Finding Flow - sacral chakra

Our sacral chakra - svadisthana- is connected to our emotions and how we express our self, our feelings and emotions as well as our creativity. When in balance we are fluid and in flow able to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and ease, tapping into our creative energy with healthy and balanced emotions. When blocked, we can find change unsettling and feel rigid and stuck.

The element we associate with the sacral chakra is water so when working with svadisthana yoga practices will be fluid and flowy enabling us to move stuck emotions through the body - energy in motion (emotion)

Anatomically this chakra is located in our hips so keep your awareness and emphasis on stretching and strengthening hips in dynamic yoga or focus on kidneys in yin.

The colour we associate with this energy centre is orange.

The translation of svadisthana is “one’s sweet abode” and after working with the root chakra around structure and how we are rooted in our world this chakra is about enjoying the sweetness of life as we move from surviving (root chakra) into thriving as we can embrace joy and sensual pleasures when we feel safe.

To support your sacral chakra with essential oils use ylang ylang, sweet orange, clary sage, patchouli and sandalwood.

If you like to work with crystals then use moonstone and aquamarine because of their associations with water.

If your mind wanders during your yoga practices or meditation repeating an affirmation can help you regain focus. Here are some suggestions:

I am fluid I am in creative flow I am creative and open I welcome pleasure into all aspects of my life My emotions flow freely

If you wish to consider healing this area in more depth, perhaps consider journalling around the following prompts after meditation:

How do I express my creativity ? What emotions do I not allow myself to feel? Do I welcome or resist change? Where in my life do I feel stagnant or stuck? What one small change could I make? What does feeling in flow mean to me?

Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does. Margaret Atwood