<div><p>Whether you believe in chakras as actual, radiant light emanating from our bodies, or as metaphors for states of being, there's some useful insight to be gained from exploring them.</p><p>Each chakra relates to a particular part of the human body and is linked with a color and an emotional state. </p><p>When we are feeling off-center or unlike ourselves, it can feel like a vague discontentment. Sometimes it's hard to pinpoint exactly what's 'off' about how we're feeling, so tuning into chakras could be a good place to start.</p><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/Chakras_Demostration.png" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img><figcaption class="op-vertical-center"><cite>Wikimedia Commons</cite></figcaption></figure></div><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><h2>Root Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/0c70a8f7f6d3e732a7eda51f1a71e911.png" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/0c70a8f7f6d3e732a7eda51f1a71e911_GH_content_550px.png 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>Located at the base of your spine, this chakra deals with feeling grounded and materialism.</p><p>You're feeling: </p><ul><li>Angry</li><li>Short Tempered</li><li>Greedy</li><li>Belligerent</li><li>Impatient</li><li>Stuck</li></ul><p>You can: </p><p>Perform low-impact, balance-focused exercises such as mindful, meditative walking, lunges or gentle yoga with a focus on the lower body.</p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><h2>Sacral Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/4ae28ca34b21223ac04f01210b1d1fe7.png" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/4ae28ca34b21223ac04f01210b1d1fe7_GH_content_550px.png 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>Located around your pelvis, this chakra deals with sexuality and feelings of attraction, creativity.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Needy or clingy</li><li>Ruled by your emotions</li><li>Numb or out of touch with yourself</li><li>Lost in fantasies or sexual obsessions</li><li>Lack of sexual desire</li></ul><p>You Can: </p><p>Reach out to loved ones and friends, sign up for a group-focused creative or artistic workshop, develop a yoga practice that highlights hip-opening poses.</p><h2>Naval Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/aa5589ec30bdd50f9836ec526d32a8f2.jpg" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>This chakra can be found just above the belly button. It focuses on self-esteem, assertiveness and feeling in control of our decisions.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Obsessive desire for control</li><li>Helplessness</li><li>Manipulative</li><li>Lack of ambition</li><li>Indecisive</li></ul><p>You Can:</p><p>Practice power posing: stand with your legs about 3 feet apart, place your hands on your hips and roll shoulders back, chin up. Hold for 1-2 minutes.</p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><h2>Heart Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/green-heart-chakra-symbol-image.png" srcset="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/green-heart-chakra-symbol-image_GH_content_550px.png 550w" sizes="89vw" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>This energy center deals with love, compassion and friendliness. It deals mostly with relationships between ourselves and others with a strong focus on a love bond.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Defensive</li><li>Closed Down</li><li>Jealous</li><li>Isolated</li><li>Holding a grudge</li></ul><p>You Can: </p><p>Practice light-cardio exercises including jogging, skipping and gentle swimming to encourage deep breathing and opening up of the chest. Go for a back massage that focuses on opening the shoulders and ribs.</p><h2>Throat Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/xthroat-chakra-jpg-pagespeed-ic-k5BIpclbLH.jpg" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>This chakra involves self-expression and the ability to communicate with others. It also deals with clear speech and transmitting ideas.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Like you can't tell the truth</li><li>Shy/afraid to speak up</li><li>Unwilling/able to listen to others</li><li>Interruptive</li><li>Like you need to shout to be heard</li></ul><p>You can:</p><p>Turn up your favorite song and belt it out; ask a friend to be your sounding board for 30 minutes.</p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><h2>Third Eye Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/gi_third-eye-chakra1.jpg" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>This is located between your eyes on your forehead. It is linked to vision, dreams, insight and intuition.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Stuck in the daily grind</li><li>Trapped in day dreams</li><li>Anxious </li><li>Lacking clarity</li></ul><p>You can:</p><p>Practice 10 minutes of meditation by focusing on your inhales and exhales in a quiet room; go for a walk in nature; journal before you go to bed.</p><p><!-- [invalid-shortcode] --></p><h2>Crown Chakra</h2><div><figure><amp-img src="https://www.shared.com/content/images/2017/05/crownchakra.jpg" title="" alt="" height="9" width="16" layout="responsive"></amp-img></figure></div><p>This final chakra is associated with your connection to a higher power. It is located a the top of your head and is driven by consciousness and the greater good.</p><p>You're feeling:</p><ul><li>Disconnected from god, spirit or a greater purpose</li><li>Obsessed with spirituality</li><li>Closed-minded</li></ul><p>You Can: </p><p>Find new ways to step out of your comfort zone; participate in charitable activities like volunteering with a community group; pray.</p><p>[h/t <a href="http://www.chakra-anatomy.com/chakra-colors.html">Chakra-Anatomy</a> / <a href="http://www.chakras.info/crown-chakra/">Chakras.info</a>]</p></div>