SVADHISTHANA – SACRAL CHAKRA
“E-motions are energy in motion. If they are not expressed, the energy is repressed. As energy it has to go somewhere. Emotional energy moves us, as does all energy. To deny emotion is to deny the ground and vital energy of life.” John Bradshaw
The sacral chakra is the seat of feminine, yin consciousness inherent in both women and men. Guided by symbols of the Divine feminine such as the moon, water and the goddess, this fertile dance draws us into the mysterious realm of the many, and often contradictory, facets of the feminine – nurturing, sensual, wise, creator, child-bearing, devouring, dark, seductive, untamed, ferocious, wild. While many women report feeling a strong sense of femininity stirring within as they tap into this primordial energy, men often have a conscious recognition that these feminine qualities exist within their own nature. Jung calls this inner feminine side within man his ‘anima’, which is both a personal and archetypal image of woman in the male psyche. The anima influences man’s ideas, attitudes and emotions. For both men and women, getting in touch with these feminine qualities strengthens our ability to nurture ourselves, and others, and form healthy intimate relationships.
If you have ever suffered from inhibitions and lack confidence in your own sensuality, you may benefit greatly from exploring your sacral chakra. This chakra connects us to our emotions. It’s Sanskrit name – Svadhisthana means sweetness. The essence of the sacral is revealed in the sweet exchange of intimacy and connectedness. Physiologically, the sacral chakra governs our sexual development and maturity, and the health of the reproductive and urinary systems. As well as sexual pleasure, the sweetness of the sacral can be experienced through nurturing ourselves with the simple pleasures of rest, good food, and tactile pleasures like dancing and massage.
When the natural state of a healthy, open sacral chakra is blocked, we can become numb to our emotions; often our physical body contracts. This contracted state has the potential to deaden our passions and desires, both sexually and in other areas of life. Allowing repressed emotions such as sadness, shame, or fear to move through our bodies can be very healing. As we become more attuned to the sacral, passion, desire and pleasure can become a part of everyday life, integrated in a natural balance.
Imbalance can also occur when there is excessive energy stored in the sacral chakra, and we may be moody and over-sensitive to others. This can manifest into perpetual states of crisis, an excessive sex drive, or a craving for constant excitement and stimulation, which can result in the addictions.
When equilibrium occurs through the balancing of the sacral chakra, we become more conscious of our inner nature and develop a deep appreciation for our emotional well-being. Intimate relationships become easier when blockages are released and life feels “sweeter”.
Everyday ways to balance Svadhisthana:
Swim, play in water; wear orange clothes or bring the colour orange more into your life; take relaxation baths with candles and oils; drink lots of cleansing and nourishing fluids; take pleasure in cooking meals and really tune into the smells and tastes. Invoke your inner child and play!
Svadhisthana crystals: Carnelian and coral are the associated crystals of the sacral chakra. Carnelian raises awareness of feelings while coral helps to calm. You may choose to carry the crystals with you, sleep with them next to your bed or hold them during meditation. Bringing these crystals into your dance space when you dance the sacral chakra will also help you attune to their vibrational resonance.
Svadhisthana oils: Rose Geranium, rose, sandalwood. These oils can be used in massage treatments, burned in an oil burner or you may even add a few drops in to your bath.
Chakradance workshops related to Svadhisthana :
Abundant Empress (Heal Your Life, online workshop)
Dance of Sensuality (Awakening, live session)
Sacral Chakra – Flow with Sacred Passion and Pleasure (Freedom, live session)
