THE ENERGETIC CORE: CHAKRA ACTIVATION AND PLANK POSE

In yoga traditions, the Chakras are considered the vital energy centres that orchestrate our physical, emotional, and spiritual harmony. While core work is often associated with physical strength and stability, the connection between chakra activation and the practice of plank pose offers a gateway for tapping into the profound power of our core.

Understanding Chakras and Core Activation

At the heart of yoga philosophy lies the concept of chakras – the energetic hubs that channel life force throughout our being. Picture them as energy wheels, sitting along our body’s centre, located throughout the body’s central axis, each governing a unique aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual experiences. Among these, the Manipura Chakra, nestled in the area of the solar plexus, holds particular importance in the context of core strength and empowerment. Known as the “City of Jewels,” Manipura is associated with self-confidence, personal power, and fiery core strength. It ties energy hubs to inner strength, showing how chakras groove with strength and well-being.

Intention Settings and Visualisation

Think of intention as your yoga GPS – guiding your practice with purpose. Plank Pose isn’t just about physical strength; it is a way to tap into your core’s superpowers. Infuse intentions such as “I am strong,” or “I am balanced” to feel your core’s energy surge. Envision your core as light, let it radiate from Manipura, the solar plexus chakra. Embody your fearless spirit. Know that energetically, strength is not just in muscles, but in your mindset too.

Aligining Plank Pose with Chakras Sequence

In this sequence, we will explore how aligning and balancing these energy centres with Plank Pose can infuse every breath and movement with strength, balance, and vibrant vitality.

Begin in Plank Pose

Start in Plank Pose, planting your hands firmly beneath your shoulders and extending your legs back. As you take longer and deeper breaths through your nose, remember that Plank Pose forms the cornerstone of core engagement. Allow Plank to become a portal for chakra alignment when we recognise its intricate connection to our body’s energy centres. As we dive into this

exploration, we unfold how each aspect of Plank Pose corresponds to specific chakras, creating a bridge between the physical and the energetic.

Root Chakra (Stability and
Foundation)

Forearm Plank, which is no less challenging than classic Plank, offers you more contact with the ground. Forearm Plank keeps your upper arms firmly planted, legs extended back. This pose mirrors the qualities of the root chakra. This stability fosters a sense of security and grounding, setting the stage for a strong and balanced practice.

Feel your connection to the earth beneath you, as if roots are growing from your forearms into the ground. Visualise a warm, crimson light at the base of your spine, anchoring you with steady strength. As you breathe deeply, allow yourself to feel supported and secure, drawing nourishment from this foundational energy.

Sacral Chakra (Fluidity and
Movement)

Lift one leg to emulate the Sacral Chakra’s fluidity. Engaging the core and leg muscles while maintaining

breath parallels the Chakra’s emphasis on movement and creative flow. Be sure to hold each side for an equal amount of breaths.

Imagine the fluidity of water flowing within you. Embrace the sense of movement, as if you’re floating in the gentle currents of your emotions. Feel the joy of creative energy emanating from your centre.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Strength and
Empowerment)

Classic High Plank activates our core, aligning with the solar plexus chakra’s energy of strength and empowerment. As we press into our hands and extend our legs, we awaken the fire within, fostering a resilient sense of self. Draw your attention to the area around your navel. Visualise a golden, radiant light, symbolising your personal power. As you engage your abdominal muscles, tap into your inner fire – the flame of confidence and determination that resides within your solar plexus.

Heart Chakra (Openness and Self-Compassion)

Plank Hand to Heart invites us to balance on one arm, opening the heart centre and inviting self-compassion. The lifted hand rests over your heart, connecting us to the heart chakra’s

emphasis on love and unity. This gentle placement encourages us to nurture both ourselves and our practice. Switch hands after a few breaths. Visualise a soft, green light expanding from your chest. As you hold the pose, cultivate a sense of compassion, opening your heart to both yourself and others. Feel the flow of love and connection radiating through your body.

Throat Chakra (Expression and Communication)

Reverse Plank (Purvottanasana)

In Reverse Plank, as we lift our chest towards the sky, we align with the throat chakra’s qualities of expression. This variation encourages clear communication, not just physically but also as an embodiment of our inner voice.

Let your breath flow freely. Bring your attention to your throat area. Imagine a clear blue light, symbolizing open communication. As you hold the pose, speak your truth silently to yourself. Allow your voice to resonate within, creating a harmonious flow of expression and authenticity.

Third Eye Chakra (Intuition and Focus)

Plank with Tricep Taps prompts us to bring our centre of gravity toward our forehead, fostering inner focus and intuition. As we engage our core and create this connection, we embody the third eye chakra’s wisdom.

Imagine an indigo light between your eyebrows, representing intuition and insight. As you hold the pose, trust your inner wisdom. Feel your awareness expanding, as if you look beyond the physical pose into deeper realms.