Chakra translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, and you can imagine them like wheels of free-flowing positive energy. When the root chakra is open, we feel confident in our ability to withstand challenges and stand on our own two feet. When it’s blocked, we feel threatened, as if we’re standing on unstable ground. What it controls: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food Mantra: “I can’t grow from an unsteady foundation.” Color: Red Element: Earth Stone: Hematite Yoga pose: Warrior I When it develops: 1-7 years old What it controls: Your sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, and sexuality Mantra: “I always honor others but not before myself.” Color: Orange Element: Water Stone: Tiger’s Eye Yoga pose: Bound Angle Pose When it develops: 8-14 years old If your solar plexus chakra is blocked, you might feel overwhelming amounts of shame and self-doubt. Those with open sacral chakras are free to express their true selves. What it controls: Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem Mantra: “Self-love starts when I accept all parts of myself.” Color: Yellow Element: Fire Stone: Amber Yoga pose: Boat Pose When it develops: 15-21 years old Someone with a blocked heart chakra will have difficulty fully opening up to the people in their life. If someone’s heart is open, they can experience deep compassion and empathy. What it controls: Love, joy, and inner peace Mantra: “When I love myself, loving others comes easily.” Color: Green Element: Air Stone: Rose Quartz Yoga pose: Camel Pose When it develops: 21-28 years old When it’s functioning at full capacity, it allows us to express ourselves truly and clearly. Someone with a blocked throat chakra will feel like they have trouble finding the words to say how they truly feel. What it controls: Communication, self-expression, and truth Mantra: “I speak my truth, always.” Color: Light Blue/Turquoise Element: Sound/Music Stone: Aquamarine Yoga pose: Fish Pose When it develops: 29-35 years old Visions and intuitive hits are not uncommon for someone with an open third-eye chakra. What it controls: Intuition, imagination, and wisdom Mantra: “I am open to exploring what cannot be seen.” Color: Dark Blue/Purple Element: Light Stone: Amethyst Yoga pose: Child’s Pose When it develops: 36-42 years old What it controls: Inner and outer beauty, spiritual connection Lesson: “I am a vessel for love and light.” Color: Violet/White Element: Divine Consciousness Stone: Clear quartz Yoga pose: Headstand When it develops: 43-49 years old Yogi Cameron became certified in Yoga at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City as well as the Sri Satchidananda Ashram. He studied Ayurvedic Medicine at Arsha Vidya Peetam in South India and trained at the International Academy of Ayurveda in Pune, india. He’s been featured in ELLE magazine, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The London Times, and has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Today Show, E! Entertainment, and Martha, amongst others. He is also an expert on the hit show “Conversations with Maria Menounos” on SiriusXM. He is also a mindbodygreen video course instructor, and his chakra-opening course is designed to help you create more harmony and purpose in your life.
