Sparkle & Shine: Chakra Cleansing

Using Crystals and Affirmations

 

By: “AJ” Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine & Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Festival

 

When practicing yoga, it is important to know the chakra fundamentals. But some beginners may not understand chakras and how they can enhance your yoga and meditation practice, so I’ll briefly explain the basics.  There are 7 main chakras within the body and each chakra relates to a different part of the body. In Sanskrit, chakra means wheel. Each chakra spins and sends energy rotating inside of you both absorbing and emitting energy. For your body to balance itself, it is necessary for each chakra to spin equally and send energy throughout your body. When all the chakras are working together they will enable you to become more in touch with your body’s energy cycles and positively impact not only your physical wellness, but also your mental health. In other words, balancing and alignment of chakras is a gift that brings healing and peace into your life.

An effortless way to start aligning your chakras is to focus on each Chakra starting with the Root Chakra. In your mind see the chakra spinning, picture the color of the chakra and focus on the energy. Slowly move up the body to each chakra repeating the same process for each one. This will help you balance your chakras and feel energized.

It is always beneficial to utilize affirmations when connecting with your chakras. When I concentrate on my chakras in yoga and meditation, affirmations bring positive vibes into my practice and allow me to connect on a deeper level as it builds my confidence. Just knowing I am part of something much larger than myself gives me a sense of peace and gratitude.

I was recently introduced to using crystals in my practice and understanding how each chakra has stones associated with it for healing and/or energizing. You can utilize crystals in a variety of ways such as placing the corresponding crystal directly on the appropriate chakra and area of the body. Another option is placing crystals around your yoga mat and, of course, wearing the appropriate crystals on a bracelet, necklace or earrings when you desire to expand your focus on opening a certain chakra. It is suggested while meditating or practicing yoga to concentrate on what the crystal/stone represents to you. Another suggestion is adding an intention to the crystal prior to your practice so your brain will automatically remember it.

One of my preferred online stores is Tiny Devotions for special bracelets and malas. Their jewelry is high quality with beautiful tassels, knots and beads. My mala from them is one of my favorites. Their website offers a variety of malas for an array of intentions.  In this article, I have suggested a bracelet from Tiny Devotions for each chakra that they feature for cleansing and energizing. Make sure you follow the links and check out their website.

The following are the 7 main chakras of the body including the associations such as colors, affirmations, musical notes, symbols, locations and the crystals and stones used for each.

ROOT CHAKRA

Color: Red

Location: Base of Your Spine

Symbol: Earth

Musical Note: C

Crystal:

Fuchsia Agate assists in staying grounded, clarifies judgement, encourages spiritual growth.

Suggested jewelry: Root Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/root-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Root Chakra affects emotions, loyalty, survival instincts and self-esteem.

Affirmation: “I am connected with the energy of Mother Earth. My body, mind and spirit are grounded, centered and purified.”

 

SACRAL CHAKRA

Color: Orange

Location: Lower section of your stomach around your belly button

Symbol: Water

Musical Note: D

Crystal:

Carnelian is warming, full of joy, stimulates and empowers.

Suggested jewelry: Sacral Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/sacral-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Sacral Chakra affects creativity, connection and relationships.

Affirmation: “I love all dimensions of myself. I delight in weaving the creative tapestry that is my life.”

 

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

Color: Yellow

Location: Above your belly button and below your heart: upper abdomen

Symbol: Fire

Musical Note: E

Crystal:

Citrine: is the stone of abundance and manifestation attracting prosperity

Suggested jewelry: Solar Plexus Chakra Mala Bracelet https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/solar-plexus-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Solar Plexus Chakra affects your sensitivity levels, personal growth and understanding.

Affirmation: “My will and Divine will are One. I am connected to the abundant flow of the Universe and easily manifest my dreams.”

 

HEART CHAKRA

Color: Green

Location: Middle of your chest

Symbol: Air

Musical Note: F

Crystal:

Aventurine: Known for protection and healing of the heart.

Suggested jewelry: Heart Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/heart-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Heart Chakra is responsible for love, compassion, trust and forgiving.

Affirmation: “My heart is open to receive the energy of love. I radiate this essence and I walk my path with ease and grace.”

 

THROAT CHAKRA

Color: Blue

Location: Base of throat

Symbol: Sound

Musical Note: G

Crystal:

Turquoise: Calming stone and enhances communication and opens the mind to receive wisdom and insight

Suggested jewelry: Throat Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/throat-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Throat Chakra affects decisions, honesty, communication and creativity.

Affirmation: “I am aligned with my highest truth and communicate this with love and honor. My words echo softly within the Universe.”

 

THIRD EYE CHAKRA

Color: Indigo

Location: Between your eyebrows

Symbol: Light

Musical Note: A

Crystal:

Lapis: Opens connection to the Spirit Guardians

Suggested jewelry: Third Eye Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/third-eye-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Third Eye affects perspective and wisdom.

Affirmation: “My mind is open to new vision. I expand my awareness through my higher self.”

 

CROWN CHAKRA

Color: Violet

Location: Crown of your head

Symbol: Information

Musical Note: B

Crystals:

Amethyst: Perfect for deepening your meditation and taking your spiritual connection to the next level

Suggested jewelry: Crown Chakra Mala Bracelet

https://shop.lovetinydevotions.com/products/crown-chakra-mala-bracelet

Note Worthy: The Crown Chakra oversees your body’s spirituality and connection to the Universe.

Affirmation: “My mind is open to new vision. I expand my awareness through my higher self.”