As you continue to see benefits from yoga, you may be yearning to add some different elements of yogic philosophy to deepen your practice.
Mantras are a good place to start, as it is a powerful way to work with all of the emotions and thoughts that may be coming up in your practice, as well as draw in the energy you wish to embody in the moment.
Combining mantras with the chakras is a beautiful way to tune into the energy channels of your body and connect each channel to your intentions.
Mantras can be one word or an entire sentence – they can embrace whatever you want to work on in your life on and off the mat. The word mantra translates to “instrument of thought” as in Sanskrit, man translates to “to think” and tra translates to “instrument or tool”.
In Sanskrit, Chakra translates to “wheel”, so a chakra is a wheel of energy found in the subtle body. You are the life force energy, also known as Prana, flows throughout the energy pathways within your body. The following motivational mantras combined with the chakras will make a profound impact in your life.
Root Chakra, Muladhara
Mantra: “I have the tools necessary to stay stable amidst the chaos around me.”
This mantra connects with the Root Chakra, Muladhara.
This chakra is red, resides at the base of the spine and is connected to the earth element. We feel stable, grounded, and secure when this chakra is balanced as it relates to our basic needs such as shelter, food, and water, as well as our connection with nature.
In times of imbalance and insecurity, tuning into these mantras is a great way to connect to the wisdom within in order to find stability.
To embrace the energy of this chakra, rest in Child’s pose, close your eyes, and envision the color red at the base of your spine. Draw deep, full breaths envisioning a red line flowing up and down your spine, while chanting “I have the tools necessary to stay stable amidst the chaos around me” or “Stability is within my grasp.” You can also chant both mantras while holding Child’s pose.
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Sacral Chakra, Svadhisthana
Mantra: “Creativity flows through me.”
This mantra connects with the Sacral Chakra, Svadhisthana.
This chakra is orange, resides below the navel and above the pelvis and is connected with the water element. It is the foundation of your sense of self. This chakra is balanced when you experience joy, creativity, and playfulness; especially in connection to sensuality and desire.
When feeling a lack of inspiration and anxiety creeping in, this is a good mantra to enable going with the flow and staying connected to your innate joy.
To draw the energy of this chakra in, hold Pigeon pose, close your eyes, and envision the color orange at your hips. Draw deep, full breaths envisioning an orange light circling in and around the hips, while chanting “creativity flows through me.”
Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura
Mantra: “Embracing my inner power means letting go of all that’s no longer serving me.”
This mantra connects with the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura.
This chakra is yellow, resides at the belly button/navel and is associated with the fire element. It is the home of the digestive system and when in balance, embodies your personal motivation and power.
When feeling overwhelmed and under appreciated, this is a good mantra to tune into as it is a reminder to let go in order to be free.
To embrace the energy of this chakra hold a seated twist, close your eyes, and envision the color yellow circling your waist. Draw deep, full breaths envisioning a yellow light flowing steadily around your center, while chanting “Embracing my inner power means letting go of all that’s no longer serving me.”
Heart Chakra, Anahata
Mantra: “I embody love. I embody compassion. I embody love and compassion for self and others.”
This mantra connects with the Heart Chakra, Anahata.
This chakra is green, resides at the chest, ruling the heart and is associated with the air element. It is the seat of compassion, forgiveness, and love. When in balance, our connection to self and others is strong and all encompassing.
This is a good mantra to embrace when feeling uninspired and angry at the world.
To draw the energy of this chakra in, move into Camel pose, close your eyes, and envision the color green emanating from your heart. Draw deep, full breaths, and imagine the color green glowing at your heart and sending out rays of green light throughout your body, while chanting “I embody love. I embody compassion. I embody love and compassion for self and others.”
Throat Chakra, Vishuddha
Mantra:“My words have power.”
This mantra connect with the Throat Chakra, Vishuddha
This chakra is blue, resides at the base of the throat and is associated with the ether element. It is the foundation of our communication and keeps our immune system healthy. When in balance, communication is authentic and our ears are open to listening to what others are sharing with us.
To embrace the energy of these chakras, sit comfortably and let your head gently fall back. Close your eyes, and envision the color blue resting at your throat. Draw deep, full breaths, and imagine the color blue swirling around your neck, while chanting “My words have power” or “What I say makes a difference.” You can also chant both mantras while holding Camel pose.
Third Eye Chakra, Ajna
Mantra: “I am an open vessel.”
This mantra connect with the Third Eye Chakra, Ajna
This chakra is indigo, resides between the eyebrows, governing the lower brain and eyes. It is the home of intuition, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. A balanced third eye chakra may have heightened intuition, promoting a feeling of trust in the flow of life.
To draw the energy of this chakra in, sit in a comfortable, seated position, close your eyes, and envision the color indigo radiating from between your eyebrows. Draw deep, full breaths, and imagine the indigo light flowing down your body, while chanting “I am an open vessel” or “I am where I need to be.” You can also chant both mantras while sitting comfortably.
Crown Chakra, Sahasrara
Mantra:“I surrender to the best within me.”
This mantra connects with the Crown Chakra, Sahasrara
This chakra is violet, resides at the crown of the head, guiding us to our source. When in balance, we feel connected to all living creatures – our fellow humans as well as all that is within nature.
To draw the energy of this chakra into your body, lay on your back in Savasana. Close your eyes and envision the color violet flowing through your body from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. Draw deep, full breaths, while quietly chanting “I surrender to the best within me.”
Take as long as you like to go through this practice and do it as often as feels best for you. You may even discover that one or a few of the mantras resonate with you, and if so, focus on those instead of all of them.
Enjoy adding this practice to your yoga routine and reaping the benefits as they arise. Some benefits you will notice immediately, others will take time. The journey is part of the process and the most important aspect is your attitude toward it.
