Seventh Chakra- SAHASRARA- Crown

Transcendence. The Tenth Gate

Location: Crown of the head
Organ/Gland: Pineal
Color: Violet
Qualities: The seat of the soul. Connection to the Highest Self. Enlightenment. Unity. Elevation. Relationship to the Unknown.
Shadow: Grief. The feeling of being separated from existence and from abundance. Fear of death.
Yoga: Sat Kriya, concentrating on the tip of the nose.

NOTES:

The pineal glad is associated with the Seventh Chakra, the Crown Chakra. The Seventh Chakra is associated with cosmic sound.

The Seventh Chakra has the key characteristic of surrender (the humility that fills you as you bow before the infinite). That is one of the reasons that so many different traditions use the act of bowing. 

Remember you can be just as crazy in the astral realm as on the Earth. Just because you are dead doesnt mean you are stripped of your ego.

Kriya for the Seventh Chakra

FIFTH CHAKRA-VISHUDDA

The throat chakra, the fifth chakra, referred to as Vishudda in Sanskrit is located in the center of the throat. Just as with the other chakras, the energy flows out of the front of the body and out of the back as well, so a vortex is formed under the chin and a smaller one at the back of the neck.

This chakra is connected with all forms of expression, communication and speech. The throat chakra helps is with ones ability to communicate with that which is inside yourself and will help all communications with others to be harmonious. It can also help you be more creative in general but especially with your words.

WHEN IMBALANCED

With this chakra blocked however the psychological aspects include obsession, repression of speech, not saying what you need to say, creative blocks and a general inability to express yourself.

COLOR 
Turquoise

ELEMENT
Ether

KUDALINI YOGA KRIYA TO BALANCE THROAT CHAKRA

SECOND CHAKRA-SVADHISTHANA

The Sanskrit name for the 2nd chakra is "Svadhisthana." This word means "dwelling place of the Self."

LOCATION
In the lower abdomen, about an inch below the navel.

EMOTION:
The emotion associated with the 2nd chakra is passion. If you grew up in an environment where emotions were repressed or denied, this chakra may be deficient. Some signs of deficiency are fear of pleasure, being out of touch with one's feelings and resistance to change.

SIGNS OF IMBALANCE:
2nd chakra may be overly emotional behavior, sexual addiction or poor boundaries. Excessiveness can be caused by living in an environment where there is a constant need for pleasurable stimulation, such as entertaining or partying. Frequent emotional drama can cause excessiveness also.

BODY:
Reproductive organs
All liquids in the body - the circulation of blood, urine, menstruation, tears
Hips, sacrum, low back
Kidneys

ELEMENT:
The element for the 2nd chakra is water, thus the association with the liquids of the body. Water flows, moves and changes. A balanced 2nd chakra allows us to do that also.

COLOR:
The color for the 2nd chakra is orange. Orange is a very stimulating color because of its vibrational energy.

The sense for the 2nd chakra is taste, especially a sweet taste.

KUNDALINI YOGA KRIYA TO BALANCE THE SECOND CHAKRA

THIRD CHAKRA-MANIPURA

Manipura in Sanskrit means "lustrous gem." The 3rd chakra is located in the area of the solar plexus, navel and digestive system. It is associated with power, self-esteem and vitality. It is the seat of the intellect.

GLANDS/ORGANS:
Pancreas, organs of digestion (small intestine)

IMBALANCE:

When the 3rd chakra is excessive, anger, hatred, too much attention to power, status and recognition can be present. In yoga, passive backbends are good for calming an excessive 3rd chakra.

When it is deficient, one can have digestive problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem and a feeling of powerlessness.

COLOR:
The colors for the 3rd chakra are yellow and gold.

ELEMENT:
The element for the 3rd chakra is fire. When there is too much heat in this part of the body, there can be digestive problems. All of the "itis" diseases begin in this chakra when the fire gets out of control.

EMOTION:
The emotion for the 3rd chakra is anger.

KUNDALINI YOGA KRIYA TO BALANCE THE THIRD CHAKRA

Transition into the Aquarian Age

"For those born in the Pisean Age, the transition into the Aquarian Age will create difficulties.  Those of us born in the old age will be living in an era when the old ways will not work. As we move deeper into the 21 year cusp period of the New Age (Novemebr 1991 to Novemember 2012) there will be a feeeling of emptiness inside that will incrase every year. This meditation will help minimize the effects of this process." -Yogi Bhajan

Blessed New Year...the Age of Aquarius is here! All the images of the "Age of Aquarius" are shouting at me: the new era is really about being a cohered vessel...one that is able to hold, be held, give and receive. I speak often about being a vessel, its an alchemical concept that we will explore more in depth in our group discussions. I always say, "Your vessel is only as pure as its contents." Lets start off 2013 by preparing our vessel for the new era...heal old karmic wounds and psychic baggage that hinder us from living a truly fulfilled and abundant life. Completion is our birthright...We are worthy! 

This meditation contains three parts. No mantra (incantation), just mudra (hand positions that alter brain and thought patterns), and pranayam (breath work).

BEGIN

 Start in easy pose, with your legs crossed. Sitting tall on your sit bones. You may sit on a pillow, or in a chair, if you are not able to sit with your legs crossed. Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose. 

Eyes are closed and rolled up and in towards your third-eye brow point. Pressing your thumbs against your sternum (chest bone) chant the ADI MANTRA on two breaths (refer to my YOUTUBE videos or click here: Adi Mantra)

ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine teacher within)

PART ONE:

MUDRA AND PRANAYAM
Sit in Easy Pose. Your left elbow bent with your left hand in front of your heart center. Your left hand is in a fist with your thumb sticking straight up (think of "The Fonz" AAAyyyyy ;) Your right hand is in Gyan Mudra (index finger pressing against the thumb) and resting on your right knee. Long Deep Breathing. Inhaling for 10 counts, holding the breath for 10 counts, and exhaling for 10 counts. Continue for 11 minutes. (for newbies or those crunched for time you may cut the time to 3/9 minutes).

PART TWO
Still sitting in Easy Pose.

MUDRA AND PRANAYAM

Bend your arms at the elbows with palms facing each other, fingers pointing forward. Inhale and while holding the breath, raise your hands over your head and bring them back down 8 times as fast as you can. Do this cycle 5 times. 

PART THREE

Still sitting in Easy Pose. Point your index finger (Jupiter finger) and secure your midddle finger (Saturn finger) with your thumb. Other fingers are in a fist. Bend your arms at your torso and move your hands out to the sides in small OUTSIDE circles. When your arms are fully extended reversing the process, bringing your arms back to your starting position by rotating your hands with small INSIDE circles. Continue for 5 minutes.

TO CLOSE
PRANAYAM
Inhale...hold onto the breath and squeeze your body tightly and exhale. Repeat this 2 more times.

Conclude by reciting the Warrior Healers Affirmations

TUNE OUT:

Rub your hands together and bring them to prayer pose. 

Chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Idenity) 3xs on one breath.

Bring your hands in prayer mudra up to your forehead and bow to the floor to seal the work in your frontal lobe.

SO, there it is! If you have any questions holla! If Rhythm & Breath serves you, dont forget to drop a lil sumthin in the "beggars bowl." All contributions are humbly received and appreciated.

CHEERS!!! Bottoms up! Our reality is what we create...one breath at a time!

-Luz aka Jamila R.

7 Things About Me & My Fav Blogs

Apparently, I am versatile! I was awarded the Versatile Blogger Award...Yay me! Thank you Safiyah of Safiyah Heals for considering me. Part of the whole versatile shtick is telling 7 things about me and provide 15 of my fav blogs. SO, here it is:

7 THINGS ABOUT ME:

1) I've raised my 2 cubs (21 year old sun and 14 year old daughter) single handedly. Even when I was with the baby-daddy, or my late husband, I was still the head of household. They say, the one with the purse strings holds the power. 

2) I home-schooled both my cubs. I believe in free thinking and Being. Institutions (as they are currently structured) kill creativity and freedom, in my opinion.

3) I love french pastries. When I say love...I mean LOVE! I have a SERIOUS weakness. Ooo la la!

4) I am a self-published author of 3 books. 2 of Sufi poetry (Impregnated with Desire and Divan of the Infidel) and 1 parenting book for healing difficult behaviors in children (Kinnecting: Healing the Difficult Child with the Creative Arts).

5) I was married once (not to my cubs father) for only 2 intense transformative years, then my husband, who was also my Capoeira Master, was shot and killed. May his soul find peace.

6) I teach healing movement modalities (Kundalini Yoga, Capoeira Angola, Pilates, Dance Movement Therapy). It's not work when you love what you do...

7) I LOVE to commune (spend sacred time) with Loves, Lovers and Beloveds over chai tea. It's my favorite thing to do...talk and gaze.

15 OF MY FAV BLOGS (sorry...could only think of 8 for now. I will add more as they come to me)

1) Visions of a Quest

2) Chelsea Loves Yoga

3) Paulo Coelho's Blog

4) Abdi Assadi Blog

5) Style Like You

6) Photokofa

7) Kundalini Yoga Info

8) Mystic Saint

9) 

10)

11)

12)

13)

14)

15)

Experiencing the Original You

"I want to give you that depth and that strength which is yours...the original you." - Yogi Bhajan

This meditation is challenging but will be well worth it. It is made up of three sections. And each section is NOT to be done for more than 3 minutes, so meditation is only 9 minutes as opposed to our usual 11 minute meditations. The first part entails a mudra (hand position) and a pranayam (breathing exercise) called "one minute breath." This breathing exercise is challenging and difficult to master. SO I suggest you begin with 10 seconds and work your way up to 20 seconds to gain control of the breath. You will know what I am talking about in a second.

BEGIN:
We begin in "easy pose" which is not so easy, especially for men, who are usually tight in the hips, or knees. Your legs are crossed one in front of the other. If you are unable to sit comfortably in this position, you can prop your buns on a pillow which helps alleviate some of the discomfort. And/or lean up against a wall. This position IS NOT HALF OR FULL LOTUS POSITION.

Every session begins with the tuning into our highest consciousness and the prophets, gurus and sages of the ages with the ADI MANTRA: ONG NA MO GURU DEV NA MO. (This means that I bow to the Divine Wisdom within, and another translation is I bow to the Divine teacher within).

Rub your hands together. Cross your right thumb over your left if you are male, left over right if you are female. Press your thumbs against your sternum in prayer pose and chant the ADI MANTRA on 2 breaths. Pay close attention to the breathing demonstrated in the video. We chant this 3xs.

PART ONE:

Interlace your fingers and turn your hands away from you so that palms are facing out. Extend your arms straight in front of you with no bend in the elbows. Your eyes are closed and focused on the tip of the nose. You are going to inhale for 10-20 seconds, Hold the breath for 10-20 seconds, then you are going to exhale for 10-20 seconds. Do this for 3 minutes.

NOTES: The exhaling is the most challenging part of this pranayam and may cause a little anxiety. The breath gives and releases prana (vital life force) inhaling associated with life and exhaling with death. So mentally explore what your fears are after you complete the meditation.

PART TWO:

Remain in the position with the focus on the nose. Inhale through your nose and exhale like a cannon. Project the exhale forward with as much force as possible. How much you can heal yourself will be in direct proportion to the strength of your breath. Continue this for 3 minutes.

NOTES: As you are exhaling, release anything consciously or unconsciously you would like to release. Send it out away from your physical, emotional and spiritual bodies back into the universe. Keep what serves you, send away what does not.

PART THREE:

Remain in the position. Inhale and hold your breath. Pump your navel as many times as you can until you cannot pump and hold the breath any longer then exhale. Immediately repeat again. Continue for three minutes.

TO FINISH:

Inhale hold the breath for 15 second, stretch your arms out as far as possible, putting pressure on your joined fingers. Exhale like a cannon. Repeat 2 more times.

Finally, point your index finger up with the thumb locking down the other three fingers and circulate the energy by spinning your fingers TOWARD you as fast as you can. Continue for 2 1/2 minutes.

Then relax..WEW! 

TO CLOSE:

To finish bring your hands in Gyan Mudra. Thumbs pressed against your index finger. Other fingers are straight. Wrists are resting on your knees.

Recite the  Warrior Healer's Affirmations

Tune out by chanting: SAT NAM (Truth is my Idenity) 3xs on one breath.

Bring your hands in prayer mudra up to your forehead and bow to the floor to seal the work in your frontal lobe.

There it is! Let me know when you begin and dont forget to check in with me via FACEBOOK about your progress and should anything come up. Also, should you miss a day...jump right back on ASAP! It happens! You are building a daily spiritual practice which is difficult. Part of the process is increasing your compassion for your self while gently encouraging your self along. Start over again at day one...stronger and more determined! Good luck! 

SAT NAM!

Solving Communication Problems

BEGIN: Sit in EASY POSE, with a light JALANDAR BANDH (elogated spine, lifting behind the head and slightly tucking in the chin). Rub your hands together and bring them to PRAYER POSE with your thumbs against your sternum and your shoulders rolled back and down. Your eyes rolled in and up towards your THIRD EYE BROW POINT. Inhale through the nose and chant ONG NA MO GURU DEV NAMO (I bow to the Divine Teacher within) on two breaths. We chant this 3xs. For the correct cadence and pronunciation of this mantra, listen here: ADI MANTRA.

This is found on my album Urban Mantra: Vol 1. All proceeds go to Rhythm & Breath's continued effort to bring affordable and accessibe mystical tools to urban folk worldwide. Please purchase, if you have not already. And thank you in advance for your support.

MUDRA: You are going to press your pinkies against each other and your thumbs against each other forming a circle without the palms touching. Pinky represents the planet Mercury which is the planet that represents communication. Your thumb represents your ego.

Your Sun finger (ring finger) is bent with the tip of the finger relaxed. While the Saturn and Jupiter fingers are pointing straight up. Three to Four inches in front of your chest.

Your fingers may have a difficult time holding this position. If you begin to get irritated shake out your hands and come back to the mudra.

Mudras stimulate meridians in our hands that are connected to our brains to alter thought patterns. There are 72,000 meridians in our hands and our feet. In Sufi tradition there are 72,000 veils between us and Allah.

FOCUS: The focus is on the third eye point. Roll your eyes in and up. Gazing psychically through the ring you are creating with your pinkies and thumbs.

TIP: You can gaze periodically through the void in your hands, to recalibrate and maintain your focus. I like to imagine the things I need protection from during Mercury Retrograde bound in the circle surrounded by Love represented by the heart created in my hands with my fingers. You will see what I am talking about once you do the mudra and gaze through the circle.

PRANAYAM: Breathing is long and deep in and out of the nose. Meditation without mantra is challenging. I suggest you breathe deep enough so that you can hear your self breathing. MAKE THE BREATH YOUR MANTRA.

TIME: Continue for 11 minutes. And increase to 31 minutes if you desire.

TO FINISH: Recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations in Gyan Mudra, your index finger pressed against your thumbs.

TO CLOSE: Rub your hands together, bring them to prayer pose and chant SAT NAM (Truth is my Identity) on one breath 3 times. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bow bringing your hands and head to the floor. This seals the work in your frontal lobe.

And there it is! Let's harness our Mercury power, master the art of communication and ease our trials during the Mercury Retrograde period. If you have any questions, you know where to find me.

Sat Nam, Shalom, Salaam.

Mama Luz

Projection and Protection of the Heart

Greetings Yin Yogis!
This meditation consists of a mantra and mudra. It is easy in comparison to the other meditations we have done along the year.
SO we begin as we begin every session with the tuning into our highest consciousness and the prophets, gurus and sages of the ages with the ADI MANTRA: ONG NA MO GURU DEV NA MO. This means that I bow to the Divine Wisdom within, and another translation is I bow to the Divine teacher within.
So rub your hands together, cross your left thumb over your right for the ladies, Right side is the sun side, and analytical side of the brain. Left side is the moon side, the heart and moon side, and the emotional side of the brain. Press your thumbs against your sternum in prayer pose and chant the ADI MANTRA on 2 breaths. This you can observe in the video that will be sent to you once I have confirmation of your participation and have received your heart donation.
The Mantra:

AAD GURAY NAMEH (I bow to the Primal Wisdom)

JUGAAD GURAY NAMEH (I bow to the Wisdom through the Ages)

SAT GURAY NAMEH (I bow to the True Wisdom)

SIREE GUROO DAYVAY NAMEH (I bow to the Great, Unseen Wisdom)

Chant: 

AAD GURAY NAMEH as you extend your arms

JUGAAD GURAY NAMEH as you bring them back to prayer pose

SAT GURAY NAMEH as you extend your arms again

SIREE GUROO DAYVAY NAMEH as you bring then back to prayer pose again

Pranayam:
If you can, chant the mantra on one deep breath. 
Time:
Continue for 11 minutes
To Close: Recite the prayer/blessing The Long Time Sun:

May the Long Time Sun shine upon you

All love surround you 

And the pure light within you guide your way on

OR

You can recite the Warrior Healers Affirmations. 
Warrior Healer's Affirmations
I prefer to do this. It never hurts to affirm the Truths that you are.

Finish:

Chant 3 long SAT NAMS on one breath. Sat Nam means Truth is my identity. Chant this mantra 3xs. Bring your hands up to your forehead and bring your forehead down to the floor to seal the work in your frontal lobe.

Notes:

This meditation gives you an enchanting magnetic personality, with many unexpected friends. This mantra surrounds the magnetic field with protective light.

Who doesnt need new friends and to be surrounded with protective light! 2011 is off to a positive start!

Please DO NOT forget to make your donation of a MINIMUM of $10 made payable through PAYPAL. There is a virtual beggars bowl at the bottom of the page. "The student that arrives empty handed leaves empty handed"-Yogi Bhajan

Thank you for your interest and support of donation based Kundalini Yoga and Meditation.

Sat Nam!