Welcome and Namaste.
My name is Iris.
I am a yoga and meditation teacher based in Sydney,
Australia.
Thanks so much for joining me.
I would like to give you a little introduction to the chakra system of yoga after which I will invite you to relax whilst I immerse you in some affirmations to support each of the chakras.
A chakra is an energy centre.
In the ancient Sanskrit language,
Chakra means spinning wheel.
The chakras reside along a central energy channel that runs up the body from the tailbone to the crown of the head.
There are seven main chakras along this central energy channel which is called the Sushumna Nadi and each governs a different area of the body and has different mental,
Emotional,
Energetic and spiritual qualities.
In the process of optimising the health of our energy centres,
We advance in the direction of our highest self and towards fulfilling our potential.
In today's introduction,
I will be focusing on the qualities we cultivate when attending to the health of the chakras.
The first chakra is the Muladhara chakra,
The root chakra at the base of the spine.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We feel safe,
Secure,
Grounded and centred.
We have a sense of belonging and an underlying feeling that all is well.
The second chakra is the Svaristana chakra,
The sacral chakra in the bowl of the pelvis.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We experience pleasure easily and we process our emotions in a healthy way,
That is,
We give them time to flow through us,
Retaining what supports us and letting go of what doesn't.
We adapt well to changing circumstances and we go at the flow of life,
Rather than resisting what life presents.
The third chakra is the Manipura chakra,
The solar plexus chakra,
At a level slightly above the navel.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We feel confident,
We have healthy self-esteem,
We are powerful and effective and have the focus and determination to see our intentions through to fruition.
The fourth chakra is the Anahata chakra,
The heart chakra.
As we progress up the chakra system,
The energy centres move from the more earthly and self-focused towards the spiritual.
The heart chakra is the midway point.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We are kind,
Loving,
Compassionate,
Patient,
Generous and forgiving towards both others and ourselves.
The fifth chakra is the Visuddha chakra,
The throat chakra.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We live according to our values,
We have integrity,
Saying what we mean and meaning what we say.
We communicate with kindness and honesty and we listen attentively,
Seeking to understand and with compassion rather than judgement.
The sixth chakra is the Ajna chakra,
The third eye chakra,
Level with the eyebrows and internal to the brain.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We trust our intuition and instincts,
We are perceptive and imaginative.
We have an inner wisdom and a knowing that is beyond the input of the five senses and beyond our analytical thinking.
The seventh chakra is the Sahasrara chakra,
The crown chakra,
At the very top of the head.
When this energy centre is healthy,
Balanced and unblocked,
We experience the bliss and freedom of self-realisation.
That is,
The realisation that we are not separate,
But connected to everything and to everyone,
All of nature,
Every sentient being,
Across all space and all time.
So,
Let us begin our chakra affirmation bath.
Make yourself comfortable,
Either sitting with your back upright and feet flat to the floor or,
Alternatively,
Lying down.
Ensure that you're warm and that you feel supported and at ease.
Bringing your attention now to the breath.
Notice the cool sensation of air in the nostrils as you breathe in and the warm air in the nostrils as you breathe out.
Take several conscious breaths,
Slow,
Deep and smooth.
Let the words of these affirmations wash through you.
Let them sink deep into your psyche.
Imagine them cleansing you and healing you.
I am safe.
I am comfortable and at ease.
All is well.
I feel my connection to the earth and all of nature.
I have a deep sense of belonging and connection.
Life is full and pleasurable.
I allow myself time to process my emotions.
I adapt to change with ease.
I welcome change and the opportunities and possibilities that arise from it.
I keep sight of my goals and advance closer towards them every day.
When obstacles arise,
I find a way around them and continue on my path.
I acknowledge my inner strength,
My power and my determination.
I love and I am loved.
I reach out to others with compassion and kindness.
I am able to forgive others and to forgive myself.
I am grateful for this life,
All its gifts and blessings,
All of the challenges that have enabled me to grow and evolve.
My words are truthful,
Kind and helpful.
The way I live my life is in alignment with my values.
I mean what I say and I say what I mean.
My thoughts,
Words and actions are all aligned.
I listen attentively to others,
Hoping to understand and to learn.
I acknowledge and trust my inner wisdom.
My intuition is a beacon that guides me towards my best self.
We are connected to each other,
To everyone and to everything.
We are each unique expressions of divinity.
We are part of the magnificence of nature and the universe.
I am safe.
I am comfortable and at ease.
All is well.
I feel my connection to the earth and all of nature.
I have a deep sense of belonging and connection.
Life is full and pleasurable.
I allow myself time to process my emotions.
I adapt to change with ease.
I welcome change and the opportunities and possibilities that arise from it.
I keep sight of my goals and advance closer towards them every day.
When obstacles arise,
I find a way around them and continue on my path.
I acknowledge my inner strength,
My power and determination.
I love and I am loved.
I reach out to others with compassion and kindness.
I am able to forgive others and to forgive myself.
I am grateful for this life,
All its gifts and blessings.
All of the challenges that have enabled me to grow and to evolve.
My words are truthful,
Kind and helpful.
The way I live my life is in alignment with my values.
The way I live my life is in alignment with my values.
I mean what I say and I say what I mean.
My thoughts,
Words and actions are all aligned.
I listen attentively to others,
Hoping to understand and to learn.
I acknowledge and trust my inner wisdom.
My intuition is a beacon that guides me towards my best self.
We are connected to each other,
To everyone and to everything.
We are each unique expressions of divinity.
We are part of the magnificence of nature and the universe.
Bring your awareness back to the body and the breath.
Feel the breath moving into the nostrils and out again.
Cool air streaming in and warmer air flowing out.
Observe the expansion and contraction of the abdomen and the chest.
Remember where you are in the room,
The shape of the room,
The colour of the walls.
Hear the external sounds and allow them to awaken you gently.
Slowly begin to move your fingers and your toes.
Extend the movement to the arms and legs and stretch in any way that feels good.
Lokasamastasukhinobhavantu,
May all beings be happy and free and may our thoughts,
Words and actions contribute to this happiness and freedom.
I hope you enjoyed this practice and are feeling refreshed,
Relaxed and empowered.
Thank you so much for joining me today.
Namaste and blessings.
