Anahata Chakra (Heart Chakra)- Anahata is positioned in the upper torso including the upper back, chest, thymus gland, throat, circulatory system and heart.  The element associated with the Heart Chakra is  the air and the color connected to Anahata is green. Anahata deals with trust, unconditional love, stability, wisdom, compassion and patience. Signs of blockages in the Heart Chakra include shyness, hunching or protecting the chest, standing on the heels, low oxygen levels and asthmatic type breathing. Pranayama (breath) is key to our heart chakra.  Signs of excessivenees in Anahata include jealousy, neediness, stress and high blood pressure.  When your heart Chakra is balanced you have a sense of completeness, wholeness, optimism and friendliness.

Poses to reduce blockages in Anahata include Chest Openers, Upward Facing Dog, Pyramid and Fish pose.

Poses to reduce excessiveness in Anahata include Forward Folds, Standing Straddle Splits, Child’s pose.

Manipura Chakra (Naval Chakra)- Manipura is positioned in the solar plexus/naval/digestive area. The element related with the Naval Chakra is Fire and color connected to Manipura is Yellow. This energy vortex houses our gumption, our self-esteem, our risk taking and energy to go do things. Manipura is closely associated with our own happiness, willingness to give to others and risk aversion. Signs of blockages in our third Chakra can be digestive issues, eating disorders, sense of being a victim or helpless. Excessiveness in our third Chakra include anger, excess power, hatred and perfectionism.  Stoking the internal fire (Tapas) is as important as knowing when to allow the fire to cool.

Poses to assist reducing blockages (increasing the fire) include Dancer, Boat, Locust, all Warrior poses and vinyasas including Sun Salutations.

Poses to assist in reduces excessiveness (cooling the fire) include Bridge, Cow, Spinx and Corpse pose.

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Side Crow-

Why would I want to do that?

• Benefits your balance practice
• Teaches patience
• Tones back and abs
• Strengthens wrists and forearms
• Increases stamina
• It’s fun and looks neat.

 

Where do I begin?

• Side bends and twist to get the spine loose
• Chair twists with the elbow hooked
• Pelvic tilts to assist with engaging all parts of the core
• Chaturanga holds

 

That’s awesome! How do I do that?

• Come to class!
• Start in twisted chair to the left, then shift your weight over to the left side and place both hands on the floor about shoulder distance apart with your elbows bent and squeezing towards one another (your toes are still touching the floor). Next tighten your core and start lean forward to draw your right foot off the floor slowly keeping your balance, then lift your left foot off the floor and draw it towards your right foot. Keep breathing, your head lifted and legs squeezing, weight should be balanced 70% on the right arm under the leg and 30% on the left arm.
• Practice, practice, practice. This pose is challenging and the more you do it the easier it gets.

 

Counter poses after side crow?

• Downward facing dog
• Forward fold
• Wrist circles

Blocks, straps, bolsters & mats help us during our practice.