The Chakras are said to be “force centers” or whorls of energy permeating, from a point on the physical body, the layers of the subtle bodies in an ever-increasing fan-shaped formation (the fans make the shape of a love heart). Rotating vortices of subtle matter, they are considered the focal points for the reception and transmission of energies. Seven major chakras or energy centers (also understood as wheels of light) are generally believed to exist, located within the subtle body.

The following seven primary chakras are commonly described:

1. Muladhara (Sanskrit: मूलाधार, Mūlādhāra) Base or Root Chakra (last bone in spinal cord *coccyx*)
2. Swadhisthana (Sanskrit: स्वाधिष्ठान, Svādhiṣṭhāna) Sacral Chakra (ovaries/prostate)
3. Manipura (Sanskrit: मणिपूर, Maṇipūra) Solar Plexus Chakra (navel area)
4. Anahata (Sanskrit: अनाहत, Anāhata) Heart Chakra (heart area)
5. Vishuddha (Sanskrit: विशुद्ध, Viśuddha) Throat Chakra (throat and neck area)
6. Ajna (Sanskrit: आज्ञा, Ājñā) Brow or Third Eye Chakra (pineal gland or third eye)
7. Sahasrara (Sanskrit: सहस्रार, Sahasrāra) Crown Chakra (Top of the head; ‘Soft spot’ of a newborn)

Time to bring new love to new light. Be inspired with this summer love meditation here.

Happy meditating!

Holidays got you stressed? Maybe it is time for a mental moment.

Meditation is a great way to clam the mind during these stressful times. Meditation is like a vacation away from your own mind and thoughts: A personal time for you to let go of all the days worries and troubles. It is time to let yourself relax. This mental moment can help jump start your day and mentally prepare you for all of life’s obstacles.

There are many different ways to meditate. Here I am going to explain how to do a simple seated meditation. First set aside at least 10-15 minutes out of your day. This can sometimes be difficult, but the first step to relaxation is taking the time out for yourself. The second step is to get comfy with your surroundings. I know not everyone can just skip to a luscious waterfall or a glowing sunset cliff, but try to find somewhere you won’t be bothered. After finding your spot, sit in a cross legged position. If you can’t get into this then just sit in a comfortable position. Let your hands rest on your knees and face your palms up to the sky in hasta mudra. A mudra is a hand gesture that allows energy to flow through it. In hasta mudra, the palm is up in receptivity. So now that you are in a comfortable position, close your eyes. Try to let go of all the thoughts wondering around your mind. This can be very difficult for most people. with your eyes closed try to concentrate on one object. For this meditation we are going to concentrate on a flower. Try to envision a bright yellow daisy. If your mind starts to wonder come back to the daisy and try to think of it with more detail. You are see it spin, you can see it petal for petal, or you could even just picture it all alone sitting still in a field. Just really try to focus. Do this for as long as you can. If possible put on a timer to 15 minutes and let your mind be still. Allowing your mind to become still eases the tension produced by our day to day lives. Try this exercise for a week and feel the difference in your stress level. This mental minute will allow you to take on holiday obstacles with a whole new attitude.

Krisnamacharya Yoga Film 1938

Here Krisnamacharya demonstrates asanas (poses) and pranayama (breath) techniques. Krisnamacharya (1888–1989) was an influential Indian Yoga teacher, who believed “Yoga to be India’s greatest gift to the world”. He developed Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and shared it with many influential yoga teachers of our time, including Sri BKS Iyengar, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the late Indra Devi and Krishnamacharya’s own sons T.K.V. Desikachar and T.K. Sribhashyam.

We might have a long way to go before attempting all of his postures, but at least we know the journey that lays ahead.