it hard to balance your emotions with extreme ups and downs or use escapism to avoid life. 

Make a habit of closely observing your actions and your energy. You will quickly tell if your sacral chakra is becoming blocked. I like to do daily check-ins to see where my energy is at. This could be making a note when I’m journaling, observing myself during meditation or taking a moment to step back and reflect.

How to balance the sacral chakra?

As mentioned earlier, before healing your sacral chakra, you need to make sure your root chakra at the base of your spine is balanced, too. How the chakra imbalance presents itself in you will determine how best to bring it back into alignment. Remember that everyone is on a unique journey and will receive healing in a unique way. Here are some of the methods and practices I’m personally drawn to when I need to get my sacral energy flowing again.

1) Reiki healing

As a KHDA certified reiki master, it’s no surprise I recommend reiki healing as a great way to rebalance your sacral chakra. The Japanese energy healing practice is an ancient tradition, now widely available. During a session, a trained practitioner will identify your blockages and help heal them by transferring universal energy from their hands. I’m happy to share my recommendations if you are local to Dubai, just drop me a message!

 

2) Get creative 

While a blocked sacral chakra will strip you of your creativity, often the best way to reignite it is to do things that make you feel creative! Energy is compounding. The more of a certain energy you put in, the more you generate. 

You can refuel lost creativity by finding an activity that sparks your curiosity. It will be hard at first, but once you commit, you’ll find yourself easing back in. I usually make music by playing my guitar to bring out my creative energy, or I’ll take time dressing myself up by trying outfit combinations or make-up that I may not have thought of before. I find it’s a fun way to play and not take myself too seriously.

Sacral Chakra meditation
Garland Malasana Pose Sacral yoga

3) Dance around 

If your sacral energy is stagnant, then dancing it out is sure to get it moving. Put on your favourite song and move your body without inhibition to connect with your sacral chakra and energetic self. Make it sensual, make it dynamic, make it slow or make it erratic. Surrender to your body and do whatever it needs to feel alive. Either dance alone and lose yourself in the moment, or dance with a group of friends or loved ones to share their energy and boost your own. 

 

4) Practice yoga 

If you don’t feel comfortable losing yourself in dance just yet, then a gentle yoga practice targeting the sacral area might be a better place to start. I like to warm up with a couple of sun salutations before working in some hip-opening asanas, either as part of my vinyasa flow or to hold statically. Some great poses to try include Ananda Balasana (happy baby), Utkata Konasana (goddess pose) and Malasana (garland pose).

5) Chant  

The sacral chakra’s element is water, so invoking it can be an incredibly powerful way to remove blockages. I like to combine meditation with chanting for the best results. I start in a comfortable seat or in a reclined butterfly pose with my feet together, knees apart with my hands gently resting on my sacral area. I close my eyes and visualise an orange ball while chanting the water element mantra ‘vam’ for any time between 1 to 20 minutes. 

 

The journey to healing your chakras is personal, so I’d encourage you to try each of these healing methods to find what works best for you. The sacral chakra is the key to tapping into your free-flowing creativity! Stay tuned for the next in The Chakra Chapter series: the solar plexus chakr

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
The Root Chakra

The Chakra Chapters: The Root Chakra

Whether well into your spiritual journey or starting out, you have likely heard of the root chakra, or chakras more broadly, thanks to popular culture. Whilst mainstream media may use ‘chakra’ as a throwaway term, according to ancient Indian teachings, keeping your chakras in balance is vital for your overall mental, physical and spiritual well-being. 

First mentioned in the sacred Vedas texts, the word chakra means wheel in Sanskrit. It is believed that these spinning energy points reside throughout your body and connect to your energy, major organs and nerves. They need to stay open and aligned to remain in balance. 

Although Indian spiritual master, Sri Amit Ray, identified 114 different chakras within the body, the main chakras most commonly worked with are the seven that run along the spine. Each chakra has a corresponding number, name, colour, specific area and health focus. 

In this series I am calling The Chakra Chapters, I will be doing a deep dive into each of the seven main chakras sharing what they are, how to recognise blockages and how to bring each chakra back into alignment. We’ll work from the bottom up, so today, we’re exploring the root chakra.

What is the root chakra?

The root is the very first chakra, located at the base of the spine near the tailbone. It is also known as Muladhara, with Mula meaning ‘root’ and Adhara meaning ‘support’ or ‘base.’ This chakra is represented by the colour red and the earth element since it is linked to our ability to feel stable, secure and grounded in life. 

Since the first chakra is at the base of the spine, you can think of it as your foundation. Like a tree, you need to firmly plant your roots into good soil so you can grow tall and stand strong – no matter what the winds of life throw at you. Practically, this means ensuring your basic needs are met. You are more likely to feel secure and grounded with access to food, water, shelter and safety. 

The same goes for feeling emotionally stable, too – when energy flows freely through your root wheel, you feel comfortable in yourself, your familial relationships and your home. You will carry a deep sense of grounding within yourself, which translates into the world around you. When you move through life with a balanced root chakra, you create a solid foundation for opening the chakras above (which we’ll cover in future blogs). 

Root chakra blockages?

If an open root chakra helps you feel grounded, then a blocked root chakra makes you feel insecure. An imbalance in the first chakra can manifest itself in a few different ways. Physically you may experience arthritis, constipation, lower back pain, colon issues or bladder problems. If your basic needs aren’t met, emotionally, you may feel anxious, insecure and fearful. You may also experience stressful nightmares. Worries related to safety and stability may pop into your mind, such as finances, familial relationships, job security and stresses around the home. Root chakra imbalance is an uncomfortable sense of feeling unrooted or uprooted. 

If you suspect that your root chakra is blocked, take a moment to assess how your body and mind feel by asking yourself: Do I feel calm? Where do I feel grounded? What is my relationship with myself and the world around me?

Meditating on the beach

How to balance the root chakra

Just as there are many ways an imbalance in the root chakra can present itself, there are also several methods to bring your chakra back into alignment. Everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for you. So, look at the few options below and try what resonates with you most. 

1. Meditation 

We all know the power of meditation to bring us back to ourselves and our roots. Simply sitting on the floor in a comfortable cross-legged position is incredibly grounding as we physically connect the base of our spines to the ground. Also, taking the time to go inward creates a space where we can trust ourselves to listen to our inner intuition. Believing that the universe will provide all you need to feel safe is a great comfort.

2. Chanting 

To help myself feel more connected to my first chakra, I like to chant the Lam bija mantra. The one-syllable sound’s vibration is believed to activate the root chakra and help release any blockages. It opens you up to prosperity, grounding, security and a feeling of belonging. I like to visualise a red light emanating from the base of my spine while chanting for a full-body experience. 

3. Connecting with nature 

Since the root chakra is associated with the element of earth, a fantastic way to correct an imbalance is to get out into nature. Walk through a meadow, forest or woodland barefoot to reconnect with mother nature and gain some perspective. We are all creatures of the earth, so taking things back to our roots (literally and figuratively) helps restore a sense of belonging. And, whilst you’re there, you can also hug a tree! 

If, like me, you don’t have a forest on your doorstep, try to connect with nature in any way you can. I have the sea nearby, so I like to paddle my feet and let the waves crash against me to feel grounded. 

4. Yoga 

Moving your body through a grounding yoga sequence is a fantastic way to bring your root chakra back into alignment. Concentrate on poses that cultivate a sense of grounding in your feet, legs and pelvic floor. Garland pose, or Malasana, is excellent for literally bringing you closer to the earth while opening your hips and strengthening your ankles. Other poses include Sukhasana (sitting cross-legged), Balasana (child’s pose), Uttanasana (standing forward fold) and Savasana (corpse pose). You can also try a technique called Mula Bandha to create stability in the lower body and control your energy flow. 

5. Reiki healing 

Hailing from Japan, reiki is a form of energy healing. Practitioners are trained to pick up on other people’s energy and can identify any chakra blockages. They use their hands to transfer universal energy from their palms to their patient to help rebalance chakras and encourage emotional and physical healing. Always check your practitioner is certified before committing! 

Pigeon Pose Yoga

I hope you can take something away from this blog to help you on your chakra healing journey. The root chakra truly is the foundation for forming a stable energetic epicentre! Up next in The Chakra Chapter series? The sacral chakra.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
Candle Gazing Meditation

My Meditation Routine and Rituals: Candle Gazing

There are many ways to approach meditating, but one of my preferred practices is candle gazing meditation. I find that by focusing my attention on a single object, I am able to drop in quicker and deeper into the meditation.

Meditation is an ancient practice that allows us to pull away from our busy lives and focus our attention inwards. It’s a chance to check in, take stock and ground ourselves in the here and now.

I am so glad that more and more people are adopting this powerful practice as part of their regular routines. Research suggests that meditation can not only calm our minds, reduce stress and improve our mental well-being but also enhance our cognitive function, improve our sleep and, in some cases, even make us live longer.

What is candle gazing?

Also known as trataka in Sanskrit, candle gazing is a form of yogic purification and a tantric method of meditation. The word itself means to look or gaze. The idea behind candle gazing is that by giving a single object all of your attention, you can no longer give attention to all the things that worry you in your external world. Instead, you empty your mind and look inwards.

So, why do we choose a candle to focus our attention?

Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, teaches us that the universe is composed of five elements: Akasha (space or ether), Vayu (air), Jala (water), Prithvi (earth) and Teja or Angi (fire). These five elements are condensed into three constitutional types, called doshas, which are Vata (space and air), Pitta (fire and water) and Kapha (water and earth). Everyone carries different proportions of all three doshas, which determines our physical and mental states.

Fire is the element that helps focus and cognition and makes up part of our Pitta dosha, which governs transformation. By using the candle’s flame to focus our attention during meditation, we are refining our Tejas to enhance our focus and ability to process and gain mental clarity.

Lighting candles
meditating with candle

What are the benefits of candle gazing?

While I have touched on some of the benefits of this type of meditation already, such as improved mental health, sleep and cognition, there’s the added benefit of deepening your spiritual practice.

Fire is transformative. When you gaze at a flame it is constantly flickering and dancing, forever changing its form. It changes things from one to the other by melting, burning or heating. It can either burn hot and quickly destroy everything in its path or slowly smoulder deep in the Earth’s core or internalised body.

By gazing at the candle in a meditative state, the flame transforms us. It takes us beyond the material world and unlocks our third eye chakra in the centre of our forehead. This chakra is all about spirituality and perception, aiding in connecting with our intuition. When we tap in, we can hear what our intuition is telling us, which is where candle gazing can be truly transformative.

How to candle gaze

The beauty of candle gazing is in its simplicity. Anyone can do it by following some easy steps:

  • Find a suitable time of day where you are unlikely to be disturbed – this could be first thing in the morning or just before going to bed
  • Find a dark or dimly lit space you feel safe and comfortable in
  • Place your candle at eye level on a stable surface before lighting
  • Take a few deep cleansing breaths to settle in and focus on your intention
  • Gaze at the candle’s flame and follow its movements
  • Observe your thoughts as they come up without judgement
  • Try to blink as little as possible, and don’t worry if you feel tears beginning to well, let them naturally fall
  • Focus on your eyes merging into one to invoke the intuitive third eye chakra
  • Finish by thanking yourself and taking a moment of gratitude

I’d recommend starting with shorter meditations (around 3-5 minutes) and practising regularly to build it into a daily ritual. Once you feel ready and comfortable, you can extend the length of your meditation if you feel called to do so.

My personal meditation routine

Candle gazing is a formative part of my spiritual practice, which I like to incorporate into my morning routine when I first wake up or as part of my evening ritual 30 minutes before going to bed. Practising at these times is optimal for programming the subconscious mind as it can set you up for a positive day ahead or aid a restful night’s sleep.

I start by cleansing my space by either burning palo santo or sometimes sage before finding a comfortable seated position and settling in. I first start with a mini grounding visualisation practice where I imagine roots growing from my tailbone into the core of the Earth. Once I feel grounded, I light the candle and focus on the flame for my candle gazing meditation. I close my practice by visualising a bright white light surrounding me for protection.

If I want to call on the universe to bring something in particular into my life, I will add some visualisations to aid my manifestations. This is where tapping into your intuition during the candle gazing meditation is so powerful as you can unlock your hearts’ true desires. Once you have that clarity, you can visualise those desires, whether opening a new business, good health or finding your soulmate. End by reciting affirmations in the present tense as though you already have your desires, such as: “I am a successful business owner” to put them out into the universe.

All forms of meditation are beneficial, but I believe candle gazing is a great one to start out with if you’re new to the practice. Having something to lock your gaze on helps train your mind to focus, and it only takes 5 minutes out of your day.

meditating in nature

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra
The Autumn Equinox: What It Means For Our Energy

The Autumn Equinox: What It Means For Our Energy

The nights are drawing in, there’s a crispness to the air and tangible shift in energy as we stand on Autumn’s threshold: the Autumn Equinox!

On Friday 23rd September 2022 our sun will cross the celestial equator, basking the northern and southern hemispheres with the same amount of light before continuing its journey south. For those living in the northern hempisphere, this event marks the beginning of our next season with the Autumn Equinox. From this moment our nights will get longer whilst our days grow shorter until the Winter Solstice at the end of December.

What does the Autumn Equinox signify?

Like the Spring Equinox, the Autumn Equinox is a time of balance. It is one of two moments a year when our day is just as long as our night, encouraging us to acknowledge the intricate balance between light and dark.

Traditionally it is a time for farmers to harvest the fruits of their labours throughout the previous seasons and start preserving foods for the coming winter. Similarly, from a spiritual perspective, the Autumn Equinox is a time to metaphorically harvest the goals and intentions we planted earlier in the year and start preserving our energy for the winter to come.

Once we deepen our awareness and connection to nature’s natural cycles, we can feel the energy shift that the promise of the new season brings – this is something you may have already felt in the air but couldn’t put your finger on! Just as in nature, our lives go through growth, harvest, death and rebirth cycles. With the Autumn Equinox marking a time for harvest, it is a poignant moment to practise gratitude, acknowledge our growth and recognise all that we have in our lives. It’s a chance to shift our mindsets from one of lack, and instead focus on prosperity by taking a moment to give thanks.

As we move further into autumn, the shorter days and darker nights challenge us to face the darkness within – to examine and observe our ego and subconscious mind. The cooler months force us to retreat indoors and, therefore, inwards into ourselves, promoting deep thought. As we quietly rest and observe, we make space for new visions to emerge. Resting and stillness during autumn allow us to recharge and signal to the universe that we are ready to activate our next growth cycle once spring arrives.

My Autumn Equinox Rituals

As mentioned, the Autumn Equinox is a powerful time to practise gratitude. You can do this through a small ritual or ceremony either at the time of the equinox or later in the day depending on where you are in the northern hemisphere.

Before beginning my ritual, I clear my space and make it aesthetically appealing to help tap into the mood I want to cultivate. I usually burn camphor (as it has the highest frequency) and light some white and pink candles to invoke self-love. I’ll set the tone for my ritual by listening to some upbeat shamanic music like this or this.

Once settled in my space, I like to begin by drinking cacao, which, in its purest form, is a great heart opener due to its high levels of theobromine. It is believed to deepen our connection to ourselves, our intuition and our inner guide, making it the perfect start to a ritual practice. To fully embrace the open heart energy, I like to surrender to my body with some freestyle movement to bring out my inner child. This is a great way to gently remove any blocks stored in the body and release any stagnant energy.

I end by writing a gratitude list to ground myself in the present and recognise all that I have to be grateful for. The Autumn Equinox is not a time to invite new things or to release, instead, it’s more about taking stock and giving thanks for the changes that come with the passing of time.

As we move through autumn and into winter, the darker, cooler months are a chance for us to be thankful for all our blessings as we edge towards another year around the sun. I hope you find what you need to settle your soul this Autumn Equinox to become more grounded, more grateful and more in tune with yourself.

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© 2022. TanyaS.Mansotra