The Root Chakra: Grounding and Stability

In a world such as ours, it can sometimes seem impossible to get your feet on the ground and find a sense of stability. Everything is changing at an incredible speed. Sometimes it can seem impossible to know what to believe or to find any semblance of reality in our chaotic world. Focusing on the chakras can give us a sense of stability because grounding and stability begin within the core of our being. So, we begin with the root chakra. The first chakra, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine.. It relates to the color red and connects us to the earth. On a physical level, conditions associated with this chakra include low vitality. The flaming colors of this chakra are red and orange. Physiologically, this chakra is associated with the endocrine glands. The human endocrine system includes 8 major endocrine glands. There are seven chakras and an eighth, which symbolizes the blending of all seven. This is the center of elimination, instincts, survival, habits, and the ordinary or mundane aspects of everyday life. The root chakra supplies prana to the upper chakras. It is the center of survival and procreation and vibrates with the basic energy of the physical body. The incoming and outgoing breath represent the polarity of this chakra. Going beyond our animal survival instincts means learning to balance the energy within this chakra. When this chakra is malfunctioning, we may feel stuck, clingy, overly stubborn, or show signs of addictive behavior. We may feel disconnected from the material world, the physical body, and concrete reality. We may have difficulty giving and receiving in relationships, feel unstable, or become lost in dreams rather than grounded in reality. Think of it this way – fiery red overstimulates and dark red zaps our vitality. A balanced root chakra is a soft hue of red tinted with a bit of orange. When the root chakra is in balance, our orientation is toward the basic material needs of life—home, money, food, and possessions. It is the focus of survival and reproduction. When we are stable, we relate well to our bodies and to physical reality. We are grounded, dependable, realistic, and secure. The way to balance the chakras is to balance the energy of the body, mind, and soul. Focus on the color red. Imagine taking the bright, fiery red and softening it into gentle hues of red and orange. Focus on your breathing and on the poses that ground us as we attempt to balance this chakra. Let’s begin with Om, followed by a few breaths. Closing Go to your root chakra and feel a sense of stability and grounding. When we are grounded at the base of our being, we can draw that energy upward through the other chakras, creating a stable and balanced sense of self. Here, we are able to find our inner strength. Remember: You must be grounded and stable if you wish to fly. So, whatever you attempt to do this week, stop and take a moment to ground yourself. Begin at your root and work upward toward becoming the most grounded, stable, and best version of who you can be. To fly, you must first be grounded. The Ego and the Root Chakra The ego exists for our protection and survival. But when it takes on the role of righteousness, controlling and dictating, it loses its ability to use the instincts that help keep us grounded and reliable. We sometimes call this flying off the handle. When this happens, the energy of our being becomes unbalanced, and our aura may seem to spew out a bright, fiery red. That is why we sometimes describe anger as being red hot. The ego has an important purpose: survival and protection. But when the ego becomes controlling, it can overpower the deeper wisdom of the soul. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When you feel the fiery ego emerging, try to sit quietly and breathe deeply into the root chakra, where you can find your grounding. Imagine the fiery, hot red giving way to a soft hue of light red and orange. From here, lift yourself upward, and you will begin to discover what it means to fly from the soul. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Chakras

The word chakra means “wheel.” In a symbolic sense, it represents the wheel of vitality. Our bodies are constantly changing, and to live, they must be supplied with energy from three sources. The first is food, the second is air, and the third is vitality from the etheric, astral, and causal layers of our being. We draw energy from the universe just as we draw energy from our food. We also release energy, just as we eliminate waste from our bodies. The chakras are spinning wheels that both draw energy in and release it. We draw vitality from the causal layer, the focal point of consciousness that carries our personality. We also draw energy from the astral layer, known as the desire body or emotional body. Negative thoughts and emotions produce darker colors in the astral body, and this is reflected in the physical body. That is why, when someone is in a bad mood, they may appear darker or seem to give off a darker energy. It works like this: We pick up energy, or vibrations, from the energy sources around and outside our physical bodies. If we are surrounded by negative or discordant energy, we can pick it up. We must then spin the wheels of the chakras in such a way as to release that energy and restore balance. There are seven major chakras connected to the endocrine system and twenty-one minor chakras throughout the body. When the chakras are in balance, our aura becomes lighter. The condition of the aura, also known as the shadow body, is believed to influence the health of the physical body. The aura can be thought of as an eighth chakra because it represents a blending of all the other chakras. When you walk into a room, you may pick up an energy from another person even before they speak. We call it a vibe or vibration—something we sense as either friendly or hostile. Pay attention to how you feel when you have finished the class today. Do you feel lighter, more peaceful, and more balanced? If so, your aura will reflect that energy. Reflection -The Soul and the Body To fully understand the chakras, we must first understand the relationship between the body and the soul. We often speak of the body as though it is the real self, with the soul as an appendage of the body—almost like a captive balloon floating above us, somehow attached. According to Karma Yoga, this is an inaccurate description. We are souls that possess a body—several bodies, in fact, including the etheric, astral, and causal bodies. The physical body is simply the lower level of energy through which we conduct the business of living in the lower world known as Earth. The chakras are spinning wheels that draw energy in and release energy outward. Be careful with what you draw in and what you throw out. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers. The index finger represents the ego. The ego believes that it is a body in possession of a soul, with the soul delegated to a lower level than the body. We worry about the body, compare our bodies with others, and continually find fault with and criticize our physical presence on Earth in an attempt to usurp the soul. Now pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. The soul quietly reminds us that the physical world is superficial and constantly changing. What matters is allowing the soul to be our guide. If we do, we may discover that the soul has a body—not the other way around. The energy we take in and the energy we give off help shape the nature of our lives. The chakras are spinning wheels that remind us to seek balance in all things and, in all things, find balance. Live from your soul, and your aura will reflect it. Namaste ~ may you walk the paht of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Three States of the Mind

The practice of yoga encourages us to observe what are often described as the three states of the mind: The Conditioned Mind – This is the mind shaped by our experiences, habits, beliefs, and past impressions. It influences how we think, react, and move through life. The Aggressive Mind – When the mind is driven by the ego and seeks constant fulfillment, it becomes restless, reactive, and dissatisfied. If its desires are not met, it can become agitated and disruptive. The Balanced Mind – This is a calm, steady state in which the mind remains centered despite the events happening around us. It is a place of happiness, creativity, clarity, and peace. When we practice yoga, we are doing much more than developing strength, flexibility, and balance in the body. We are also training the mind, cultivating focus, inner balance, and a sense of peace. Peace is a profound achievement, yet it can easily be disturbed by the challenges of everyday life. By learning to manage the state of our mind, we begin to influence the quality of our life. Everything begins with the mind. Physical tension often reflects a disturbed mental state. When we are stressed, we feel tired, our muscles tighten, and our movements become restricted. This is often the aggressive mind, driven by the ego. When we relax, release our attachment to external events, and return to the present moment, the body softens, energy returns, and movement becomes more fluid and natural. As we work with the body today, let us also practice cultivating a balanced and peaceful state of mind. Closing Reflection There are three states of the mind: the conditioned, the aggressive, and the balanced. One of the aims of yoga is to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony. This journey begins with the mind, for as the mind goes, so goes the body. When you notice tension in your body, pause for a moment, take a slow breath, and reflect on the state of your mind. Then gently guide yourself back toward balance—the place where happiness, creativity, and peace naturally arise. EGO: Flip the palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego -The Aggressive Mind. When the mind is driven by the ego and seeks constant fulfillment, it becomes restless, reactive, and dissatisfied. If its desires are not met, it can become agitated and disruptive. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The Balanced Mind – This is a calm, steady state in which the mind remains centered despite the events happening around us. It is a place of happiness, creativity, clarity, and peace. Seek balance in all things and in all things find balance. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Soulful Path Karma Yoga: Staying on the Path

According to Karma Yoga, when we come into this world, we come as a soul taking on a body and a mind for the soul’s evolution. We choose the life that best leads us along our soulful path toward our own enlightenment. But the path is not easy. It takes work—and that is karma. Along the way, we will face many challenges. One of them is learning to practice truthfulness rather than dishonesty. Yet even truthfulness can be confusing. We are taught to tell the truth, while at the same time, we are taught to do no harm. Here is a simple story to illustrate. Once, a yogi was meditating in the woods. A beautiful deer ran past him and disappeared into the dense trees. The yogi was awestruck by its beauty. A few minutes later, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer and which way it had gone. Now the yogi faced a dilemma. If he told the hunter the truth, the deer would likely be killed. If he lied, however, he would be acting dishonestly—and the hunter and his family might depend upon his success for their food. What should he do? When we are caught between two choices, we must consider which action will create the greatest good and the least harm. Sometimes, truthfulness requires more than simply speaking what is factually true. It requires wisdom, compassion, and awareness of the consequences of our actions. When faced with difficult decisions, choose the path that does the greatest good. It takes strength, balance, flexibility, and peace. Let’s get started. The Ego Flip the palms up and extend the index fingers outward—the index finger symbolizes the ego. The ego can sometimes distort the truth for its own gain. What we believe to be true can also be shaped by our perceptions, desires, and fears. Karma Yoga reminds us to be mindful of what we think, say, and do. Now, pull the index finger in and place the thumb over it. Take a breath, and take a moment to surrender the ego to the soul. The soulful path leads to our own enlightenment. Be truthful with yourself and with others, and always seek to do the greatest good. Stay on the path. Namaste—may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Devotion to What You Love Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion, teaches us that success in any endeavor—and especially on the journey toward enlightenment—takes time. When we have a vision and move toward it with deep devotion, the path to our goal becomes clearer, and the journey becomes more purposeful. Yet along the path of life, we discover that the way from here to there is rarely a straight line. There will be zigs and zags, mountains and valleys, unexpected turns, and detours. Reaching a goal takes more than focus. It takes deep devotion supported by unshakable faith. Yoga describes this as a state of devotion or surrender to the divine energy of the universe. In practical terms, it is an inspired vision that gives direction to our desires. We know that desire leads to action, and action can lead to achievement. But desire on its own, without a vision grounded in faith, can pull us in many directions at once. We desire this, then that, and lose our sense of direction. A clear vision gives us direction. From there, we need the discipline to develop the balance, strength, and flexibility required to move forward. This is the principle of Bhakti Yoga: nothing meaningful is achieved without devotion, faith, and consistent practice. Let’s practice. End Wisdom teaches us that everything in life is constantly changing. As we age, our goals, desires, and visions change as well. What may have been deeply important ten years ago may hold little meaning for us today. Have faith. Keep practicing. Devote yourself to what brings you health, happiness, and peace. In doing so, you are practicing yoga—not simply as a physical discipline, but as a way of living with intention, devotion, and awareness. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers outward. The index finger represents the ego. The ego is the part of us that holds onto fear. It fears failure when we step onto the pathway of the unknown. Fear can cause us to lose our devotion, our discipline, and our trust in the journey. Now, gently pull the index finger in and place the thumb over it. Take a breath. Surrender to the soul. Bhakti Yoga teaches us that devotion, when viewed from a soulful perspective and applied practically, can transform the path toward our goals into a harmonizing and uplifting experience. Our goals and visions then become more than destinations; they become opportunities for self-discovery and self-transcendence. This requires us to move beyond the limitations of the ego and to see our lives, our relationships, our challenges, and even our detours as opportunities for soulful growth. Devotion gives us direction. Faith gives us courage. Practice carries us forward Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

Polarity – Karma Yoga

According to yoga, there is a supreme consciousness or energy that supports and sustains the entire universe. The path of yoga is one of surrender to this energy with complete devotion. When this happens, it is said that we no longer have desires. And when we no longer have desires, we no longer need to act—we have learned our lessons, become complete, and no longer need to live out our karma. Imagine a circle. You can see the space within it and the space outside of it. The space within is finite, while the space beyond it is infinite. If you accept that there is finite space within the circle, you must also accept that there is infinite space outside of it. Yoga teaches that to understand anything, we must tap into the energy of polarity—the existence of opposites. To know light, we must know darkness. To know left, we must know right. We cannot fully understand one without the other. For example, as soon as you say you are a man, you acknowledge the existence of a woman. If you say left, there must be right. One gives meaning to the other. In the same way, to understand the finite space of our individual lives, we must also accept, embrace, and acknowledge the infinite—the supreme, all-knowing energy of the universe. To discover and connect with this infinite energy, we need to bring balance, flexibility, strength, and peace into our lives. Without this balance, we can become adrift in the finite space of unmet desires. That is why we practice yoga. Closing Reflection We live in a world of finite space, and yet beyond us lies the infinite, expansive energy of the universe. It takes trust to accept, embrace, and acknowledge that which we cannot grasp within the confines of our finite world. We are simultaneously both finite and infinite—individual beings connected to the universal energy that flows through all of life. We cannot have one without the other. The infinite is within you. It is you. And you are connected to the infinite energy of the universe—the energy that connects us all at the heart of our souls. It reminds us that we are both the finite circle of our individual lives and the infinite space that binds us to all of creation. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers—the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of us that wants certainty and believes it has the power to control outcomes. It lives within the finite space of our lives, and when challenged by the unknown, it quickly retreats into a state of fear. There are three fundamental fears in life: the fear of failure, the fear of not being accepted and loved, and the fear of death. The ego fears all of these. Now, pull your fingers into a gentle fist, with the thumb resting on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is infinite. It is your essence, unbound by the limitations of the finite world. It takes trust to accept, embrace, and acknowledge that which we cannot grasp within the confines of our finite reality. Trust your soul. It is your universal guide. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health. Happiness and peace Doctor Lynn

Detachment – letting go of expectations

Detachment – this is one of the hardest things to understand. In yoga, detachment does not mean giving up things. It means quieting the mind so that we are not disturbed by our expectations and need to control. We all have expectations, and with expectation comes the risk of disappointment, but without desires, goals, dreams, and expectations, the world would become a very dull place, so yoga reminds us that detachment doesn’t mean letting go of your desires but letting go of your emotional attachment to the outcome. If things don’t turn out exactly as we had hoped, sometimes it can be a blessing. In yoga, there is a saying that means keep your mind in peace and let your hands do your work. This is a core principle of yoga, which means that the mind benefits from stillness, and the body benefits from movement. While the body can be active and engage in the poses or physical work, the mind should remain calm, focused, and undisturbed. The hands, as part of the body, can perform tasks or movement, but the intention and control come from the mind, be it destructive or peaceful. The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to a calm and peaceful place free from confusion and stress. This also emphasizes acting without attachment to results. The body (and the hands) do the work while the mind remains centered and detached. So in yoga practice we strive to keep the mind present, breathe deeply, and avoid overthinking. The body performs the movements with the intention of finding strength, flexibility, and balance without the ego’s fear of failure. True yoga work happens when the mind is calm and the body engaged - a balance between movement and stillness. Let’s see if we can find it. Closing reflection Be at peace and love the process of your work without attachment to the outcome, and you will find the joy in doing rather than getting. The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to a calm and peaceful place free from confusion and distress. When we do this, the body moves into a place of strength, fluidity and balance while the mind remains calm. True yoga work happens when the mind is still as the body moves – a perfect balance between movement and stillness. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – symbol of the ego. The ego’s biggest fear is losing control — in other words, the fear of being exposed, rejected, or failing in a way that undermines its identity and so we sometimes move in ways without clear intentions. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that the core principle of yoga is that the mind befits from stillness and the body from movement, and when consciously combined, life begins to flow without attachment to outcomes. Here we find the perfect balance between stillness and movement. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn