Sharon Gannon presents a beautiful yoga flow series in CHAKRA BALANCING YOGA, a DVD that takes you through poses to balance the seven major chakras. The flow may be a little hard to follow if you're new to the poses, but you can take it at your own pace and still benefit. The parts I appreciated the most were the mantras and the forgiveness/blessing affirmations that she includes with each pose, bringing in the power of words, sound and thought to heal our energy centers.

For instance, for the Root Chakra, Sharon leads you in gratitude and blessings for your home and those who raised you, your father and mother, and for the career and the earth that support you. For the Sacral Chakra, she leads you in blessing and forgiveness toward romantic or creative enterprises that are still unresolved. Then, when we move to the Solar Plexus Chakra, she guides us in sending blessings to those you may have hurt, to rebuild respect for yourself and others. For the Heart Chakra, blessings and forgiveness are for those who have hurt you and caused your heart to be blocked to the flow of love and compassion. For the Throat Chakra, Sharon guides us in releasing negativity and cynicism and opening oneself to communicating as a holy being. For the Third Eye Chakra, we bless our teachers and gurus and our relationship with the divine. For the Crown Chakra, we release all doubt and bless our divinity, knowing we are student, guru and god.

Beautiful music is played throughout, calming the nervous system and uplifting your energy. Glimpses of the musicians are interspersed, and the DVD ends with Sharon playing the Harmonium. A wonderful 55-minute yoga session. If you'd like to order this DVD, go to our "Recommendations" page.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
 
 
“It is a wonderful chakra meditation. I did it last night and felt grounded and complete for the first time in a while. I highly recommend this book and mp3 file to anyone interested in working with chakras.” ~ Dawn “Belladonna” Thomas, www.globalgoddess.org

“I turn on this meditation at the end of yoga classes during Savasana. It’s a soothing ten-minute tune-up for the chakra centers.” ~ Karen Joy, Open Heart Practice

The Chakra Meditations are a short, but powerful, guided visualization, taking you from the root chakra to the crown. Thoughts and images are energy forms themselves, and have the power to move your energy into balance. Feel free to read these meditations for yourself, to a class, or to download my version accompanied by Aryeh David’s “Love’s Whispers” music on my Meditations page.

THE ROOT CHAKRA
Inhale deeply, hold your breath and then exhale. Bring your attention to the base of your spine. Visualize a red whirling ball of energy there. See the red getting brighter and stronger as it goes down both your legs – filling every cell with invigorating energy. Let it flow out through your feet into the center of the earth. Let the healing red energy form deep roots anchoring you, holding you safe and secure. Know that you belong on this earth. With a deep breath, draw up the healing energy of Mother Earth into your root chakra. Feel the security, strength and comfort of belonging here in your chosen place.

THE SACRAL CHAKRA
Inhale deeply, hold your breath and then exhale. The red whirling ball of energy moves up to the center of your pelvis and turns into a beautiful orange color. This second chakra is related to the element water, and to emotions and sexuality. It connects us to others through feeling, desire, sensation, and movement. Listen to the gentle, flowing music and begin to move with it, allowing your body to relax into it and flow with it. Let go of any pain or tension. Be aware of every sensation in your body. Enjoy them. Allow yourself to become part of the music of life.

THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Inhale deeply, hold your breath and then exhale. The vortex of energy moves up to your navel and turns bright yellow, right at your core. Breathe in and out of your core, building up the power of your center. Be open to the vitality, purpose and majesty of this bright yellow fire of life. Know that you can use this power to heal old pain and to remove old wounds. Breathe in and out of the flames of this inner sun and feel your body radiate with new purpose, wisdom and strength.

THE HEART CHAKRA
Feel the yellow sacral chakra light travel up the spine to the center of your chest, the home of the heart chakra. Breathe in and out a beautiful emerald green, with love, joy and compassion for other people and yourself. Feel any tension blocking the flow here, shutting off or shutting out love. Any anger or fear is past, it can be healed. When you let it go, you’ll feel your true essence of love and joy. To send forgiveness, wrap those people who have caused you pain in the bright green light, cleansing and healing the situation. Release yourself and them from any negative connections, only keeping the good. Let go of anger to have space for love to grow. Now, with love and compassion, wrap yourself and your whole life experience in healing green light.

THE THROAT CHAKRA
The healing green light of the heart chakra moves up the spine to the throat, where it becomes a beautiful sky blue. Breathe in the blue light, then fill your lungs and let your throat open wide and sing whatever tone or note feels right… AAAH!  You know what to say and what not to say, how to communicate well. Feel yourself singing out clear energy, loving notes, healing vibrations for yourself and the entire universe. Make yourself heard and listen well to the love that returns to you.

THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA
The color blue travels up to the third eye, the chakra of intuition, and turns an indigo color. Here we return to the magic of childhood, to unlimited possibilities, to skills we have always had but which were pushed out of sight. Now we are reintroduced to our true vision, as we breathe in and out the color indigo. We begin to awaken and clarify our inner vision and to have a clear picture of what we want our lives to be. We also awaken to a different kind of seeing, clairvoyance or clear sight, that allows us to look inside and beyond the limits of time and space.

THE CROWN CHAKRA
As we move up to the spiritual chakra at the crown of the head, the color indigo turns to violet. All we have learned and healed through the lower six chakras merges and travels up the spine, creating a purple color. Here we open ourselves to awareness of the divine and our highest consciousness. Focus on breathing in the violet light, relaxing, letting go. Keeping your focus on the crown of your head, allow the chakra to open, visualizing it as a crown of light above your head. Feel it expanding and opening to the wonder and radiance of spirit. Send love up and out the crown chakra and then welcome its return in a beam of light that pours down through your whole being. Let the energy flow through you and around you and embrace totality.

Breathe in the power and the healing. Imagine a rainbow of light pouring down your body, from your crown chakra down to your root chakra, enveloping you in harmony with everything above and below and around you.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
 
 
I learned Dynamind from Huna Healer Serge Kahili King, PhD. It can be used to quickly and simply resolve tension that is blocking chakras, creating physical, emotional and spiritual dis-ase. Dynamind is similar to EFT, but uses just four simple tapping movements, in concert with breath and words, to release blocked energy flow.

Usind Dynamind to balance the Heart Chakra can bring forth more love and compassion in your life….

Located at the center of the chest, the fourth chakra, the Heart Chakra, represents selfless love and devotion, kindness, empathy and compassion. It vibrates with the energy of the color green.

Physical health issues commonly associated with the Heart Chakra include cardiovascular problems including hypertension, stroke, respiratory ailments, upper back and shoulder pain.

Emotional or mental health issues include anger or resentment, jealousy, suspicion, possessiveness, fear of commitment, lasting grief, sorrow, depression.

When the Heart Chakra is balanced, you feel free to give and receive love in all its expressions – passion, caring, rapport, understanding, empathy, compassion and forgiveness.

USING DYNAMIND TO BALANCE THE HEART CHAKRA

1) FOCUS – Hold your hands out in a loose prayer-like position.

2) DECLARE – Say aloud the condition you’re feeling that you would like to change, e.g,

“I feel sad and depressed and I know that can change. I want that feeling to go away.”

“I have tightness and pain in my back and I know that can change. I want that pain to go away.”

If you have no symptoms to release, you can use Dynamind to strengthen the Heart Chakra, with a declaration such as:

“I’m not as caring as I want to be. I want to nurture and reach out to others like the wind blowing through the leaves of a tree.”

3) RELEASE – Tap 7 times on the center of your chest, then at the point between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, and on the top bone of your spine (the 7th cervical vertebra).

4) BREATHE – Direct your breath, inhaling with your attention on the crown of your head, exhaling with your attention below your feet.

Repeat until you feel the desired result.

While simple to use, Dynamind has been found effective at releasing painful physical, emotional and mental problems. Serge Kahili King documents the use of Dyamind in his book, Healing for the Millions, available at
http://www.Huna.org.

For a preview of Chakra Secrets, with instructions on healing all 7 Chakras, click here.

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries

 
 
Are you feeling strong, determined and decisive? Are you confident you will achieve your goals? The balanced Solar Plexus Chakra will be your best friend in achieving success.


Located at the navel, the third chakra, the Solar Plexus Chakra, is the focal point of our identity, self-esteem and vitality. This chakra center governs how you assert your personal power, follow your gut instincts, take risks and make decisions. It vibrates with the energy of the color golden yellow.

Physical health issues commonly associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra include digestive problems including food allergies or leaky gut syndrome or candidiasis, low or high blood sugar, liver problems, gallstones and adrenal exhaustion.

Emotional or mental health issues include anger, poor self image, indecision, apathy, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and powerlessness.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is balanced, you are confident, with a strong sense of purpose/mission in your life. You are self-directed, self-confident and self-empowered.

USING DYNAMIND TO BALANCE THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

This unique mind-body tool is similar to the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), but I’ve found it to be much simpler to use, yet as effective. It was developed by Hawaiian healer Serge Kahili King, PhD, founder of Huna.org and Aloha International.

1) FOCUS – Hold your hands out in a loose prayer-like position.

2) DECLARE – Say aloud the condition you’re feeling that you would like to change, e.g.,

“I feel exhausted and I know that can change. I want that feeling to go away.”

“I have stomach cramps and I know that can change. I want that pain to go away.”

If you have no symptoms to release, you can use Dynamind to strengthen the Solar Plexus Chakra, with a declaration such as:

“I’m not as confident and energetic as I want to be. I want the fire in my belly to produce more power in my life.”

3) RELEASE – Tap 7 times on the center of your chest, then at the point between the thumb and forefinger of each hand, and on the top bone of your spine (the 7th cervical vertebra).

4) BREATHE – Direct your breath, inhaling with your attention on the crown of your head, exhaling with your attention below your feet.

Repeat until you feel the desired result.

As a preview to my upcoming book, Chakra Secrets, I’m offering complete instructions on using
Dynamind as a tool for Chakra Healing.

Namaste!

Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries

 
 
_Jennifer O'Neill is a psychic and spiritual teacher whose bio says she devotes most of her time to teaching people how to live a healthier, happier life. "Inspirational Quotes" does this so well, she can now relax while we all take advantage of the wisdom, the universal truths she inspires us with in this wonderful book.

Even if you read the book cover to cover, you'll want to use the book as O'Neill suggests - turning to a page at random whenever needed for just the right message to help you believe in yourself and achieve happiness in your life.

The book's overall message? That no dream is too big, life is easy and meant to be happy. The author presents Universal Laws, such as "Happiness is not bought, given, earned or learned - it is a state of mind based on your perspective. Happiness is simply a choice."

There are many quotes on how to find happiness within yourself, your relationships, and in all you manifest in your life. And O'Neill inspires us to manifest greatness by following the Laws of Attraction, with quotes reminding us "...your thoughts send out energy waves. Want to know what you've been focusing on? Look around your life."

I intend to use this wonderful book as oracle cards, to inspire me daily with just the right message to keep me on my path... a path that we're all on, a path that O'Neill has beautifully laid out in this book.

For your free copy on Kindle, today and tomorrow, go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007BTRADI

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries

 
 
_Have you gone through life's tough experiences and come out the other end with wisdom to share? My friend Peggy has gone through chemical injury, breast cancer, broken bones and more. And she's learned methods of coping, plus inspiration to help others as well. So, she's starting to write. You may have a story to tell as well, and it's cathartic (which can be good) to get your words out.

Whether you are writing a self-help work, like I am with Balance your Life, or fiction, as my colleague R. R. Harris is penning with Double Take, it pays dividends to be organized. “An outline is crucial and saves so much time. It tells you where the story is going.” John Grisham

So, how should you start?

TITLE: Give your work a name, or something that can reference your project.

GENRE: : Be flexible as this may change as the plotline and characters and your thoughts morph and develop. List all of the genres that your story might fit into.

POINT of VIEW: Will it change from scene to scene or will the main character narrate in first person throughout? An author friend of mine said that when she began her autobiographical “coming of age” novel that her original intention was to have the first-person voice change as her character grew and matured. However as she drove further and further into the hinterlands of her work, she realized how maintaining that direction complicated her writing and de-railed it from flowing freely from her consciousness. For example, she would have to ensure that her teenager was not speaking with the voice of a worldly and wise, middle-aged maven or vice versa.

Some authors choose voice from scene to scene by weighing what character stands the most to lose. Although unless skillfully written, this approach can leave a reader wondering what is going on and especially, who is talking.

WHO wants, WHAT do they want, WHY do they want it and What/who stands in your character’s way? Not sure where to begin?

“What if X happened? That’s how you start.” Tom Clancy

“Don’t wait to be struck by an idea. If you are a writer, sit down and damn well decide to have an idea. That’s the way to get an idea.” Andy Rooney

SETTING: Can make a story gel into a dish fit for the Queen or alternatively turn it into cold tasteless soup that even hungry flies shun. Of course, there are endless possibilities. You can create memorable characters as at home in the book’s setting as a well worn slipper, but who enliven it and blaze brightly at the slightest provocation. Perhaps others triumph despite all odds or seemingly invincible villains meet their match in a unforeseen avalanche of choices that could not have been forecast.

“Most of our lives are basically mundane and dull, and it’s up to the writer to find ways to make them interesting.” John Updike

HOOK/SPARK: Yeah, the night was dark and stormy and she came to the door with nothing on but the radio, but then what? What will I write in the second paragraph and on page 87 that will keep my reader into the book? Will the last sip of my book be as satisfying as the first, or even more so?

As an author I must constantly ask – have I set-up conflict, created suspense and action and left the reader panting for more? Am I solving a problem the reader has, conveying knowledge or fulfilling a need?

“I want the reader to turn the page without thinking that she is turning the page. It must flow seamlessly.” Janet Evanovich

DON’T QUIT: “Nobody cares whether you write or not, and it’s very hard to write when nobody cares one way or the other. You can’t get fired if you don’t write, and most of the time you don’t get rewarded if you do. But don’t quit.” Andre Dubus

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
www.IndieAuthorCounsel.com

 
 
_I spent three years writing my first novel, The Chakra Diaries. Then, a full year on the sequel, Chakra Secrets, which I can happily say is now finished and on the way to the editor.

Now, I’m ready to write the book my students and readers around the world have asked for – Chakra Healing Simplified. I have the title ready, Balance Your Life, and my enormous pile of information at the ready.

I want this book written quickly. So, I decided to jump into a new way of writing for me – an organized routine and structure for writing. I was introduced to this program, NOVEL IN A MONTH, when joining Indie Author Counsel, and I’m going to see if the system works to use both my left and right brain to complete my self-help guide.

Now, are YOU ready to write as well? Laptop at the ready, a rough story outine lying pent-up, cramped into the folds of your brain, awaiting glorious release through your fingertips?

Anton Chekhov suggested that every sentence should spend two days in the brain, lying perfectly still and putting on weight. But using that principle, your work might be completed by the time you are 98 years old.

If you want to join me in the challenge of writing a book in a month, try the program along with me….

Learn how YOU can write your own book in just ONE MONTH, by visiting the official website:

http://www.novelinamonth.com/?afl=90058

I’ll be posting my progress as I move through my outline this week. If you try the program or have other writing advice, please share your comments as well.

Happy writing,

Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries
www.IndieAuthorCounsel.com
 
 
“Oh, lead me to the Beyond within.” ~ Macrina Wieherkehr

Spiritual oneness is the goal of opening the 7th chakra, the crown chakra, the point of knowing and enlightenment. It is our highest energy center, representing liberation, deep understanding, enlightenment and spiritual growth. It represents union with the higher self and the Divine.

Major issues of an unbalanced Crown Chakra are lack of meaning in your life, a feeling of aloneness, depression, and on the physical level, chronic exhaustion and addictions to psychotropic and mind-altering drugs.

A balanced Crown Chakra brings a profound awakening, a connection to our spiritual nature as well as to cosmic consciousness.

YOGA FOR THE CROWN CHAKRA
In addition to silent meditation, chanting and conscious breathing, a beneficial yoga pose to increase circulation to this chakra is the Downward Dog.

THE CROWN CHAKRA MEDITATION
As we move up to the spiritual chakra at the crown of the head, the color indigo of the Third Eye Chakra turns to violet. All we have learned and healed through the lower six chakras merges and travels up the spine, creating a purple color. Here we open ourselves to awareness of the divine and our highest consciousness. Focus on breathing in the violet light, relaxing, letting go. Keeping your focus on the crown of your head, allow the chakra to open, visualizing it as a crown of light above your head. Feel it expanding and opening to the wonder and radiance of spirit. Send love up and out the crown chakra and then welcome its return in a beam of light that pours down through your whole being. Let the energy flow through you and around you and embrace totality.  Breathe in the power and the healing.

Imagine a rainbow of light pouring down your body, from your crown chakra down to your root chakra, enveloping you in harmony with everything above and below and around you. Enjoy!

Namaste! Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries

 
 
Now that you've learned to balance your four lower chakras, the root chakra, the sacral chakra, the solar plexus chakra, and the heart chakra, you have balanced the energies necessary to be grounded in the physical realm - security, sexuality, identity and intimacy. The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, the seat of love and compassion, is the bridge to the upper chakras, associated with expression, wisdom and connection to the higher self.

Balancing the fifth chakra, the throat chakra, throat chakras, assists your self-expression and helps you truly communicate your feelings without anger and arguing, which is such a waste of energy. Once balanced, the throat chakra gives you the ability to speak honestly, to speak your inner truth and receive and process information from others.

Do you have any of these signs of an unbalanced throat chakra? Shyness, criticism, excessive talking or inability to verbalize your feelings, chronic sore throats, TMJ, stiff neck, or an addiction to smoking.

YOGA POSES TO BALANCE THE THROAT CHAKRA
Start with the Chin Press Breath, affirming, "I am able to hear the voice of my soul." Then, focus on the vibration of the throat chakra, the sound of ee. Chant this sound out loud three times. Follow with yoga poses that loosen the neck and shoulders - shoulder shrugs and circles, the Fish, and the Half Shoulderstand.

WEAR THE COLOR BLUE
Blue is a calming color, cool and relaxing. It's also the color of communication. Wear it during the day to help you creatively express yourself, and at night to promote a good night's sleep and deep inner peace.

THROAT CHAKRA MEDITATION
The healing green light shining in the heart center moves up your spine to your throat, where it becomes a beautiful sky blue. Breathe in this blue light, then fill your lungs and open your throat wide as you sing whatever tone or note feels right! You know what to say and what not to say, how to communicate well. Feel yourself singing out clear energy, loving notes, healing vibrations for yourself and the entire universe. Make yourself heard and listen well to the love that returns to you.

Tony, the character in The Chakra Diaries that embodies the throat chakra imbalances, is unable to connect with women. Everything he says is taken the wrong way and he misunderstands others, until he balances this chakra. Learn more about his transformation and how you can change too... The Chakra Diaries is now on sale in Kindle and paperback at Amazon.com.  

Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries

www.thechakras.org




 
 
The 3rd or Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as our “power center,” is associated with self-esteem and a strong sense of our identity and purpose. The sun is the source of energy on earth and its bright yellow color is also the color of the Solar Plexus Chakra.

An unbalanced 3rd chakra may lead to indecisiveness, apathy, poor self-image, physical issues with digestion, and addiction to sugar and caffeine.

A balanced 3rd chakra is manifested in energy and confidence, the ability to follow through and persevere to reach our goals, and a vitality that all can see.  With a balanced solar plexus chakra, you will have the strength to overcome life’s difficulties and emerge victorious.

The Boat Pose or Navasana is my favorite yoga pose to strengthen the navel, solar plexus energy. Any pose or exercise that tones and strengthens the abdominal area will be balancing for this chakra.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA MEDITATION

Inhale deeply, hold your breath and then exhale. The orange vortex of energy in the sacral chakra area moves up to your navel and turns bright yellow, right at your core. Breathe in and out of your core, building up the power of your center. Be open to the vitality, purpose and majesty of this bright yellow fire of life. Know that you can use this power to heal old pain and to remove old wounds. Breathe in and out of the flames of this inner sun and feel your body radiate with new purpose, wisdom and strength.

Two characters in The Chakra Diaries find their way out of depression and helplessness by balancing their Solar Plexus Chakras. Learn more on the pages of their diaries ~ both the Kindle and paperback version of The Chakra Diaries are on sale.
Namaste!
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries