Most of us have experienced seasons where something just feels a little… off, and we can't always explain it. We might feel exhausted despite getting enough sleep, lose touch with our creativity, struggle to speak honestly, or find ourselves moving through the day without the same sense of joy or connection we once had. It's easy to assume we simply need more motivation, more discipline or another fresh start.
Yoga offers another way of looking at these moments.
Long before yoga became known for the physical postures we practise today, it offered a way of understanding ourselves that reached far beyond the body. It recognised that our wellbeing is deeply interconnected, woven through the relationship between body, breath, mind and energy.
One of the most beautiful expressions of this understanding is the chakra system (read our original chakra blog here)
The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "wheel" or "disc". Within yogic philosophy, the chakras are understood as subtle energy centres that run along the central channel of the body, each representing different aspects of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
Rather than offering labels or suggesting that something is "wrong" with us, the chakra system gives us a compassionate framework for self-reflection. It encourages us to become curious about where our energy feels steady, where it feels depleted and where life may be asking for a little more attention. That is why we return to these teachings time and time again at Soul Sanctuary. They invite us to slow down, listen a little more deeply and reconnect with ourselves with curiosity rather than judgement.
The Chakras in Everyday Life
Although the chakras originate from ancient yogic philosophy, their wisdom continues to feel remarkably relevant because they reflect experiences we all move through. We've all had moments where life has felt uncertain, where we've questioned ourselves or quietly realised that something needs our attention. Sometimes we've been saying yes to everyone else whilst ignoring our own needs. Sometimes we've lost confidence, forgotten what brings us joy or felt disconnected from ourselves without really knowing why.
The chakra system doesn't ask us to judge those experiences or decide that we are somehow "blocked." Instead, it offers another way of understanding them. A way that is rooted in compassion rather than criticism.
Sometimes the Root Chakra (Muladhara) is calling us to slow down and reconnect with the foundations that help us feel safe and supported when life feels uncertain.
At other times, the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) asks us to rediscover creativity, play and joy after a season that has felt heavy, or simply to allow ourselves to feel what we've been trying so hard to hold together.
You might notice the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) during those moments when confidence feels distant, when setting a boundary feels uncomfortable or when trusting yourself feels harder than it once did.
The Heart Chakra (Anahata) often speaks more quietly. It can invite us to soften after disappointment, practise forgiveness or gently open ourselves to receiving the same love and compassion we so freely offer others.
Then there is the Throat Chakra (Vishuddha), encouraging us to speak honestly, ask for what we need and trust that our voice deserves to be heard. Sometimes, it isn't the words we say that matter most, but the ones we've been carrying quietly for far too long.
The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) reminds us that clarity doesn't always arrive through more thinking. Sometimes, it appears when we finally stop searching and give ourselves the space to listen.
And finally, the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) gently widens our perspective, reminding us that even during life's most uncertain seasons, we are never as separate as we sometimes feel. Whether that connection is found through nature, meditation, community or moments of quiet awe, it has a way of bringing us back to ourselves.
One of the things we love most about the chakra system is that it makes space for all of us. We aren't expected to have everything figured out. Our energy changes, just as life changes. Some days we feel grounded but struggle to speak our truth, other days creativity comes easily whilst our nervous system quietly asks us to slow down. This isn't a practice of achieving perfectly balanced chakras, it's a practice of paying attention.
When we begin exploring the chakras, it can be tempting to ask, "Which chakra is blocked?"
A gentler question might be: "What part of myself is asking to be seen?"
This is likely why these teachings have endured for thousands of years - because they simply offer another way of understanding ourselves, with a little more compassion and a little less judgement.
Sometimes that means grounding into the body after a period of uncertainty, sometimes it means allowing ourselves to feel, sometimes it means finding the courage to set a boundary, opening our hearts again after disappointment, trusting our intuition or giving ourselves permission to rest. The journey through the chakras is about gently remembering who we have always been beneath the expectations, the fear and the stories we've collected along the way.
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INTRODUCING:
This understanding is what inspired the creation of ELEVATE: The Chakra Ascension Series.
When we first imagined this course, our hope was simple: to create a space where you could emotionally, energetically, mentally and physically experience the chakras rather than simply learn about them.
Across seven beautifully crafted 75-minute vinyasa classes, we'll journey through each chakra individually, beginning with the grounding wisdom of the Root Chakra and gradually making our way towards the spacious awareness of the Crown. Each practice weaves together dynamic yoga, pranayama, meditation and philosophy, allowing the teachings to be explored through the whole body.
As this vinyasa series unfolds, each chakra builds upon the last. Together, they create a journey that strengthens the body whilst inviting a deeper relationship with yourself.
Alongside the movement practices, you'll discover guided meditations and a beautifully designed workbook filled with traditional chakra philosophy, reflective journaling and practical ways to weave these teachings into everyday life. Because although the chakras originate from ancient yogic wisdom, their relevance has never faded. They continue to offer guidance for the way we navigate modern life with greater awareness, compassion and presence.
Many of you will already have explored our chakra-inspired practices within the Soul Sanctuary membership. ELEVATE takes that journey a little deeper.
Whether this is your first introduction to the chakras or you're returning to these teachings once again, we hope this series becomes something you revisit throughout your own journey.
The chakras aren't something to master, they are something to return to again and again, as life continues to change and we continue to grow.
ELEVATE: The Chakra Ascension Series is available exclusively through the Soul Sanctuary membership and app.
Pre-sale launches on the 29th of July at £7.77 for one week only. The full Series will launch on the 5th August and will be available to purchase through your membership online or through the app.
Note our courses and series are available for pre-order for members only through our website.
We can’t wait to ascend through the chakras with you this month.