Each 3 hour session will consist of:

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• Opening circle

• Short presentation

• A 90 minute to 2 hour practice including asana, Central Channel Breathing Meditation, Bhūta Śuddhi (Purification through the elements Meditation), Cakra Sādhana (Meditation practice using the cakra symbol system), Nyasa (specific hand gestures), Mantra (chant of specific sounds related to each cakra)

• Journaling (please bring a notebook and a pen)

• Relaxation

Emphasis during asana portion of practice:

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• All 5 movements of the spine, including axial extension, increasing awareness on the spine and its relationship to breath

• Contra-lateral movements to increase focus

• Increased awareness and the flow of prana (vital force) in the area of the specific cakra

• Strength and stability in low back and sacrum, and stability and range of motion in hips, to prepare for a comfortable seated position for meditation

• Increased breath awareness to prepare for chanting; then, chant with sounds related to the specific cakra

 

                                         

Location of cakra-s 

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All cakra-s are located within the Central Channel, at the level of the subtle body, therefore along the center of the body. Central Channel is like the axis of the body, going from the perineum to the crown of the skull. Different traditions speak of slightly different locations; during the Cakra Journey Series we will refer to the location as taught by T. Krishnamacharya, T.K.V. Desikachar and Gary Kraftsow.

   

                                                                           

• 1st Cakra: Mūlhādāra

Located at the level of the perineum, called “Root cakra”. Working at the level of this cakra helps deal with issues related to trust, security, safety, stability. It is related to instinct and the bio-imperative of survival.

 

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• 2nd Cakra: Svādiṣṭhāna

Located at the level of the sacrum, in the center of the body. Working with this cakra helps to deal with issues related to creativity, pleasure and enthusiasm. It is related to the bio-imperative of reproduction, and the power of creation at all levels (a baby, a project, a business, art, etc.).

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• 3rd Cakra: Maṇipura

Located at the level of the navel, in the center of the body. Related to the bio-imperative of territorialism and competition. Working with this cakra will help define one’s place in society and the world, and deal with issues of self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect, perfectionism and control.

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• 4th Cakra: Anāhata

Located at the level of the solar plexus. Related to issues of group formation, social connection, family and relationship. Working with this cakra helps move from intolerance, bitterness, resentment, jealousy and disconnection to self-acceptance, tolerance of self and others, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude and generosity.

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• 5th Cakra: Viśuddhi

Located at the level of the throat. Working at the level of this cakra can help clear issues related to self-expression and communication, including ability to listen and clear and appropriate communication (following the Yama-s -1st limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga from the Yoga sutra-s of Patanjali- what we say should be informed by both non-harming and truthfulness)

 

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• 6th Cakra: Ājñā

Located at the level of the third eye. Related to evaluation, discernment and discrimination, and the power of having the clarity to make the right choices. Related to intuition, intelligence, wisdom and the potential for being happy, free and content.

 

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• The Gateway: Sahasrāra

• Located at the crown of the skull. Related to Pure Awareness and Consciousness. Working at the level of this cakra can help to move from a sense of separateness to a sense of Oneness with all things, Selflessness, Peace, Liberation.

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Continuing Education Credits:

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This series of seven workshops is addressed to practitioners who have already gained proficiency in breath centric asana, including yoga teachers, and counts as a total of 12 Continuing Education Hours for Registered Yoga Teachers at Yoga Alliance.

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What to bring?

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Comfortable clothes, a water bottle, yoga mat if you have one.

Very important:

• If you have a meditation cushion, please bring it to the sessions, it is key to find a comfortable seated position for meditation. If you don't, don't worry, we have blankets, small bolsters, blocks and chairs at the studio.

• Journaling is a very important part of this process, please bring a notebook and a pen. Find a notebook that you like, that is special to you, so that it can be your journal!

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