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  • Kinlee Hawkins, RYT

The Crown Chakra: Sahasrara

11/11/2017

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© Dirk Czarnota

"I am complete and one with divine energy."

Chakras can be described at "swirling wheels of energy that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body."  There are a total of 7 chakras which align along the spine. The Crown Chakra, or Sahasrara in SANSKRIT, is the seventh and the most spiritual one.

The 7th chakra is located at the VERY TOP OF THE HEAD, or slightly above they head sitting like a “crown” and radiating upwards.  Sahasrara
Chakra (translated as “thousand petal lotus”) gives us access to higher states of consciousness as we stimulate those nerves and open up to what is beyond our personal thoughts.

The Crown Chakra is primarily associated to the PITUITARY 
gland as well as the PINEAL gland and HYPOTHALAMUS.  Because of its location, this chakra is also closely associated with the entire brain and nervous system.  Note: Energetically, the Crown Chakra has a connection with the Root Chakra because they are both at the extremities of the chakra system.  The pineal gland is also considered the primary link between your BRAIN and your SOUL.

The point of all this?? How can you benefit from this ancient knowledge??  Well, having an OPEN and HEALTHY Crown Chakra allows WISDOM to flowwwww into us. ✨ When the Crown Chakra is in balance we experience an ability to UNDERSTAND and LEARN new information easily.  We make logical decisions easily and may have a strong sense of HUMANITARIANISM and DEVOTION.  We feel OPEN MINDED and THOUGHTFUL and are more connected to our spiritual nature.  We develop a trust in the DIVINE.  BALANCE your crown chakra and get ready to get BLISSED OUT yogis!!


Yoga postures that will OPEN and STRENGHTEN your Crown Chakra include:
Supported Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana)
Plow Pose (Halasana)
Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvagasana)
Lotus (Padmasana)
Seated Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)


✨Element: Cosmic Energy or Thought
💜Color: Violet, White, and/or Clear
🎶Sound: ANG
⚡️Gland: Pituitary and Pineal Glands
🙏Affirmation: “I am complete and one with divine energy.”

Always remember, “An ounce of practice is more important than a ton of theory."
​Stay strong and get on that mat yogis!!

Lots of Love and Light,
Kinlee
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The Third Eye Chakra - Ajna

11/11/2016

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Picture
© Dirk Czarnota

"I am wise.  I am intuitive.  
​I am connected with my highest self.
I am open to inspiration and bliss."

The sixth of the seven chakras is the Third Eye, or Ajna, Chakra.  While our two eyes see the material world, our Ajna Chakra sees beyond the physical.  This vision includes INTUITION, KNOWLEDGE, IMAGINATION, and VISUALIZATION.  Chakras can be described as “SWIRLING WHEELS OF ENERGY that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body.”  Extraordinary intellect, intuition, wisdom, and spiritual insight are available to everyone -- but few of us even begin to tap our profound potential.  Clearing and balancing your Anja Chakra can help you tap into these divine gifts. 
 

 Ajna Chakra is situated at the midpoint of the forehead region exactly in between your eyes.  Ajna Chakra controls the nose, ears, eyes, face, the sinuses, the central nervous system and the brain as well as the pituitary and the pineal gland.  The Third Eye Chakra deals with the AWARENESS OF HIGHER SELF and INTUITION.  When the sixth chakra is BALANCED, a SENSE OF KNOWING and WISDOM materializes.  It represents our RIGHT TO SEE – both physically and intuitively. 

 The "way of the third eye" is seeing everything as it is from a point of "witness" or "observer"... Or from simply being mindful moment to moment.  It means examining self-limiting ideas and developing wisdom that comes from a perspective that transcends the duality of good or bad, black or white.  It means seeing and helping others to see the deeper meanings of the situations in their lives. 

 When it’s fully open, this chakra stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. When the brain is balanced it can create a harmonious vision of reality that incorporates grounded logical thinking and intuitive/imaginative experiences. At this point, Ajna opens to communicate with the higher intelligence of Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra and brings you to a place of INSPIRATION, CLARITY of thought, and HEALING.

 YOGA POSTURES that help us connect with our Ajna Chakra include:
Child's Pose (Balasana)
Garduasana (Eagle Pose)
Sirsasana (Headstand)
Trataka (Steady Gazing Meditation)

BREATHING EXERCISES that are beneficial for the Anja Chakra include:
Bhastrika
Nadi Sodhana
Simhasana (Lion’s Breath) 


Element: “Supreme Element” or All Elements Combined 
Color: Indigo 
Sound: AUM 
Gland: Pituitary Gland 

Get on that yoga mat and get ready for some epic visions yogis!

Lots of Love and Light,
Kinlee
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The Throat Chakra: Vishuddha

9/7/2016

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Picture
© Dirk Czarnota

"I am open, clear, and honest in my communication.
I communicate my feelings with ease.
I know when it is time to listen.
I express my gratitude towards life."

​Welcome back to the chakra series yogis!!  We hope you are enjoying learning about these magical (and scientific) centers of power.  Only three more to go...

Chakras can be described as “SWIRLING WHEELS OF ENERGY that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body.”  The fifth chakra, or Vishuddha in Sanskrit, is the first of the three “spiritual chakras.”  To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to SPEAK, LISTEN, and EXPRESS YOURSELF FROM A HIGHER FORM OF COMMUNICATION.  FAITH and UNDERSTANDING combine the essence of the throat chakra. 
Visuddha is located in the area of the throat and it governs the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.  

The "way of the Throat Chakra" is the way of INSPIRED CREATIVITY, SEEKING and SHARING of the TRUTH.  It is the way of standing up for WHAT YOU BELIEVE.  It is also about the power of SAYING NO when you need to and BEING OPEN AND HONEST in what you say.  

​A person with an open Visuddha chakra is also a good and COMPASSIONATE LISTENER, he/she enables another person to have the experience of BEING HEARD - one of the most profound human needs.

So yogis, what is your HIGHEST TRUTH?  
Do you dare EXPRESS this TRUTH?  

YOGA postures that open and strengthen your Visuddha Chakra include:
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Shoulder Stand (Salamba Sarvangasana)
Plow Pose (Halasana)

Element: Ether 
Color: Blue 
Sound: HAM 
Gland: Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands


​BREATHE DEEPLY into the space you create during the asanas to bring even more energizing PRANA into your body.  You have thousands of nerves running up and down your body that will get stronger and stronger with every practice.  Combining proper exercise (yoga poses), proper breathing (pranayama), proper relaxation (Savasana), proper nutrition (organic and pure), and positive thinking/meditation will give you the WILL TO LIVE A STRONGER LIFE.  We are all in this together so get on that mat and SPEAK YOUR TRUTH!

Lots of Love and Light,
Kinlee
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Whale Medicine in Fairbanks, Alaska

7/12/2016

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“Whale Medicine teaches us to use the SOUNDS and FREQUENCIES that balance our emotional bodies and heal our physical forms.  To recall why the shaman's drum brings HEALING and PEACE is to align with Whale's message.
The drum is the UNIVERSAL HEART BEAT and aligns all beings HEART to HEART.”

Jamie Sams and David Carson

Picture
Photo: Kinlee Hawkins, RYT
Whale Power Animal Symbol Of Wisdom Record Keeper For Eternity
By Ina Woolcott

The whale’s gifts includes – record keeper for all eternity, power of song, all knowledge associated with voice, all aspects of the sea, beauty of movement, psychic and telepathic abilities, wisdom, provider, inner depth.
Using the rhythm and patterns of sound, the whale teaches us to hear our inner voices, to be in touch with our personal truths, thus knowing wisdom and feeling the heartbeat of the universe.

You will be shown how to go deep within yourself to stir your inner creativity and imagination. You will also be taught not to become too lost in your imagination but to live in the ‘real world’ – every day waking reality.
Give your own creative intuition to formulas – this is what charges them with power and magic. The whale does not teach creativity for the sake of creativity. A deep, creative inspiration is awakened, but you must add your own colour and light to your outer life to make it glorious.

The whales sound teaches us how to create with song. Along with dolphins, whales are the other sentient beings of our planet. They too are self-aware and have souls. Accordingly to some teachings, they are on their 4th cycle, while most of mankind is on its 11th or 12th cycle.

Personally I think that EVERYTHING has a soul, not just ‘sentient beings’. All animals, plants, as well as the so called ’non-living matter’ like rocks I believe have their own consciousness/soul and are experiencing being a rock, or a stick. Just like some people believe that stones/precious stones have to be asked to be taken out of the earth, why ask if they are just dead, non living matter? They must have a certain level of consciousness to know that they even want to be in the ground, or wherever they may be!

For from Ina Woolcott visit www.ShamanicJourney.com


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The Heart Chakra: Anahata

7/1/2016

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Picture
© Dirk Czarnota

"I am love.
Love is the answer to everything in life.
I give and receive love effortlessly and unconditionally.
I forgive myself and others.
​I live in peace and gratitude.
I love and appreciate my mind, body and spirit."

This, my friends, is WHERE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL COLLIDE!  The fourth chakra is at the center of our seven chakras, with three below (see previous posts) and three above.  

Chakras can be described as “SWIRLING WHEELS OF ENERGY that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body.”  I invite you to put your hand over your heart and feel the power… Our energy bodies are pretty darn amazing!

 Anahata is located at the center of the chest and includes the heart, cardiac plexus, thymus gland, lungs, and breasts.  It also rules the lymphatic system, which cleanses the blood and plays a vital role in a healthy IMMUNE SYSTEM.  The Heart Chakra is associated with the color green so getting out in nature, eating green foods and drinking nourishing herbal infusions will most definitely strengthen this nerve center. 

 Anahata is a Sanskrit word which translates to “unstruck” or “unhurt.”  The name implies that beneath the hurts and grievances of past experiences lies A PURE AND SPIRITUAL PLACE WHERE NO HURT ACTUALLY EXISTS.   When your Heart Chakra is OPEN, you are flowing with LOVE AND COMPASSION, you are QUICK TO FORGIVE, and YOU ACCEPT OTHERS AND YOURSELF.  A closed heart chakra can give way to grief, anger, jealousy, fear of betrayal, and hatred toward yourself and others.  

 Anahata moves LOVE through your life.  It is the center of your deep BONDS with other beings, your sense of caring and COMPASSION, your feelings of SELF-LOVE, altruism, generosity, kindness, and respect.  Anahata is your HEALING CENTER as most spiritual traditions recognize LOVE as the ULTIMATE HEALING FORCE.  "The way of the heart" or the "path of the heart" is CHOOSING to live your life from this energy center of love. 
 
YOGA postures that open and strengthen your Anahata Chakra include:
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)
Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Remember to BREATHE DEEPLY into the space you create to bring even more PRANA into your body.

Element: Air 
Color: Green 
Sound: LAM  
Gland: Thymus 

The best way to receive love is to give it and it is easy to stay on the path of love when you consistently stay on your yoga mat!  
Alaska loves you, thanks for visiting the blog and keep those hearts open yogis!

Lots of Love and Light,
Kinlee
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Happy Summer Solstice!

6/20/2016

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Photo by Paul Souders
"On this, the longest day of the northern year, the sun never sets at the Arctic Circle.  It loops around, kissing the northern horizon and casting an otherworldly orange glow before rising again." Paul Souders

This calls for some Sun Salutations!  We hope you are celebrating this extra long summer day with your loved ones.  Are you ready for an Alaskan yoga adventure??  Check out our Yoga Retreats Calendar because there are lots of opportunities to travel and learn in the next few months!

Lots of Love,
The Alaskan Yogi

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The Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura

6/16/2016

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Picture
© Dirk Czarnota

"I stand up for myself.
I deserve a wonderful life.
I am positively empowered.
I am successful in all my ventures.  
I feel my own power.
I am free to choose in any situation.
​I accept responsibility for all of my decisions.
I act with courage and strength."

Chakras can be described as “SWIRLING WHEELS OF ENERGY that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body.”  There are a total of 7 Chakras which align the spine.  The Manipura Chakra is the center of VITALITY and in Sanskrit translates to “lustrous gem.”  

This Chakra has an effect like a magnet, attracting Prana from the Cosmos and is yellow like the SUN.  It is a SOURCE OF PERSON POWER and governs self-esteem, warrior energy, and the power of transformation.
Macipura is located between the navel and solar plexus, and it controls metabolism and digestion.  It is the seat of digestive fire, and it also regulates the function of the pancreas and digestive organs.

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the center of WILLPOWER.  Do you feel self-confident, have a strong sense of PURPOSE, and are SELF-MOTIVATED?  If yes, your third chakra is open and healthy!  

On the other hand…  Do you suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty making decisions, and have anger or control issues?  If you answered yes, your Manipura Chakra is probably out of balance.  

Have no fear... YOGA is here!
Any posture that brings heat to the area of the solar plexus and strengthens your core is great for stimulating a sluggish third chakra.  These asanas include:

Boat Pose (Navasana )
Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
Seated Spinal Twist (Matsyandrasana)
Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana)


Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Sound: RAM
Gland: Pancreas and Adrenals

Strengthen your inner fire by practicing yoga daily and transform inertia into action.  You can do anything you put your mind to so use your personal power and move forward… Have fun out there!

Lots of Love and Light,
Kinlee
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Rise and SHINE!

6/14/2016

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The Sacral Chakra: Svadhisthana

6/14/2016

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Picture
© Dirk Czarnota

"I love and enjoy my body.
​I am radiant, beautiful and strong.
I enjoy a healthy and passionate life.
I nourish my body with healthy food and clean water every day.
I have have healthy boundaries.
I am joyful!
I am spontaneous!
​I AM CREATIVE!” ​​

Chakras can be described at "SWIRLING WHEELS OF ENERGY that correspond to MASSIVE NERVE CENTERS in the body."  There are a total of 7 chakras which align up the spine. The second chakra, or Svadhisthana in Sanskrit, and it is associated with the EMOTIONAL BODY, SENSUALITY, and CREATIVITY.
 
The most common location for the Sacral Chakra is about three inches below the navel, at the center of your lower belly.  In the back, it’s located at the level of the lumbar vertebrae.  Other noteworthy locations described in different systems expand its location to the genital area, especially at the level of OVARIES for women and the TESTICLES for men.

Svadhisthana means “THE DWELLING PLACE OF THE SELF” and when in balance, it leads to feelings of WELLNESS, ABUNDANCE, PLEASURE, and JOY!  When this chakra is out of balance, a person may experience emotional instability, fear of change, sexual dysfunction, depression, or addictions.  Have no fear!  You can balance and open this chakra by GETTING CREATIVE AND HONORING YOUR BODY.  Getting in touch with your EMOTIONS so important because they are telling you something.  

Through the consistent use of yoga asanas and pranayama you will begin to process old pain and anger.  Consistent practice will also help you become STRONGER vs. throwing a tantrum or hurting yourself and/or someone else.  Get in touch with your Sacral Chakra and use your body and breath to CREATE more beauty.  
 
YOGA postures that will open and strengthen your Sacral Chakra include:
Dancer's Pose (Natarajasana)
Child's Pose (Balasana)
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
Twisting Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)  
 
Element: Water 
Color: Orange
Sound: VAM
Gland: Ovaries or Testicles
  
Stay creative yogis and remember, "An ounce of practice is more important than a ton of theory!”  Get on your mat and bring that peace back out into the world.  Alaska loves you and thanks for stopping by the blog!

Lots of Love and Light,
​Kinlee
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Katmai National Park and Preserve's Bear Cam!

5/27/2016

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Summer has arrived in Alaska!!  The wildflowers are blooming and the salmon
are run-ning... Life is so good up here and the bears know it too!!


Check out what is happening in Katmai National Park in between your fishing trips and yoga practice by clicking on the picture above!  "Every year over a hundred Brown Bears descend on a beautiful mile long, stretch of Brooks River to feast on the largest Sockeye Salmon run in the world."  

WATCH EXCLUSIVE LIVE FOOTAGE
from the Alaska's Brooks River and it is absolutely beautiful people!  Afterwards, I seriously suggest that you take time to MEDITATE on that powerful BEAR MEDICINE.

Get grounded for STRENGTH.  Have COURAGE.
Remember, you are POWERFUL!
Take the time to go into your cave and MEDITATE.
"ENTER THE SILENCE and become acquainted with the DREAM Lodge."

“Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day,” says study senior author Sara Lazar of the MGH Psychiatric Neuroimaging Research Program and a Harvard Medical School instructor in psychology.  “This study demonstrates that CHANGES IN BRAIN STRUCTURE may underlie some of these reported improvements and that people are not just feeling better because they are spending time relaxing.”


Take time to grow that grey matter, have fun out there and remember... #BendyBearsDoItBetter!!

Lots of love,

The Alaskan Yogi

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    "Cast away all negative thoughts and fears.  If your will is yoked to wisdom, you can achieve anything."

    Paramahasa Yogananda

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