Chanting the Chakras
By Eve Delachartre
Practicing the sounds of the Chakras reveals information about ourselves that is useful and often surprising. Chakras (sanskrit word for wheel) refer to the 7 vortexes of energy along the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head (see diagram below).
While the Chakra system is complex, a simple explanation is that each Chakra holds the energy of one aspect of our being. This energy flows from the crown of our head, through our spine and our entire nervous system. The energy of the Chakras is a reflection of our being, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually.
Using our voice with the vibration of sound helps the energy circulate through the Chakras. In Yoga Nidra class, one of our practices is to sing the vowel sounds of the Chakras. This is an easy practice to evaluate or diagnose where we need to pay attention or rebalance ourselves. We spin the “wheels”, allowing ourselves to witness the process with non-judgemental observation. It doesn’t require any previous training or have strict rules.
By chanting the sounds of the Chakras, we are confronted with the reality of what is going on inside (especially inner states that we tend to overlook). If the sound comes out vibrant, long and steady, it indicates a healthy energy flow at that Chakra. If the sound is choppy, weak, short, uneven or nonexistent, it indicates an imbalance or under-stimulation of the Chakra. When the energy is blocked at any level, the result is a life with less than optimal wellbeing.
Rebalancing the Chakras is like tuning a musical instrument. Our body being the instrument. When we are going through a challenging time, it is most appropriate to practice the Chakra sounds. We can actively transform our state of being by alternating sounds between a strong Chakra and a weaker one. We may often be surprised by the effect of the transfer of energy that happens as we keep chanting the sounds.
Personally, I have experienced the amazing effects of chanting Chakra sounds. Here are a couple of stories related to this practice in daily life:The first story involves my life as a driver in New York City, beginning with the moment I decided to get a driving license at the age of 50. Although I had learned how to drive in the countryside of the South of France long ago, different circumstances happened in which I didn’t own a car or need to drive for decades. Finally, I took courage to practice and take the driving test. I was absolutely terrified for understandable reasons. Streets and signs in the bustling city can be confusing. New York drivers can be aggressive or lack patience. As I was getting ready to take the driving test and waiting for my turn, I felt my body trembling with fear. This was not a good sign at all. Luckily, there was a public park right there. I decided to go to the park and chant Chakras sounds. No one could have heard me anyway due to the city noise. From faint uneven sounds, particularly in my 1st Chakra (center of survival) and 3rd Chakra (center of self-confidence) I came to a place of vibrance and steadiness. My body calmed down, my mind became clear and focused. I then passed the test easily. Every time I started to drive by myself for a while, I knew what to do to stay alert and calm.
More recently, I was driving from New York to Maine. I had to arrive on time to teach a class on zoom and I could not stop for long on the way. I was feeling tired though. I decided to chant the Chakra sounds for about 15 minutes. It gave me energy and kept me awake and alert. Instead of relying on external stimulants, I used my voice. It kept me going safely without negative side effects.
The second story was written by Ellen, a student of mine, who benefited from the effects of Chakra sounds as she prepared for an important surgery in 2008. Here is her story:When faced with surgery, in my case total hip replacement, there were many stages of preparedness to go through. These included denial, alternative medical treatments, a holistic approach to healing, nutritional counseling, etc.
Of the many approaches, the most constructive was Yoga. I was fortunate to meet Eve 4 months before my surgery and have continued to work with her since. There are not too many people you meet in life, like Eve, who are “healers.”
From the first session, at which time I was in a pretty compromised, debilitated state, Eve made a difference. Conventional treatment, including months of physical therapy, did nothing for chronic lower back strain and a herniated disc. After three sessions, my core was much stronger and I experienced sustained relief.
Yoga is a vast discipline and Eve’s knowledge of yoga enables her to tailor our sessions to my needs. No two sessions are the same, which make the experience challenging and fun.
Eve’s approach focuses on breathing and incorporates chanting. This brings the practice of Yoga to a more spiritual level and helps us reconnect our body and mind as a whole enabling us to experience it in our daily life.
The day before my surgery, I saw Eve. We focused on relaxation exercises and chanting. After having explained to Eve how pre-surgical anxiety was manifesting itself, I felt unable to talk anymore. We chanted the sounds of each Chakra and it confirmed the blockage in my throat, center of expression. We then focused on unblocking my voice.
The next day I was in post-op recovery and started experiencing pain. I called for a nurse but, believe it or not, no one was there, so I had to call louder and louder for help. Even when I was lying there in distress, I had to smile at the realization that Eve had prepared me – my voice had been restored.
There is much to learn and explore in the world of Chakras. The Chakras offer tools for self-inquiry in meditation and for energy rebalancing. Your practice can include the use of color imagery, touch or chanting of sounds for each energy center. If you're curious and interested, come join us via Zoom for Yoga Nidra on Wednesdays at 7pm during this winter 2021.
