Chakra is a Sanskrit word for ‘wheel’ or circle. Chakras are found within our energy field.

Each chakra is an energy center, a vortex that can draw in spiritual energy and feed it to different parts of our physical body and look after specific glands and organs.

They also correspond to different emotions and thought patterns/belief systems.

When our chakras are clean, bright, active, balanced and spinning we feel healthy and energetic.

Our chakras can become blocked or congested with emotions, negative energy, negative thoughts and through our daily interactions. 

There are seven main chakras. All chakras are equal and they all should be balanced. 

1. Root Chakra

Also known as the base chakra sits at the base of the spine and represents our foundation.

When the root chakra is open, we feel energetic, safe, secure, self-confident and grounded.

When it’s blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground.

One simple way to balance your root chakra is to zen out on a walk.

Take this idea of mindfully moving on your walk with you. Concentrate on your foot leaving the ground and connecting to the earth again with each step.

You’ll give your mind a break and cleanse your root chakra at the same time.

2. Sacral Chakra

The 2nd chakra relates to our connection to things outside of ourselves including relationships with others, nature, animals and material things. It also governs creativity and sexual energy.

With a balanced sacral chakra you feel energized and joyful, with a positive outlook on life.

You are able to creatively use your imagination and take ideas from this and put them into action. Those with a blocked sacral chakra could feel a lack of control in their lives.

If your sacral chakra feels blocked, it usually means that stagnant energy is trapped there. So if you feel a block in the sacral, try to get moving with an emphasis on the hips and lower abs. Hip opening stretches, free-flowing dance, and the butterfly yoga pose can help you do so.

3. Solar Plexus

The third chakra governs how we relate to ourselves and our acceptance of self and how we feel others perceive us.

This is where we manage our self-love, self-worth, self-respect and self-confidence. It enables us to stand in our own personal power and feel courageous and motivated.

If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves.

A great exercise to help balance this chakra involves embracing your inner critic. Make a list of all the things you don’t like about yourself and include all the ways you judge yourself.

This list can include physical traits, behavior, weaknesses, etc. Then, close your eyes and visualize yourself as a teenager. Silently tell your teen self that they are perfect as they are.

Go through each item on the list and silently tell your teen self that all of these qualities are welcome. Thank your inner critic for protecting you all these years, then acknowledge that you no longer need that protection.

4. Heart Chakra

This chakra is located at the center of the chest and it allows us the ability to give love and receive love.

Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life.

If someone’s heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy. If you feel a blockage Being of service is an opportunity to give unconditionally.

Choose an activity that allows you to interact with others who may be suffering in ways that you are not. Being of service is a way to generate compassion and experience how your own compassion for others affects your sense of well-being.  

5. Throat Chakra

This chakra relates to self-expression and ‘speaking your truth’. It gives voice to the heart chakra and controls our ability to communicate our personal power.

When it’s functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly.

Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel.

One way to help balance the throat chakra is to Communicate with awareness.

Share your current life goals and dreams with a friend. As you speak, become aware of when your language choices become an obstacle to manifestation.

Notice where you are saying, “I can’t,” “I haven’t,” “I am not.” Every time you make a statement that does not reflect your goals as a reality, correct yourself. The more you practice this, the more your language will become a vehicle to manifest effectively.

6. Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra allows you to have a conscious perception of the total being (mind, body & spirit). It allows us to have an understanding of non-physical things and to know the truth.

It helps you to be open to using your intuition and psychic abilities and accessing your inner knowing. Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra. You will also feel guided and divinely protected and can follow your soul’s path. 

The third eye is naturally active in the dream state. The more you remember your dreams, the more connected you become to the unconscious—where all of your blind spots live.

Spend 10 minutes every morning writing down everything you remember about your dreams. If you cannot remember anything at all, spend the time in meditation, clearing your mind before turning on any electronic devices or auditory stimuli. Eventually, you will remember!

7. Crown Chakra

The highest chakra, sits at the crown of the head and represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. You feel a sense of oneness with a heightened state of consciousness.

An open crown chakra allows you to have faith and know you are always divinely provided for and protected. You know you have an unlimited potential and how to use your spiritual gifts to help yourself and others.

When the crown chakra is out of balance, we feel disconnected from each other, as well as the purpose of life itself.

One way to help open up the crown chakra is to cultivate the feeling of awe. You can do this by spending time in nature.

Get into the mountains or stare out at the ocean and feel the humility of how small we are. Stargaze under the vast night sky and try to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible. Let nature move you with her majesty.