Today we are talking about how the first three chakras align with the season of fall. You will learn ways to nurture these chakras during this season to bring better balance to the mind and body.
Close your eyes and imagine for a moment your perfect vision of fall. The leaves are changing colors. The weather is getting cooler. Pumpkins, apples, and squash are for sale at every vegetable stand in sight.
Now focus on the colors of fall. What do you see? Red, orange, yellow. These colors represent more than the falling leaves or the food on your plate. These colors represent the subtle energies taking root this season. And they happen to be the colors of the first three chakra centers in your body.
What are chakras?
Chakras are the energy centers in the body that run up your spine. They each represent a different aspect of yourself and your expression in the world. By learning to differentiate and tune in to the different chakras, you are able to create balance in the mind and body, and reach higher levels of spiritual awareness.
The chakra system is highly attuned to the natural world around you. Nature is always sending you signs of these different chakras, especially through the changing season. Eating a seasonal diet is a wonderful way to align yourself with the different chakras. Adjusting your diet and lifestyle with the seasons throughout the year helps to achieve balance and health in the mind and body.
Today we are talking all about the chakras that align with fall. Fall is a time that represents change. In Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, fall is expressed through the energy of vatta, comprising of air and space energy. Fall is windy, dry, and cold. It's energy is erratic and constantly moving.
To learn more about fall's connection to the vatta dosha, check out these Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Fall.
And download my free fall smoothie guide for 3 recipes inspired by the fall season:
In order to balance yourself within the erratic and chaotic nature of fall, you can turn to the first three chakras, which nature reveals through the colors of red, orange, and yellow.
1. The Root Chakra:
(Immunity & Security)
The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, and it represents being grounded, safe, and secure. The root chakra is the foundation, and when it is blocked or out of balance, it can bring up feelings of insecurity. The color for the root chakra is red.
The root chakra is all about your basic survival needs. It's concern is that you are healthy, safe, and connected to the earth. Fall is the time of year you are more likely to suffer from a cold, flu, or sinus infection. That is why it is so important to balance your root chakra at this time by focusing on nurturing your immune system for ultimate protection.
Here are a few suggestions for nurturing your root chakra this fall:
- Eat plenty of root vegetables such as beets, carrots, turnips, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to feel grounded
- Take care of your immune system by eating a well balanced diet. You want to choose foods that protect the immune system such as gut supporting fermented foods, leafy bitter greens, colorful fruits & veggies, and bone broth. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and over consumption of alcohol this time of year as best you can.
- Organize the different areas of your life, whether it be financial, business, or social. Keeping on top of your various responsibilities is a great way to satisfy your root chakra's deep need for security and safety. Check in on your budget plan. Go through the clutter of mail piling up in that corner of your house. Answer emails orderly and on time. Make sure you are on track with your personal and professional goals.
2.The Sacral Chakra
(Sensuality & Creativity)
The sacral chakra is the energy center for the senses. It is located below the naval in the lower abdomen. This chakra is all about tapping into your emotions, especially as they relate to the world around you. When you feel emotionally balanced, you are able to take pleasure in the senses of life whether that be appreciating the beauty of nature on a hike, tasting delicious food, creating and enjoying art, or engaging in a healthy sex life. It is represented by the color orange.
The sacral chakra is expressed during fall through the harvest. The harvest is a time of abundance and celebration and is why we celebrate Thanksgiving this time of year. In order to connect to your sacral chakra, it's important to express gratitude for all that the earth provides.
Here are a few ideas for tuning into your sacral chakra this fall:
- Go outside and engage your senses on a nature hike. Notice the beauty around you in the changing leaves and landscape. Take some extra time to listen to the sounds around you, and feel the crisp air on your skin. Pay attention to each of your senses as you walk.
- Celebrate the fall harvest by hosting a pot luck with family and friends. Embrace the foods of fall with colorful dishes made from fresh ingredients. Nurture your creativity by trying out a new recipe.
- Plan a romantic evening for yourself or with a partner. Water can help balance emotions, so soak in a hot mineral bath with candles and essential oils. This is the perfect time to explore your sensual side.
- Try an indoor arts and crafts night solo or with a friend. Activities such as painting, drawing, or even coloring help the body release stored emotions and increase self expression.
3.The Solar Plexus Chakra:
(Identity & Energy)
The solar plexus is where your sense of identity is located. It represents themes such as power, confidence, and energy. When it is out of balance, you may struggle with self esteem, your sense of self, or even experience digestive issues. That is because the solar plexus chakra is located in the abdomen region (or gut) where digestion takes place. Imbalance in this area can also appear as low energy, since digestion is the fire of your body.
Fall is a time of great movement and change, sometimes challenging our sense of self and knocking us down from the high energy of summertime. When this happens, our energy can become blocked, cutting us off from our power source (the sun). Ever hear of the winter blues? It's easy to feel energetically low once the temperatures drop and the daylight hours decrease. The trick to nurturing your sacral chakra this fall, is finding activities that increase your energy.
Here are a few tips for nurturing your sacral chakra:
- Eat foods that stimulate digestion. Cooked vegetables are better this time of year, as they are easier to digest. Warming spices such as ginger, cayenne, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg help you digest as well during the cold sluggish months. Try adding lemon juice to your water or tea as a way to stoke the digestive fire as well.
- State your intentions for the fall season and recommit to your goals. Maybe this is a good time to look back at your new year intentions, and recommit to one before beginning anew. Recommitting to your goals reminds you of why you set them in the first place, strengthening your sense of self, and reconnecting you to the powerful person you are!
- Strength building workouts are great for strengthening the solar plexus chakra. Since this energy center is located in your core, incorporate core strengthening routines if you're feeling out of balance.
Want more tips? Download my free fall smoothie guide and receive 3 smoothie recipes inspired by the flavors of fall, plus even more tips to help make this the best fall ever!
I think it is so amazing to examin the tools nature has provided us with. As the seasons change, our needs change as well. The fact that the colors of fall (red, orange, and yellow) align with these first three chakra centers, is an incredible reminder how nature sends us signs to help support and guide us during this time. Nature is literally color coding our food and surroundings with the natural energy source of our body! How cool!
Overall, fall is a time to experience joy, abundance, warmth, and creativity. Have fun with this time of year and treat yourself right.