Tag: yoga

Sacredness of the Root Chakra

dsc02230Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. – Kurt Vonnegut

The Root Chakra is the first chakra of the Vedic Chakra energy system. This is known as the as the Manipura Chakra energy centre in Sanskirt (ancient Indian language). This energy centre represents your connection to your ancestors, tribe, family and the beloved Mother Earth. For many, I included 2016 was a year of trials, tribulations and a great deal of inner transformation. It appears that there were lessons to be learned, understood, and to keep self-love in the forefront. I kept hearing of unexpected illnesses, unpleasant news and misfortunes. With realizing all of this chaos happening around me, I decided to delve into learning more about the Chakra system and what they really mean. I would like to invite all readers into an introduction to learn about chakras.

What are Chakras?

Chakras are seven energy centres in your body that draw energy from the earth and circulate through are physical body. They circulate from the base of our spine to the top of your head. When one chakra is out of balance we feel it internally and our health can be affected. For example, my root chakra has become weak since May 2016. I had felt pain in my lower back and developed a form of sciatica. This tells me that I need to support myself and practice ways to enhance self-love and deepen my connection with nature. They beauty of chakras is that there are various ways to enhance our energy centres and begin to restore them. This can be done with aromatherapy, mediation, yoga, reiki and more.

Root Chakra:

The Root chakra anchors itself to the earth. It is located in your back moving down towards your legs as well. Qualities related to this chakra are patience, structure and the ability to make your dreams come true. Questions to ask yourself with regards to your root chakra are: Do you feel supported in life? Are you living your passions? It is known as the mother archetype and associated with Archangel Michael. When one is feeling off balance it is important to nurture thyself just like a mother would to their child. It is essential to adhere to your intuition, follow your gut. Be your individual support system and love yourself immensely through any upheavals you face. We all may encounter additional tests during the the course of 2017, please remember to stay positive. Your dreams are manifesting and time has come for you to take the leap of faith and fly, don’t look back and ascend above it all. Keep focused on your desires, the universe will provide the rest

To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.–Simone Weil

Health associations with Root Chakra:

My root chakra has been stagnant, run down and fragile over the last few months. Aliments that can happen when we are not grounded are with the kidneys and skeletal system. You may feel pain in your legs or hips as well. It is so very important to connect with your inner child and write down how you feel on a daily basis. Where this is pain coming from and is there an emotional feeling behind it? Question your present circumstances in life, learn to let go. Try to find answers on your own, go internally and listen to the authentic voice inside. After months of going to health care professionals I finally have decided to just sit with the pain and realize that my body is actually talking to me. The questioning has intuitively brought forward things that I need to work on. These areas of insight are to do with; healthy boundaries, self-worth, speaking up for myself and releasing fear.

How to enhance the Root Chakra:

The colour red is associated with the root chakra. Wear this colour when you feel like you need to get centered. Yoga postures, mediation, being in nature, will all help this chakra become balanced. Nature is free medicine and available to everyone. Always know you are in charge of your life and can change anything at any given time. Reflect on this year and make the changes you need to move forward. Adhere to your inner spirit, recite affirmations and keep yourself happy! Nothing is permanent and you can move mountains.

When you touch the celestial in your heart, you will realize that the beauty of your soul is so pure, so vast and so devastating that you have no option but to merge with it. You have no option but to feel the rhythm of the universe in the rhythm of your heart.
― Amit Ray

The Not SO Conventional Yogi

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Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.
― Amit Ray

Who and what makes a Yogi? I contemplate over this question frequently and feel I stand in the middle. Google search defines a Yogi as someone who is proficient in yoga. I have been a yoga instructor for about two years now. In the beginning of December 2016,  I participated in a Restorative Yoga Training in Toronto, Canada. It was absolutely enlightening to be around other yogi’s, to learn from one another and share stories. One thing was evident; there are many of us who may not fit the conventional definition of a yoga teacher. I believe this translates to honoring thy authentic self. Not every spirit is the same, we are all unique individually. This was an ongoing topic of discussion while on training, one that held my attention.

My path to yoga started in 2014 when I pursued a dream on becoming a yoga instructor. The message was clear to my soul; I’m at service to others while teaching. It is an electric surge of energy which happens internally when I teach yoga.

Now here is my truth, I thought for the longest time that I needed to be a vegetarian, only be positive, wear less makeup, purchase particular yoga brands and resist my passion for fashion. I was in utter denial of who I actually am. I thought that in order to be a part of the yoga community I had to be all of those things listed. Truth is I’m not the most serious person and think I’m a comedian with my jokes.! I sometimes say “bad words”, consume poultry, and love clothing. Dressing up in a little black dress along with a pair of high heels is exhilarating! I have layers to my soul and I think we all do as humans. Comparison happens from time to time and it’s perfectly normal. We often label ourselves on who we should be or not be. When I started owning who I’m is when I felt liberated.

Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen. — Brené Brown

Years ago, I remember watching a film called Shrek, — the two main characters Shrek and Donkey were having a conversation on life. (And yes I’m reflecting on a children’s movie for they really offer insight about life!). To recap Shrek and Donkey were having a conversation how Shrek is like an onion; he has layers to his personality. In hindsight we all have layers, I can honestly tell you that there are times when all I want to do is meditate, practice yoga and be in complete solitude. On the contrary there are occasions when I want to have a glass of wine, surf the internet for fashion trends and get out for a night of dancing. Our personal layers are a gift and by owning who you are, you come into alignment in body, mind and spirit.

I read an excellent book that has always resonated with me. It is called Spiritual Junkie, by Gabrielle Bernstein. What made so much sense is that I’m a spiritual being in the modern day world. The author was real, emphasized how she mixed and lived in the spiritual vs. not spiritual worlds. To me that is sheer brilliance and I admire her for being so true to her core. I have so much comfort knowing that when practicing yoga it comes from my heart and that all which matters. I have not been to an ashram, and have only been to India as a baby, however I love yoga. It’s really about finding the fine balance within yourself and doing what works for you.

Being a yoga practitioner is an inward journey. It is accepting who you are wholeheartedly. I learn something new each time I teach about myself and others. It has nothing to do with the material world or anyone else. Love yourself for what you have to offer and share your gift of this beautiful practice. You can be a fashionista, love Mc Donald’s but be the best darn teacher in your city. What ultimately defines who you are—is your soul, the light within.

You are like a seed; your greater beauty lies not on the outside, but within.
― Matshona Dhliwayo