The second chakra is associated with the color orange. Its name, Svadisthana, translates as ‘one’s own place or base.’ This chakra has to do with our ability to feel our feelings and emotions. It allows us to be open to sensuality and to life in general. Associated with the water element, this chakra helps us to ‘go with the flow,’ allowing us to let go of resistance and practice acceptance, while at the same time having healthy boundaries. As it is an even-numbered chakra, it is concerned with the feminine qualities of openness, softness and relaxation. We practice working with these qualities on our yoga mat, in each of our postures.
Physically, the second chakra is associated with the hips, sacrum, lower back, reproductive system, bladder and kidneys. (Again, we can see how all things ‘watery’ have to do with this chakra!) So any imbalances in our physical health in any of these areas could be worked on by focusing on second chakra postures. An example of the postures we worked on during our practice this week include things like reclined butterfly pose, frog pose, hip openers like lunges and pigeon, and other postures that open up the inner thighs and groin (wide angle leg stretches, extended angle pose, etc.), to help create space, openness and better circulation in the area of our second chakra.
I hope all of you who attended 2nd chakra classes this week left feeling more open and relaxed, better able to let go of resistance and practice accepting whatever comes up for you–and being truly able to ‘go with the flow.’
P.S. Above is a picture of the chakra bracelet that the Bead Brat, Sue Doyle, made me in honor of our “Balancing Your Chakras” session. It is made with Swarovski crystals and silver. She is selling them for only $15. It is definitely helping to remind me to put into practice all the qualities that we are focusing on during our chakra classes each week. If you would like to place a special order for one please let me know.