The Sanskrit word chakra (IAST: cakra, devanāgari चक्र) means wheel. Though the chakras are part of the energetic (subtle) body, they are related to various aspects of the physical body and represent different relationships in our lives. As our guru Sharonji says, “A chakra is a doorway through which we perceive reality.” The way we perceive the world around us is directly connected to the our own inner state.
“We don’t see things the way they are; we see them as we are.”
- Anonymous (though often credited to Anaïs Nin)
When we harbour emotions, or hold on to the past in various ways, it can lead to blockage in the body: physically, emotionally, mentally, energetically. This has an impact on how we view the world and carries into our interactions and relationships in the present.
The Chakra Tuning practice is particular to the Jivamukti method and was one of the (many) deeply impactful moments of my own Jivamukti Teacher Training experience. It brought memories and emotions related to my past experiences and relationships to the surface; things I didn’t realize I was unconsciously still holding on to. By the time the practice was over it felt like a huge weight had been lifted, like I was floating on a cloud in śavāsana. In yoga there is an experience of the breath being suspended called kevala kumbhaka. You can’t actively make it happen, but if you create the right conditions through your yoga practice, it can happen spontaneously; you enter such a deep state of relaxation and connection that your breath stops for a time. This happened for me at the end of Sharonji’s Chakra Tuning class that day.
Everyone’s experience is unique of course, but my hope is that by sharing the wisdom and teachings of my dear teacher with the yogis who participate in this workshop, I am able to transmit the same feeling of ease, groundedness and connection.