Swadhistana Chakra “The dwelling place of the self”

In my last post we made an enquiry into the root Chakra – Muladhara, which was earthy and grounding.
 
Next we arrive at Chakra No 2 – Swadhistana, the Sacral Chakra.
 
The natural progression of the energy moving up through the Chakra system is that after it makes it through Muladhara – basic human needs such as food and housing - it comes to Swadhistana.
 
This Chakra is roughly located 1-2 inches below the navel centre and on a physical level it is concerned with pleasure, sexuality, and is connected to the reproductive organs. So it is all about creativity…both biologically and artistically!
 
It is the water element so just like the free flowing nature of water, it’s always changeable and definitely not static like Muladahara (Earth) is.
 
It’s about emotions too – emotion  = Energy in motion.
 
It’s connected to Lunar energy – see the Swadhistana symbol and the crescent moon at the base so traditionally feminine energy.


Another way to think of it could be the fluctuations of the female hormones throughout a month – the physical and emotional changes that happen throughout the menstrual cycle - and indeed a large proportion of her life.

If your Swadhistana is low/blocked there may be a loss of creativity, low sexual energy, dullness and depression. There may also be attachment issues, guilt, timidity, emotional volatility, hypersensitivity, and trust issues. It can also manifest as being disconnected and cold.  
 
If it is overactive a person might be too caught up in pleasure (e.g. sex, eating, drinking, drugs…) and/or be needy and emotionally dependant on others.
 
That all sounds like a barrel of laughs right?!
 
However, if it is balanced and the energy is flowing as it should you will experience vitality, wellness, be open to pleasure and joy, emotionally free, and also be able to express yourself creatively. 

The water element is also connected to dance so think about watching a belly dancer…freedom of this Chakra in action! There is something so enchanting and freeing about inhibited movement. So just try and dance like no-one is watching...remember to close your curtains first though :)
 
Regardless of whether your Swadhistana might be identified as being under or over active, we can cultivate energy flow into this watery Chakra through our yoga practice. It is connected to the sacrum and the hips so yoga asanas that open the hips are beneficial, as are flowing movements.

Next week we arrive at Manipura Chakra at the solar plexus – fire-y sun energy...hot hot hot!

Namaste

Shelley

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