The Sacral Chakra
The original idea with A Replenished Chakra series was to share one chakra a week but when I sat down to write about my experience with the Svadhisthana Chakra, I couldn't do it. A funny thing happens when you listen to your gut. It isn't logic but a tiny whisper inside telling you what you need to do—or what you need not to do. I wasn't ready. So I had to wait until my gut gave me the ok. Which it did, two nights ago when Tiger & I were walking (we're always walking!) in a soft spring drizzle, the smell of wood burning from a nearby chimney. And it's the time right now with the sun shining as I paint. I've found that defining the chakras by a single hue is popular in Western culture but isn't very accurate with how these energies move throughout your body. They are interlaced, layered & the ancient texts describe them with a slew of symbols, spirits & deities. But for the sake of basics & being a beginner, I think this way is easiest to understand.
The sacral chakra is represented by the color orange.
Located in the lower abdomen, 2 inches below your belly button.
Governs our emotions, creativity, intuition & sexuality.
Element is water.
It's through the movement of this energy center that provides a balance of the polarities in our life (light/dark, feminine/masculine, self/others), which is why none of us should be sitting for 8 hours or more at a desk. Do you ever feel imbalanced from lack of movement? I do!
The symbol is a 6-petaled lotus flower that opens to full & crescent moons, representing a connection to the lunar qualities of the moon. Each petal represents a syllable of Sanskrit, a primal sound uttered in meditation chants to release emotion & get closer to your center.
Ailments include anxiety, depression, creative block & low libido.
Drinking water, swimming, being open about emotions, human touch & trusting our intuition (a.k.a. that tiny whisper inside you) keep this chakra in balance.
This meditation was tough for me. It didn't flow as easily as the root chakra did. A lot of thoughts & decisions have been weighing on my mind in relation to this chakra so the discomfort didn't surprise me. There wasn't anywhere for me to go, though. I couldn't run away from it by hopping on Facebook, turning up the music, or going out for drinks. I had to sit there with my thoughts & accept who I was & where I am presently. I loved that. Now I know where to begin. Plus, I really do miss my soul sisters! They're running around all over the nation, dream chasin', & I just get sensitive about that (always, always so proud of them).
You can use these essential oils if you're feeling anxious or depressed, to ease muscle spasms or if you're experiencing a creative block.
Place a few dabs on the lower abdomen or soles of feet.
Bloom + Energize: these oils have a floral scent & are very uplifting. They spark movement. I've been putting jasmine on every morning for this reason (not a morning person!).
Nurture + Sooth: Clary sage & nuroli can be used for menstrual cramps because they stop muscle spasms & ease cramping.
Jasmine also curbs sweet cravings.
We often hold our fears & emotional heaviness in the sacral chakra. These rejuvenating oils help to regain focus on what's really bugging us, accept it & then graciously let it go so we can get on with following our desires & pursuing our passions. Go do that crazy & fulfilling thing your gut has been telling you to do this weekend. Your sacral chakra will thank you profusely. I'm on your side, brave one. xo, Em
