🍂🍁Happy Fall Y'all!🍂
The leaves are finally starting to change colors here, and transformation is in the air! The temperature has fallen, and it's truly beginning to feel like Autumn. I practiced yin yoga a few days ago, and my friend, and fellow instructor, Dawn, creates such a peaceful, magical space for healing. Only creating a handful of poses in the hour, and holding each one for 1-4 minutes loosens the fascia, the connective tissue, so mobility is more fluid! The webbing throughout our body can become tighter, causing pain and rigidity. So we loosen it up through long holds! We move like honey, nice & slow, and it’s so yummy! She led us through a meditation through the 7 chakras, from the root to the crown, and each one linked us to a specific tree whose leaves in Fall, are the color of the chakras! It was such a beautiful meditation, that I just had to share it with you all! She gave us a pamphlet from the Department of Natural Resources sharing a list of trees and their Fall leaf colors to take home! I love these special touches Dawn incorporates into her classes, full of love and intention, and even education! The nerd in me was thrilled!🍁
🌈 Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel." Chakras are swirling pools of energy in our bodies. When life gets messy, these pools of energy become cluttered or obstructed by life's events, or another person's energy. Clearing the pools of obstacles (or the remnants we are holding onto) opens the chakras enabling them to receive and pass energy through to the next chakra. Each chakra corresponds to bundles of nerves, major organs, and areas of our energetic body that affect our emotional and physical well-being. Chakras are various focal points used in a variety of ancient meditation practices, and can be opened in asana practice as well! The concept of the chakra arose in the early traditions of Hinduism. As the chakras open and their energies connect to one another, we become deeply connected to ourselves, to the world around us, to others, to the divine. We experience Samadhi, oneness, union with the divine, or universe.🍎🔥☀️🌲💦🌎🔮
🌈 Let's begin our Chakra + Fall Leaves Meditation! Find a cozy room, bringing any blankets, bolsters, and blocks with you to your cozy spot. We will begin on our backs, connecting the spine and each vertebrae to the earth, or bring a bolster underneath the spine, length-wise, the edge right at the base of the spine, into a supported fish pose. This is one of my absolute favorite poses, it's so delicious, as the chest and heart open to the sky, and the shoulders melt over the sides of the bolster toward the earth. The low back is fully supported, a huge benefit to those of you like me who constantly experience stiffness and perhaps even a dull ache in the lumbar spine, where the lowest vertebrae meet the pelvis. Once comfy, perhaps with a cozy blanket, even a weighted blanket lying over you, I invite you to close the eyes, if this feels safe to do so.
🍁Let's take a deep inhale in through the nose, from the toes all the way up into the abdomen, expanding, taking up space, and exhaling slowly out through the mouth, the body deepening into relaxation & peace. With each exhale, it becomes longer and slower, so we calm the nervous system. Allow your head and shoulders to become heavy. Each vertebrae melts down toward the earth beneath you. The hips and pelvis begin to ground, the arms and legs begin to soften. Draw in another deep inhale in through the nose, from the toes all the way up into the abdomen, filling up, up into the chest, expanding the ribs, filling the lungs, and exhaling slowly, out through the mouth, shedding everything that's happened this past week, even today, allow the breeze to carry it all far away, no longer needed. We arrive here on our mats today to shed the layers that daily life can accumulate on the mind, body, and soul, become lighter, more balanced, finding freedom. Our final deep inhale in through the nose, from the toes all the way up into the abdomen, up into the chest filling the lungs, expanding the ribs, all the way up into the crown of the head, and slowly exhaling out through the mouth, the exhale completely leaving the body, as we melt completely to the earth. We let go of the past, and allow future to do lists to melt away, sending them back to the earth, to be refined for something better, something for our greater good. Fully present in the body.
Imagine you have driven to your favorite forest. you park your car at the trailhead, gather your blanket, hot tea or coffee, and step out of your car. the air is cool and crisp, a breeze flows through your hair. it’s autumn, and the leaves of the trees around you are bright and colorful. you enter the trail and stroll into the forest, taking in the rainbow of colorful leaves, smell the rich soil, dewy grass, and the smell of pine, cedar and other indigenous trees. the sunlight dances through the branches, warm upon your face. you find a clearing, and kneel down to place your blanket down, smooth out the edges, and sit down. you untie your laces and slip off your hiking shoes and place them outside the edge of your blanket. you come into a crossed leg seated position, hold your mug of hot tea or coffee in your hands, warm and comforting between your palms. your eyes dart around, and a smile forms across your face, as you hear birds singing, and see a bunny hop by, right in front of your blanket. a hint of cinnamon from your tea or coffee hits your nose, blending with the earthy scents of the forest around you. twigs snap, crows caw, the breeze swirls around the skin of your hands and face, your arms and legs, and upper body cozy warm in your layers of cotton. you take one more sip of your comforting, warm drink, and set it down, and begin to lie back, spine meeting the earth. you keep your eyes closed for the continuation of this meditation.
🍎 Bring your awareness to the base of your spine, your Root Chakra, our Muladhara. The Root Chakra is deep red in color, and its element is Earth. The root chakra focuses on basic needs of survival, connection with family & friends, where trust develops, beliefs, loyalty, and physical connection to Mother Earth. A few crystals or stones that are connected here are Hematite, Jasper, Obsidian, Tourmaline, Garnet. A few connected essential oils are Cedarwood, clove, frankincense, ginger, myrrh, patchouli, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang ylang. When our Root Chakra is in balance, we feel confident with change, trust our judgement, aware of past events but not emotionally connected. Able to sit still & are peaceful. We feel centered. 🐞You glance to your right, shoulder level, and see a deep red leaf, maybe belonging to a Red Maple Tree, a White Oak, or a Black Gum Tupelo tree. We might ask ourselves, who do I place my trust in, where do I find stability in my life. We reflect for a few moments as this chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous trees, bring your awareness to your Root, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this red energy center, and find balance!
🔥Next, we travel up to the Sacral Chakra, our Svadhisthana. The Sacral Chakra is located two inches below the naval, is orange in color, and its element is water. The sacral chakra focuses on creative energy, pleasure, what brings you joy, your self-esteem & self-worth, sexuality, and intimacy. A few crystals that are connected here are Carnelian, Sunstone, Citrine, Amber. Some connected essential oils are Jasmine, neroli, rose, orange, and sandalwood. When our sacral chakra is in balance, we go with the flow, express our creative side, healthy sexuality, respect for oneself and others' boundaries, open to new experiences.🐦🔥You glance out to your right, at hip level, out into the distance, to see an orange leaf, maybe of the Birch, Sassafras, or Witch Hazel trees. We might ask ourselves, where do I find my creativity and joy, how can I carve out more time for these things. We reflect for a few moments as this chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous trees, bring your awareness to your Sacral, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this orange energy center, and find balance!
☀️We travel up to the Solar Plexus Chakra, our Manipura. The Solar Plexus Chakra is located two inches above the naval, is yellow in color, and its element is fire. You might bring your hands together, rub them together to create warmth, and place around your navel. The solar plexus chakra focuses on gut instinct, personal power, confidence, inner fire, our personality & identity, and how we relate to others. A few connected crystals are Honey calcite, lemon quartz, pyrite, yellow topaz. Some essential oils connected here are Bergamot, geranium, lavender, lemon, mandarin, neroli, peppermint, chamomile, rose, tea tree, vetiver, ylang ylang. When our Solar plexus is in balance, we are aware of others' energy but not negatively affected, have inner strength, trust our gut, balanced ego, confident, takes personal responsibility.🌻You glance out to your right, at foot level, out into the distance, to see a bright yellow leaf, maybe of the Aspen, Hickory, or Butternut trees. We might ask ourselves, where do I find my inner fire and purpose, how can I bring these to the forefront of my life. We reflect for a few moments as this Manipura chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous trees, bring your awareness to your Solar Plexus, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this yellow energy center, and find balance!
🌲 We've arrived at the Bridge! The bridge between the Root and the Crown, the bridge between heaven and earth, is the Heart. Our Anahata, the Heart Chakra is located above the heart, is green in color, and its element is air. The heart chakra focuses on love of oneself, compassion for others, resolves inner conflict, is the bridge between lower and upper chakras, link between body & spirit, earth & divinity. The heart chakra expands more when connected with pranayama or breathwork. A few crystals connected to the heart are Aventurine, rose quartz, moss agate, jade, malachite, rhodonite, emerald. A few connected essential oils are Bergamot, eucalyptus, rose, jasmine, lemon, pine, rosemary, geranium, sage. When our heart chakra is in balance, We forgive others, practice self love, love for all living things, are kind & affectionate, nurturing, have inner peace.🍃You glance out to your left, at foot level, out into the distance, to see green needles of pines and cedars and cypress trees. We might ask ourselves, who can I send more love to, who can I forgive. We reflect for a few moments as this Anahata chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous evergreen trees, bring your awareness to your Heart chakra, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this green energy center, and find balance!
💦 We travel up to our Throat Chakra, our Vishuddha. The Throat Chakra is located in the neck, is light blue, or turquoise in color, and its element is spirit. The throat chakra focuses on speaking our truth, expression through voice, communication, judgement, and living one's truth. A few crystals connected here are Turquoise, blue lace agate, Aquamarine, Blue Kyanite, Amazonite. Some essential oils are Chamomile, geranium, lemongrass, myrrh, pine, sage, and tangerine. When our throat chakra is in balance, we live by & speak our truth, are content being quiet in uncomfortable situations, able to express truth without anger, encourage others to speak their truth.💧You glance out to your left, at hip level, out into the distance, to see a light blue needles of a blue spruce tree. We might ask ourselves, can I embrace the courage to speak my truth, use my voice for good. We reflect for a few moments as this Vishuddha chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous trees, bring your awareness to your Throat chakra, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this light blue energy center, and find balance!
🌎 Next in line is our Third Eye Chakra, our Ajna. The Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead, is indigo in color, and its element is light. The third eye chakra focuses on intuition, wisdom, judgment, our connection to universal or divine energy. A few crystals connected to the third eye are Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Labradorite, Flourite, Azurite. A few essential oils are lavender, peppermint, rosemary, spruce, thyme, clary sage, juniper berry. When our third eye is in balance, we trust our own intuition, able to learn from all experiences good & bad, open to new ideas & guidance, open to potential, remain objective, able to detach from things which no longer serve us.🫐 You glance out to your left, at shoulder level, out into the distance, to see a deep blue Bluebell blossoms growing in a shaded patch of soil. These indigo flowers connect us to our Ajna, third eye chakra. We might ask ourselves, how can I listen to my intuition without apprehension, how can I trust my inner wisdom. We reflect for a few moments as this Ajna chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these beautiful Bluebells, bring your awareness to your Third Eye chakra, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to open this indigo blue energy center, and find balance!
🔮 We've made it to the top! Our Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head, is violet in color, and is not connected with an element. The crown chakra focuses on understanding, devotion, spirituality, enlightenment, where we receive divine guidance. A few connected crystals are Amethyst, Selenite, Quartz, Lepidolite, Celestite. Some essential oils are frankincense, lemongrass, rosewood, jasmine, lavender, myrrh, neroli. When our crown chakra is in balance, we are aware of spiritual wisdom, have a balanced central nervous system, allow for spiritual growth, can see the bigger picture, at one with body-mind-spirit.🕉️ Finally, You glance straight up, and a little behind you to see deep purple leaves of a dogwood tree, connecting to our crown chakra. We might ask ourselves, how can I strengthen my connection to the universe, to source, to the Divine. We reflect for a few moments as this Sahasrara chakra energy center begins to open, clearing blockages. The next time you see these gorgeous trees, bring your awareness to your Crown chakra, and remember we are always connected to the earth, and her creations! Discover ways to remove obstacles, and open this purple energy center, and find balance!!
🍁🍂 We have opened all of our chakras through so many beautiful Fall trees! We have found balance! Begin to draw in a deep inhale through the nose, from the toes to the crown, and then slowly exhale through the mouth to reawaken for the day! Slowly begin to welcome in movement to the fingers and the toes, circling through the wrists and ankles, bending into the elbows and the knees. Eventually the hands reach overhead, and the toes reach forward, into a full body stretch, as we inhale. As we exhale, draw the knees into the chest for a hug, grateful for the breath and body during this practice. We take that gratitude with us as we roll to our favorite side, the right or the left, the sun or the moon, into our fetal position, the posture of rebirth, transformation, and renewal. And when you're ready, and not a moment before, meet me in a comfortable seat, crossing the legs or finding a half or full lotus. The spine lengthens to the crown, the crown reaching for the heavens. Inhale as we reach the hands up overhead, gathering all we've cultivated, and bring the hands to heart center, with a gentle bow of the head. Thank you for joining me for your practice. It is always an honor and a joy to hold this healing space for you. May you leave with a more peaceful mind, open and loving heart, and a renewed body and soul. The light in me, sees, honors, and humbly bows, to the light that is in you. Namaste. 🌲Discover the chakras in every bit of nature!
🍎🔥☀️🌲💦 🌎🕉️
