Balanced prana

Prana is the Sanskrit word for life-force, the vital energy that exists in all things. This life-giving energy connects us to the entire universe, and is the underlying force behind our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

In China it's called chi. Chi moves around the body freely when we are well, and when it is blocked or unbalanced we get ill. 

It is my goal this month to analyze my prana, and practice ways to adjust.

Agenda:

1. Read "Total Chakra Energy Plan"

2. Starting with the root

3. Root chakra practice

1. Read Total Chakra Energy Plan:

I'm reading this pretty book by Anna Selby (2009). In the introduction it talks about accessing the power of the universe: "With chakra work you don't have only your own resources to draw upon: the chakras work with energy beyond the self as well as energy within the body." This includes the earth's energy, as well as universal, spiritual energy - by opening up the chakra's we open up our possibilities in life. 

The aim is to bring my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energies into balance. The author suggests that I work systematically through from the root Chaka to the crown, then start again with the root, in a continuous cycle.

2. Starting with the root:

My intention is to work through one cycle, and document it. Today I am starting with my root chakra, the purpose of which is to sustain me in emergencies and under stress, and filter away toxic energy:

Balanced root = secure, grounded, calm confidence; close to the earth, in touch with my body.

Closed root = low back pain, constipation, dissatisfaction, spacey and anxious, racing mind, can't finish tasks.

Excessive root = materialism, selfishness, over-eating, anger and bullying.

3. Root chakra practice:

The easiest way to balance the root chakra is to make daily physical contact with the earth: Weeding, digging, sitting on the ground. Also, to move my body with dance or exercise, or to get a foot massage, or to eat protein.

Also, try this yoga and chi-gong practice:

1. Practice the Mountain Pose for 5 slow breathes.
2. 
   Move to Fierce Posture - bend knees (like sitting into a chair), raise arms, shoulders down, palms facing, fingers pointing to sky.
3. Move to Basic Chi-gong pose - tilt pelvis, center weight low.
4. Practice Rooting to the Earth - lift arms to "hold a ball"; shift weight to right foot, then rotate right foot and body to turn right. Facing right, let weight settle back onto both feet. Then rotate to face left and transfer weight to left foot. Repeat 4 times.