My first encounter with yoga was during my university days, when I met a teacher who introduced me to both meditation and Hatha Yoga. At the time, I fully embraced meditation, and it brought me immense clarity. I felt focused, calm, and, most importantly, a deep sense of happiness. Those were times of great personal peace.
However, like many, I eventually stopped practising. Over time, the clarity and peace faded, and I found myself filled with fear and insecurity. But now, I’ve returned to yoga, and this time, I’m committed to continuing the journey and deepening my practice.
One of the most profound lessons yoga has taught me is that it represents unity—a harmonious connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga, which originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, is an ancient system designed to create balance within us through physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and emotional regulation. It’s much more than a physical practice—it’s a spiritual path leading to deeper self-awareness and lasting inner peace.
The Chakras: Energy Centres of the Body
One aspect of yoga that I’m especially passionate about is the chakras. The word chakra comes from Sanskrit and means circle or wheel. Chakras are the energy centres in our bodies through which our life force, or prana, flows. There are seven main chakras, each corresponding to different aspects of our being—physical, mental, and emotional.
The chakras are aligned along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head, and each one governs specific organs, emotions, and functions in our bodies. When our chakras are open and balanced, energy flows freely, promoting harmony within us. However, when a chakra becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can affect our well-being on multiple levels.
How to Activate and Balance the Chakras
Balancing the chakras is a vital part of yoga practice. We can activate and cleanse our chakras through:
- Meditation: Focusing on each chakra and visualising it spinning and glowing with light can help unblock stagnant energy.
- Affirmations: Repeating positive statements can help shift emotional blockages.
- Pranayama (Breath Control): Specific breathing exercises can channel energy to open the chakras.
- Mudras (Hand Gestures): These are symbolic gestures used to stimulate specific chakras.
- Asanas (Yoga Postures): Certain yoga postures are designed to open and balance specific chakras. For example, tree pose helps balance the root chakra, promoting stability, while camel pose opens the heart chakra, encouraging love and compassion.
Chakra meditation is similar to traditional meditation, but with the specific intention of opening and cleansing these energy centres to restore balance in the body and mind.
Why Do Chakras Become Blocked?
Just like a pipe can become clogged with debris, chakras can become blocked by emotional or physical challenges. Holding onto negative emotions—such as anger, fear, or resentment—can obstruct the flow of energy. Additionally, physical injuries or emotional traumas can also lead to imbalances, causing stagnation in the energy flow and disrupting our well-being.
How to Recognise a Blocked Chakra
Recognising a blocked chakra can be key to addressing imbalances in the body. Symptoms can manifest in a variety of ways:
- Physical Symptoms: Pain, discomfort, or unexplained health issues in the area related to a specific chakra.
- Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, or feelings of instability.
- Life Circumstances: Issues like a lack of stability (linked to the root chakra) or challenges in communication (related to the throat chakra) can point to blockages.
For example, a blocked root chakra (located at the base of the spine) may manifest as chronic health issues, financial instability, or a feeling of being disconnected from reality. Recognising these signs allows us to address and heal these blockages, bringing balance back into our lives.
Yoga as a Lifelong Journey
Yoga is not just a practice but a lifelong journey of growth and self-discovery. It offers us a way to connect with our true selves and the world around us, fostering unity between the mind, body, and spirit. Through regular practice, yoga becomes a tool for deep transformation—both on and off the mat.
There is so much more to explore within the realm of yoga, and in future posts, I will delve deeper into specific aspects of the practice. I’ll explore the chakras in more detail, share meditation techniques, and discuss how yoga can serve as a powerful guide on the path to spiritual growth and enlightenment.
References:
- Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: One of the foundational texts of yoga, providing insights into the purpose of yoga and the journey of self-realisation.
- The Bhagavad Gita: An ancient Indian text that highlights yoga as a spiritual path to union with the Divine.
- Anodea Judith: Author of Eastern Body, Western Mind, an excellent resource on chakras and their role in physical and emotional health.
Sacred Cosmic Path 