The following list contains poses that help balance each chakra:)

• Root: Mountain Pose, Child’s Pose, Forward Fold, and Downward Facing Dog. ANY pose that helps you ground and connect with the Earth and Present Moment

• Sacral: Warrior I to warrior 2 (extend and exhalt), to warrior III. ANY fluid movement. Fluid dancing would work too!

• Solar Plexis: Reclined twists, seated twists, high or low squat twists (ex: Utkatasana twist).

• Heart: all backbends… camel, cactus arms, wheel.

• Throat: Plow pose, cat/ cow, cobra/ king cobra, shoulder stand

• Third Eye: Eagle bind, dolphin push up, tree pose (eyes closed possiby).

• Crown: Any inversions… Headstands or wide-legged forward folds are both great options.

Crystal and stone-based healing practices stem back to over 5,000 years ago. I know little about this topic, but wanted to mention it because I use crystal therapy in several of my meditations.

The purpose for crystal incorporation is to cleanse the body of toxins relating to chakra imbalances that cause anything from anxiety to stomach cramps.

When the crystals are fully charged either by water or natural light, the mineral composition of certain stones act as a kind of magnet to chakra-related ailments which releases tension and clears energy blockages . By placing the stones/ crystals on the aggravated area, relief can be achieved.

Below is a list of stones/ crystals I would recommend for those curious to integrate this into their meditation practice/ lifestyle:

• Root: Red Jasper

• Sacral: Citrine

• Solar Plexis: Tiger Eye

• Heart: Aventurine

• Throat: Sodalite

• Third Eye: Amethyst

• Crown: Selenite or White Quartz

Chakra meditations tend to be strong, specific, and focused. There are several guided chakra meditations available on Spotify and YouTube, but below is an example of what I will incorporate to make a meditation chakra- focused:

• Begin with a Pendulum Test. Take a necklace with a pendant you commonly wear, or a stone/ crystal pendulum and place it over your right palm. To determine how your energy flows, ask the pendulum a simple yes or no question like “Is my birthday on (blank) day?” the pendulum should swing forward to back or right to left. Whichever way it swings, this is your yes to the following questions you ask it.

• After determining which way your energy moves, focus your attention on your root chakra and ask if it is balanced. If it responds yes, move on to your sacral chakra and so on. If it says “no” then ask if it is excessive. If it says yes, keep that in mind and continue upward. If it again responds no, ask if it is depleted. Take note of each result of the chakra pendulum test.

For excessive chakras focus on counteracting the energy with opposing the demons of each chakra. The demons are:

• Root: Fear

• Sacral: Guilt

• Solar Plexis: Shame

• Heart: Grief

• Throat: Lies

• Third Eye: Illusion

• Crown: Attachment

For depleted chakras, focus on incorporating the color of the chakra coming into you through the top of your head and imagine it filling you up. Using mantras, mudras, and crystals are a good ways to bring you into balance as well.

After going through each chakra that is imbalanced I like to close the meditation with three to seven cleansing breaths letting go every imbalance within my body, mind, and soul.

Affirmations are statements you say to affirm certain truths about yourself that you may acknowledge but some never think about. These phrases can assist in balancing the chakras. Affirmations for each chakra include:

Root: I am safe and secure. The Earth supports me and my needs. I trust my body’s wisdom. It is safe for me to be in the here and now.

Sacral: I embrace my sexuality. I am a sensual being. I absorb information from my feelings. I move effortlessly

Solar Plexis: I honor the power within me. I accomplish tasks easily, I can do whatever I will to do. I can be me. I digest my feelings.

Heart: I live in harmony with others. There is an infinite supply of love. I am worthy to give and receive love. I love unconditionally.

Throat: Creativity flows through me. I hear and speak the truth. My voice is necessary. I express myself clearly.

Third Eye: I see all things with clarity. I am open to the wisdom within. I can manifest my vision

Crown: I am guided by the universe’s wisdom. Divinity resides within me. My state of consciousness is constantly evolving.

I do not endorse mainstream essential oils. The substance is primarily monopolized and run by people with evil intentions for their workers and for Mother Earth. I primarily use incense burners, teas, raw product, and extracts to receive the benefits from the following plants:

• Root: Sandalwood and Cedar

• Sacral: Jasmine, Rose, Cardamom, and Coriander

• Solar Plexis: Juniper, Rosemary, Ginger, Chamomile, and Peppermint

• Heart: Lavender and Rose

• Throat: Peppermint, Geranium, Chamomile, Basil

• Third Eye: Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Juniper, Laurel (Bay Leaves)

• Crown: Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedar, and Lavender