I am Open to Wisdom
The culmination of the 6 lower chakras is in the crown chakra or Sahasrara. The seventh chakra is located at the top of the head, or 2 inches above the cerebral cortex. Just as the root chakra is represented as connecting our bodies with the earth, the crown chakra symbolizes the connection to a greater wisdom. Here we embrace the mysteries of the universe and ourselves, tuning into the divine order that is seen in everything. While the logical part of the brain demands concrete answers, it is equally important to live in a state of wonder and be in awe of the things beyond our understanding.
The crown chakra has been described as the "rainbow bridge" between heaven and earth. As we have come to understand the more primal, physical energies of the lower 3 chakras, it is easy to see how that space can become an energy sink. We live in a gravity well where everything is pulled toward the earth.
Our yoga and meditation practice help us to move the energy stored in the lower chakras up to the higher energy from the crown chakra. This creates an exchange between the elevated self and the physical body. In the elevated state, we invite grace in. In the physical, we embody that grace through our thoughts and actions. Without the body to bear them out, grace and wisdom are only notions. Without an understanding of who we are truly intended to be, the body becomes heavy with the darkness of a cluttered mind and closed heart.
Without the body to bear them out, grace and wisdom are only notions. Without an understanding of who we are truly intended to be, the body becomes heavy with the darkness of a cluttered mind and closed heart.
We yearn to understand our purpose and to develop a more enlightened way of living. Spiritual awakening and awareness happen here, as we come to realize our need for God, for a connection with the ultimate wisdom. It is this union with the Divine that energizes us to live in a way that is selfless because we feel connected to all of creation and know that our actions have a ripple effect beyond what we can see. We let go of attachment to outcomes and things which gives a sense of liberation.
Sahasrara is associated with the color violet, as well as white since white contains the entire spectrum. The element of thought and the sense of intelligence are part of the crown chakra. Stones include quartz, diamond and white amethyst.
A crown chakra that is balanced is indicated through a strong sense of awareness of self and others, understanding, perceiving reality with objectivity, a healthy spiritual life and a joyful outlook. When out of balance, over-intellectualization, cynicism, rigid belief systems, greed, materialism, apathy and spiritual addiction are dominate.
Alternate nostril breathing is a great way to release tension and anxiety and boost concentration. Poses such as inversions, tree, backbends and lotus are effective at activating the crown chakra.
Mantras/Affirmations:
Love surrounds, nourishes and protects me.
I receive the intuition of my spirit.
I am open and free to let love flow through me.
I am guided by inner wisdom.
I invite light to flow through me and enlighten my spirit.
Truth is my identity.