Need a refresher on what a chakra even is?  Read our blog post on the Root Chakra here for an introduction.

There are seven chakras, the second of which is known as the sacral chakra, which is symbolized by the color orange and the lotus flower. The Sanskrit word for this chakra is Svadhishthana: Swa meaning “one’s own” and Adhisthana meaning “abode” or “seat.”  Located at the center of your lower belly (above the pubic bone and below the navel), this chakra is associated with creativity, sexuality and your emotional body. This chakra is all about emotional flow, and it is here where your desires--sexual, creative, power, money-- meld together in an energy flow widely influenced by the world around us.

From our first chakra, the root, to our sacral chakra, we turn from basic needs and survival to our relationships in this world. It is here where we veer away from self-preservation, observe our relationships with others. One of the main forces within this emotional center is the gravitational pull of others and the attraction of opposites.

Another translation for Svadhisthana is “sweetness,” which is interesting because this area, when unbalanced, can cause us so much strife in relation to money, sex and relationships, and power. But its power can also be the center of sweetness and pleasure. These two sides, balanced and imbalanced, are important messages released by these powerful energy points in your body-- listen to them.

The duality of this energy system can be defined in terms of ying/yang, sun/moon, male/female. Learn how to balance these energies and relationships and your emotional energy will flourish. When balanced, your feelings flow freely within you. Creativity is restored and abundant, you can experience intimacy with others, and you can express yourself without being over-emotional.

The flow of energy through this chakra could be disrupted due to emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, emotional manipulation or denial of your feelings. This can manifest itself into shyness, acceptance of guilt that is not yours, lack of creativity or shame over one’s life or lack of accomplishments.

The sacral chakra empowers you to hone in on your creativity to create your own reality. Guided by love and trust or fear and negativity, our emotions impact the choices we make and therefore reflect the outcomes of our actions.  

Below are some affirmations to help bring the Sacral Chakra into balance.  These can be repeated as needed:

• Emotions are the language of my soul. 
• I relish the sweet exchange of intimacy and connectedness.
• I allow my emotions to flow through me in a healthy way.
• I am a sacred being, am worthy of love and desirable to others.