The Crown Chakra
Soulful Sanctuary: Awakening the Divine Within
The Crown chakra is our connection to consciousness, the Universe, and living through love.
Yoga has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I would get in my mum’s way as she would attempt to salute the sun, and we would mediate together in the garden. My relationship with yoga though has ebbed and flowed, with moments of absence and then being reunited. I think I have always had a curiosity and thirst to have a deeper connection and greater awareness and an inner stirring that beckoned me to explore the depths of my own existence. A quiet voice within whispering, urging me to seek a truth beyond the tangible, to connect with something larger than the everyday humdrum of life.
The yoga mat became my sacred space, a realm where the physical and spiritual converged. Each pose, each breath, was a gateway to self-awareness. Through my practice, I began to unravel the layers of my own consciousness, peeling away the layers that obscured my true essence.
Meditation, Meditation, Meditation
Meditation became my anchor in the storm of thoughts. Sitting in stillness, I began to observe the voice within my mind. The journey inward has been both serene and tumultuous. A pilgrimage to the heart of my being. In the silence, I discovered a quietude that resonated with the rhythm of the universe. But not every meditation is like this. I am sometimes so much in my mind and connected to my thoughts, that I don’t find any stillness. However, I’m getting better at accepting that that is okay too and just what my experience is in that moment.
As I began to delve deeper, I started to confront the shadows lurking within—the doubts, fears, and unresolved wounds. I started to notice my own vulnerabilities. It is here that through curiosity and presence, I am beginning to learn the alchemy of transformation and how we can turn pain into wisdom and darkness into light and feel the beauty of the full spectrum of emotions open to us.
The more I meditate, the more I feel the interconnectedness of all things. The boundaries that once separated me from the world are beginning to dissolve. Although this journey and realisation is not a linear one. I more frequently feel a kinship with every living being, recognising the same divine spark that animates us all.
The Road to Enlightenment
This path is a continual unfolding. It was not about escaping the human experience but embracing it fully. The journey is a dance between the mundane and the sacred, a balance of light and shadow that reveals beauty inherent in every moment when we accept that moment as though we have chosen it.
When we talk about enlightenment, consciousness, presence, the divine, whatever word we use, we can connect it to our crown chakra on and above our head.
The crown chakra, also known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit, is the seventh and highest energy centre in the human body’s chakra system. It is located at the top of the head and is associated with spiritual connection, universal consciousness, and enlightenment. The crown chakra is often depicted as a thousand-petaled lotus, symbolising the infinite nature of consciousness.
Key aspects and characteristics of the crown chakra include:
Colour: The crown chakra is often associated with the colours violet or white. These hues represent purity, clarity, and the full spectrum of light.
Element: It is linked to the element of thought or cosmic energy, transcending the physical elements associated with the lower chakras.
Sound/Vibration: The crown chakra is associated with the sound of “Om” or silence, reflecting the idea of the ultimate, unchanging reality.
Symbol: Its symbol is often depicted as a thousand-petaled lotus, representing the expansion of consciousness and the connection to the divine.
Function: The crown chakra is considered the seat of higher consciousness, spiritual awareness, and universal connection. It represents the integration of all aspects of the self and the realisation of our true nature.
Balanced Qualities: When the crown chakra is balanced, you may experience a deep sense of inner peace, spiritual insight, and a connection to a higher purpose. You may have a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
Imbalances: Imbalances in the crown chakra may manifest as feelings of disconnection, spiritual disinterest, or a sense of aimlessness. On the other hand, excessive focus on this chakra at the expense of the lower chakras may lead to a lack of grounding and practicality.
Physical Connection: The crown chakra is associated with the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland in the brain that regulates sleep patterns. It is often referred to as the “third eye.”
Here are some ways to honour the crown chakra in your yoga practice:
Meditation
Incorporate meditation into your practice, focusing on stillness, silence, and mindfulness. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and direct your attention to the top of your head, visualising a radiant light or a thousand-petaled lotus blossoming.
Pranayama (Breathwork)
Engage in pranayama techniques, such as deep and rhythmic breathing. Focus on the breath as a vehicle for life force energy, allowing it to move freely through the crown of your head, fostering a connection to higher states of consciousness.
Mindfulness Practices
Practice mindfulness and awareness throughout your yoga session. Pay attention to each movement, sensation, and breath, fostering a sense of presence and connection to the present moment.
Inversion Poses
Inversions, such as Headstand (Sirsasana) or Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana), are believed to stimulate the crown chakra. These poses encourage the flow of energy towards the head and promote a sense of surrender, humility, and receptivity.
Savasana (Corpse Pose)
Conclude your yoga practice with an extended savasana, allowing yourself to fully surrender and relax. Use this time to connect with your inner world release tension, and open yourself to the universal energy that flows through the crown chakra.
Mantra and Affirmations
Chanting or silently repeating sacred mantras, such as “Om” or other affirmations related to spiritual connection, can help activate and balance the crown chakra. Allow the vibrations to resonate through your entire being.
Nature Connection
Spend time in nature, either during or after your practice. Being in natural surroundings can enhance your sense of connection to the universe and support the opening of the crown chakra.
Visualisation
During meditation or certain asanas, visualise a radiant, violet or white light pouring into the crown of your head. Imagine this light connecting you to higher realms of consciousness and wisdom.
Honouring the crown chakra
Honouring the crown chakra in your yoga practice involves activities and postures that promote a sense of spiritual connection, mindfulness, and openness to the divine. In this way, it involves creating a sacred space for spiritual exploration. This fosters a sense of unity with the divine and whatever that means to you. From this we can cultivate a mindset of openness and receptivity to higher consciousness. Remember that each individual’s journey is unique, so listen to your intuition and adjust your practice accordingly.
If you’d like more information on yoga philosophy please contact me or book here to practise with me in Marlow, Twickenham and online.
With love
Anney xx
