“In the uncertain ebb and flow of time and emotions much of one’s life history is etched in the senses.”

– Banana Yoshimoto

Weekly Focus: Svadisthana Chakra (emotional flow, creativity, pleasure)

Svadisthana Chakra is our second Chakra located in the sacral space. It relates to to our creativity, sensuality, and emotional flow. In this space we experience pleasure and fun, and we deepen relationships with ourselves and others.

Svadisthana governs areas of ourselves that we are not always permitted to feel pride in — creativity, emotional experience, sexuality and sensuality. For some of us, we live and hold space for these sensations with ease, comfort and pride; for others we may have been led to feel shame, discomfort or secrecy in these sensations.

As we work on accepting all areas of ourselves, Svadisthana reminds us that when we feel balanced and whole, these feelings are a natural part of our human experience. When in balance, we may find a more open flow to creativity, allowing ourselves to be receptive to ideas outside of the typical.

This chakra relates to the element of water, indicating a sense of flow through all of these various qualities. Acceptance of our full Self can take time, but as we work into it, we start to find this sense of flow within our relationships, our sense of Self, and our lived experiences.

Which of these qualities of Svadisthana do you feel naturally inclined towards? Are there certain qualities you ignore or feel discomfort in? Where do you want to create more sense of ease and flow?

Passive Pose of the Week: Mandukasana (frog pose)

Mandukasana physically connects us to the sacral area, an obvious relationship to the sacral chakra. Hold space to allow whatever sensation arises to exist without shame. 

• Turn to the long edge of your mat and double up the edge of the mat.
• Begin in a tabletop position. with your knees on the doubled edge.
• Start to walk your knees apart from one another gradually. Walk them apart to any degree, only going as far as is comfortable.
• Lower your elbows to the floor, a blanket or cushion. If it’s comfortable, your belly and head may rest on a bolster or cushion as well. 
• Use about several breaths to gradually enter the pose. Once you come to your most comfortable posture, take about [7] breaths before gently lifting out of the position.
• To exit the posture, walk your hands back in, and slowly walk the knees back towards a tabletop position.

With most of our body touching the floor, mandukasana is a very grounding position. However it’s hard to get grounded if you don’t feel comfortable! If Mandukasana is too intense for your hips and groin, try taking a “half position.” Starting on your belly, slide only one knee forward inline with your hip. The leg will rest at about a 90 degree angle. You can pad the knee for more comfort with a blanket. Hold for [7] breaths and switch sides. 

Active Pose of the Week: Bhujangasana (cobra pose)