Chakra Day Retreats
A grounded approach to the chakras
The subject of the chakras is much mystified in my opinion, which has a tendency to put people off when they hear the word. I don't believe there has to be anything particularly mystical about the chakras, and I don't find it particularly useful to think about balancing your chakras, or unblocking them. I prefer to think of them as aspects of consciousness, of what it means to be human, that we can explore. We can also explore thier connection to the elements, and the very tangible nature that surrounds us.
“The goal of the chakra system is not some otherwordly or disembodied enlighitenment but rather wholeness and integration, spanning the full spectrum of human possibility.”
Chakra Yoga - Anodea Judith.
Root chakra - related to our sense of being grounded and centered.
Element: Earth
Sacral Chakra - Feeling of creativity, a sense of flow with life.
Element: Water
Solar plexus - a sense of power and confidence, our inner-fire.
Element: Fire
Heart chakra - love, peace and compassion.
Element: wind/air
Throat chakra - self-expression
Element: Ether
Third eye - our sense of intuition
Element: Light
Crown chakra - our connection to our higher-self.
Element: Thought
In a new series of day retreats we will be exploring the chakras in a grounded and tangible way. In the morning there will be a dynamic, more energetic vinyasa flow practice themed around the chakra in question. In the afternoon we will practice yin/restorative yoga. We will also practice mantras that are specific to the chakra, pranayama and themed meditations. There will also be a homecooked, seasonal lunch, as well as tea and snacks.
Examples of what you can expect for each chakra:
Root chakra -
Grounding yoga poses that empasise our connection with the ground underneath us, and the soles of the feet. Yoga poses that help us to feel grounded.
Barefoot walking meditation.
Gratitude meditations/journaling.
Sacral Chakra -
A flowing, creative vinyasa practice, circular mandala flows centered around the hips.
Journaling for creativity and confidence.
Meditation and visulisation themed around the water element.
Solar plexus -
A fiery core focused vinyasa yoga practice.
Meditation with candle light, trataka - candle gazing meditation.
Heart chakra -
"Heart-opening" or backbend themed yoga practices.
Loving-kindness meditation.
Throat chakra - self-expression.
Work on being able to effectively communicate needs, desires, ideas, boundaries, empathy and love.
Using tools of sound and vibration.
Yoga poses that expose the throat such as fish pose to create spaciousness around the throat and neck.
Third eye - our sense of intuition.
Meditation with inner-gaze focused on the third eye.
Work around Pratyahara or "withdrawal of the senses.”
Inversions and balancing postures.
Crown chakra - our connection to our higher-self.
Work on cleansing the mind for clear perception
Focus on awareness beyond ego: universal, "cosmic" consciousness.
Inversion practice, work towards headstand.
References:
Chakra Yoga - Anodea Judith. Llewellyn Publications. 2017.