Healing the Throat Chakra

The throat chakra, or “Vishudda,” affects the throat, mouth, teeth, jaw and ears. It governs our ability to express ourselves, to speak our truth and also to hear the truth and positivity in the words of others. Someone with a healthy throat chakra will be able to articulate their thoughts, emotions, needs and desires clearly. If there is dysfunction in this chakra, difficulty communicating is sure to follow. Associated with paler shades of blue, this chakra responds well to the resonances of crystals such as aquamarine and blue lace agate. A diet to encourage its healthy function will include herbal teas such as chamomile, and will feature dairy and refined sugar only sparingly. Because this chakra is the focus of voice and communication, stimulate it by practicing chanting, singing; or, alternately, thoughtful silence and reflection or journal-keeping.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground).

2) Take several deep breaths. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Vishuddha blossom, or merely a spiral of pale blue light, at the base of your throat near the pulse point. Feel its warmth, the soothing sensation of its light as its healing power makes itself known. Continue breathing slowly and deeply, and see the glow increase and intensify with each breath. Let your body relax.

4) Picture yourself on an open shore. The sun glints off the waves, the ocean’s thunder calmed in late afternoon, a quiet susurration. Here, you are at ease. Here, you are free to be entirely yourself. Converse with your inner being. Are there truths you have been denying? Are there questions you wish to have answered? Use the crystalline glow of your throat chakra, so like the open blue sky above, to bring these thoughts and words to light. Use your voice and fear nothing. Speak with honesty and integrity, and allow only the same to be spoken to you. Use your voice to spread positivity, and you will receive only positivity in return. When you are at peace here, when your inner voice is strong and clear, leave the shore - taking with you the confidence and clarity that you will henceforth use to communicate in everyday life.

5) When you are satisfied, and feel that your chakra has taught you all you need to know for the day, relax and let your mind drift. When you are ready, bring your attention once again to the glowing
blue blossom at your neck. Feel its light envelop you, and then the room, and finally the community around you - surrounding yourself and others in the light of clarity and understanding. When this image is clear and complete, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (drawn in the air with a fingertip or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation. You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Throat Chakra

I live in my truth, I communicate my truth.

Communication is vital to my well-being.

I share my experiences openly.

I express my needs and desires clearly and without shame.

I listen to the truth of others.

I communicate openly with those who are open with me.

I listen to myself and trust my inner voice.

I develop my integrity by telling the truth.

My spirit rests in peace and silence.

I share my feelings easily.

I communicate what is true for me, without projecting my truth onto others.

Healing the Heart Chakra

Note: Thanks to everyone for your patience as we work to get this latest meditation up and “on the air.” This season is always a busy time for us as we are sure it is for you, and an illness in the family has kept us close to home. We hope that you enjoy this installment of the Chakra Challenge, may it help you further along your own path towards healing and happiness! Love and Light, ~DR

The heart chakra, also known as Anahata, is located in the ribcage near the organic heart. Its purpose in our physiology includes regulating the function of the heart and lungs, but its spiritual purpose is just as important. The heart chakra is where we store our sense of self-love and contentment, where we nurture our inner child. It is where we feel love for others in its purest forms, and the source of our feelings of connection. A dysfunctional heart chakra can lead to the illusion of separation, a sort of “me against the world” attitude which is counter-productive and unhealthy. Let the heart chakra blossom to feel your connection with those around you and with the universe at large. This chakra loves the affectionate color pink and the healing color green; good crystals to use when working with this chakra include rose quartz (associated with unconditional love), aventurine, and peridot. Nourishing foods include those that are nourishing to the heart and circulatory system; including dark leafy greens and grains such as oatmeal and quinoa. Because the heart chakra is the link between the lower three (feminine) chakras (associated with receiving energy) and the upper three (masculine) chakras (associated with giving energy), it is our center of relation and interaction with the world around us. The condition of the heart chakra affects our entire worldview, so stimulate and heal it by engaging in activities such as qi gong, balancing meditations, and volunteer work.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Anahata blossom, or simply a heart of green (or pink) light in the center of your chest. Feel its warmth and healing power; see it pulse in time with your heartbeat. Allow the glow to increase with each heartbeat. Allow the light to expand in your chest. Let your body relax.

4) Picture yourself in a scene in nature. Woods, a peaceful lake, on a mountaintop at sunrise, even in an underwater grotto. Choose the place that feels most lovely and healing to you. Allow yourself to rest and be comfortable in this place. Look around you, taking in the beauty and the quiet. Feel how much love mother nature has for you. Let this love envelop and buoy you as you reflect on your love for yourself. Is it lacking? Do you feel unappreciated? Realize that you are deserving of love and respect from your very self. The child you once were, whom you can clearly picture in your mind’s eye, is still present within you and needs love and affection. Remind yourself that to love yourself unconditionally is both deserved and demanded, your very soul cries out for the gentle healing of love. Remind yourself that if you feel loved, it will be easier to love others. Do you feel kindness and empathy for those around you? Do you find it easy to relate to those outside yourself? Do you realize that we are all one, or are you trapped by the illusion of separation? Realize that in loving yourself, you must love others; and by showing your love to others, you are in fact showing love to yourself.

5) When you have seen - if only for a moment - past the illusion of separation, and your inner child is smiling and content, take a moment to heal your past hurts. The heart is heavy with griefs and regrets. Look at each of them, as if flipping through a photo album. Do not dwell, offer only a brief glance. With each one, think “This was a hard lesson, but a lesson nonetheless. I accept it and let it go.” As you release each painful memory and bad feeling, feel your heart grow a little lighter, that glow surrounding it shining more and more.

6) When you are satisfied, and your heart feels light and content, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the green (or pink) light in your chest. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you experience love for yourself and unity with others. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Heart Chakra

I am open to receiving love.
All the love in the universe is inside my heart.
I love and accept myself with no reservations.
I care for my inner child.
I am wanted, loved and appreciated.
I have grace and gratitude in my life.
The idea of separation is an illusion.
I know that I am one with the universe.
I have love and empathy for those around me.
I am grateful for the challenges that have encouraged me to open my heart.
I am connected with other human beings.
I have appreciation for nature.
I accept my life as it is, knowing I am a perfect being.
I am peaceful and content.

Ra Key pendant

I recently obtained my ZPE technology Ra Key from guru Arcturus Ra (http://www.ra-key.com/) and am amazed by its power and the benefits it has brought to my life. To enhance the key's power with some of her own crystal magic, my wife made a strand to hold it with garnet, clear quartz, hematite, carnelian and snowflake obsidian. A great gift for an already powerful tool!

Check out her page to see more creations like this one, both for fashion and more practical purposes: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stardustsage-Designs/147656582087668

Blossoms for the Lower Three ("feminine" chakras)

 Manipura Blossom, or Solar Plexus Chakra - "lustrous jewel"

 

 

Svadisthana Blossom, or Sacral Chakra - "my own sweet abode"

 

 

Muladhara Blossom, or Root Chakra

Healing the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is located in the belly just above the navel. Associated with the color yellow, its flowering is enhanced with the use of crystals such as citrine, amber and yellow topaz (which incidentally is the birthstone for the month of November). The solar plexus chakra favors sunny foods such as lemon and grapefruit, and encourages the intake of Vitamin C to help it flourish. Activities to stimulate it can include competitive activities such as sports or martial art, theater or debate, or qi gong. It is where our beliefs and values, personal identity, and sense of self-worth dwell. It is the voice that tells us, we are good enough. Manipura means “lustrous jewel,” highlighting the multifaceted brilliance of each person’s personality.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Manipura blossom, or simply a globe of yellow light within your belly, expanding outward with a gentle glow. Enlarge the globe and intensify the color. Let your body relax and feel the warmth of the bright yellow color envelop your body.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, allow your mind to drift. The animal commonly associated with the Manipura is the lion, with an archetype of the peaceful warrior. Picture yourself as a fierce lion, proud and strong; or as a warrior, ready and able to defend yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. Feel the strength from these images flow into your body. Feel your spine straighten as you gather confidence from the conviction in your beliefs. Look back with new understanding on the challenges you have faced up to this point, and congratulate yourself for those occasions when you have acted with integrity and honor. Remind yourself that you must be true to yourself first and foremost, and to have faith in your own beliefs and your own inherent value. Rest quietly and reflect on the brilliant facets of your personal identity. This is you; a physical manifestation of the perfection of your spirit. Be proud of yourself, and know that you are enough. See how brightly you shine. You are unique and pristine, a gem worthy of protecting. You have the personal power to accomplish your goals, and assert your right to the life you want. Remind yourself of this feeling of innate pride, worthiness and personal integrity once more, and rest in the knowledge of what you have learned. Practice feeling comfortable in your own skin.

5) When you feel you have finished, and feel strong and content in yourself, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the yellow sphere in your belly. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you acknowledge your worth and personal dignity. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Solar Plexus Chakra

I love and accept myself.
I stand up for myself.
I stand up for my beliefs.
I choose things that are good for me.
I choose to associate with people that promote my health and happiness.
I am authentic.
I am in control of my own life.
I am strong and fully aware of my strength.
I seek opportunities for growth.
I am proud of my achievements.
I express myself freely.
I appreciate and honor myself.
I am at peace with myself.
I am worth my weight in gold.

Healing the Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is our center of deservedness, sensuality and pleasure. Stimulated by the vibrant color orange, it is where we find the pleasure in our passions and learn that we deserve to enjoy life. Crystals such as cleansing carnelian and brilliant fire agate serve this chakra well. Help this chakra to heal itself by taking time for yourself, to do the things you love and experience pleasure from activities and stillness alike. Healthful activities include yoga and pilates, and sensual endeavors such as bellydance or tantra. The sacral chakra loves moderation - indulge your senses enough to make your soul sing; however, too much indulgence will cause this chakra to stagnate and your energies to become clouded and distracted. Stimulate this chakra and you will encourage the kundalini to rise.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Svadhisthana blossom, or simply a pyramid of orange light below your belly, about one handspan beneath your navel. Enlarge the pyramid and intensify the color. Let your body relax and feel the warmth of the orange color envelope your body.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, allow your mind to drift. “Svadisthana” means “my own sweet abode,” so imagine a place where you can be wholly yourself, where you can pursue the thoughts and actions that are healthy and good for you and which make you feel good. You have a right to feel and express your emotions healthfully and without apology. Know that your body is a manifestation of your spirit, and therefore perfect - love and nurture it. Remind yourself that you deserve to experience pleasure, that pleasure and enjoyment are right for you and help to make and keep you whole. Remember that the nature of the universe is oneness, and by allowing yourself to experience pleasure and enjoyment, you are transferring your joy automatically to the world around you.

5) When you have solidified your right to pleasure and enjoyment, and made a promise to allow yourself to enjoy life, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the orange pyramid low in your belly. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the orange glow. Feel yourself blossom, welcoming enjoyment and passion into your life. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Sacral Chakra

I have a right to experience pleasure.
I do not need anyone’s permission to experience pleasure.
Enjoyment and passion are good for me.
I love and enjoy my body.
I have healthy boundaries for myself.
I have healthy boundaries where others are concerned.
I am open to simply experiencing the present.
I find pleasure and abundance everywhere.
My body is sacred and I take steps daily to nourish it.
I am open to touch and connection.
I am comfortable expressing my emotions.
I know how to care for myself.
I am at peace with myself and my feelings.

Healing the Root Chakra

The root chakra is our center of security and safety, where our basest needs (food, shelter) are met. It is where we harbor our sense of duty and our relationships to family and community. As its color is red, crystals to use in aiding this meditation include garnet, ruby, and red jasper. Hematite is also good for use on a dysfunctional root chakra, as it has a powerful grounding energy. Foods to stimulate this chakra include meats, tomatoes, and hearty ethnic fare such as pasta, curry or paella.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.)

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Muladhara blossom or simply a red cube at the base of your spine, near your tailbone. Intensify the color and enlarge the cube in your vision. Feel the chakra, the weight of your body pulling you into the floor.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, picture yourself in an environment you find secure and calming (a place in nature, or a favorite room in your home). Picture yourself looking at photographs of loved ones and familiar places. Let the sense of belonging and purpose wash over you. Remind yourself that you are safe no matter where you are; have faith in the fact that you are entitled simply to be. Feel as one with the universe. Give thanks for the challenged you have faced, for they have built your character and helped you find the strength to ensure and grow.

5) When you feel calm and connected, withdraw from the scene, and bring your attention once again to the red cube at the base of your spine. Intensify the cube’s light, and expand it to envelop your entire body, your home, your community, and finally the world. When all of creation is together in that warm red glow, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Root Chakra

I feel deeply rooted to the earth.
I have everything I need.
I feel connected to and care for my body.
I have a right to be here.
I stand up for what I believe in.
I am stable, secure and self-sufficient.
I nurture my body with all the best - healthy food, clean water, exercise, play and adequate rest.
I am grateful for the challenges that have helped me to grow.
I trust in the inherent goodness of life and the people around me.
I make choices that are healthy and good for me.
I trust and believe in myself.
I love life.

*Note: It is recommended that when meditating on opening the chakras, one works from root to crown in order - particularly if this is the first time working with the chakra system, or the first time after a long lapse in meditative study. Some time should be spent on each chakra (I usually take about a week). Repeat the affirmations morning and evening, and complete the guided meditation several times in a week. Feel free to get to know your chakra - use the crystals associated with healing for that particular energy center, eat the foods that will stimulate and open the blossom. Keep an eye out for next week’s post on the Sacral Chakra…