A Pathway To Peace – Yamas, Niyamas & The Correlating Chakras

Call me a science nerd, but one of my favourite things to do is research and explore the subtle body; the energetic body. Or, more simply, to study energy and observe how it plays out in the physical. Be it the physical body, or the world around.

For a large part of my life, Hatha Yoga (the physical practice of yoga), has been a wonderful tool in helping me shift and transform my energy, both physically and emotionally. Hatha yoga opens nadis (energy pathways), and awakens chakras (energy wheels), which in turn allows prana (vital life force energy) to flow more freely throughout the body, revitalising and healing as it goes. Hatha yoga can help us to move trapped energy in the body that may have become stagnant or blocked from an unhealthy lifestyle, or past trauma. This “stuck” energy can be experienced in a variety of ways, from fatigue and depression, to procrastination and scatteredness, to physical ailments and dis-ease.

Moving into the metaphysical, and exploring the mechanics of the chakras – these energy stations in the body – we gain access into the world of the subtle self. Consisting of aspects of consciousness, channeled through the endocrine and nervous systems, the chakras, are both transmitters and receivers of energy. Awakening these vortices of vital life-force opens a gateway into higher states of consciousness and ultimately, into the awareness of the highest self.

Understanding the energetic body and its connection with the physical, empowers us to take ownership of our own lives as we can begin to see with clarity the various patterns that play out in our minds, emotions, and eventually our bodies. In developing an understanding of the subtle self, even on the most basic level, we are better equipped to take care of our own mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, and in turn develop a holistic practice that can profoundly improve the quality of our lives.

As we get to know the seven chakras and what each one represents, we can begin to understand, down to the most microcosmic detail, the inner and outer workings of our nature. And, in turn, more light is shed on the effect our nature has on everything that is unfolding around us.

Muladhara (the root/red/earth) – Grounding, foundation, stability, strength, trust

Svadhisthana (sacral/orange/water) – Movement, flow, creativity, sexuality

Manipura (solar plexus/yellow/fire) – Intention, energy, self-mastery

Anahata (the heart/green/air) – Love, compassion, relationship

Vishuddha (the throat/turquoise/ether/sound) – Communication, integrity, fidelity, authenticity

Ajna (third-eye/indigo/ether/light) – Intuition, insight, clarity

Sahasrara (the crown/violet/ether/consciousness) – Awareness, understanding, spirituality

Interweave the eight-limbed path of aṣṭāṅgayoga – and more specifically, the virtues of yama and niyama (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, non-possessiveness, purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, surrender) – with the wisdom of the chakras, and we have a sturdy set of tools that can assist us in transforming not only our physical bodies, but life as we know it.

In essence, the Yamas, Niyamas, and the chakras, provide us with powerful insights into self-healing, and can assist us in harnessing our richest potential. They connect us with the peace and harmony we were born to live and enjoy. The more work we do with the yamas and niyamas, the more we can start to experience the correlation each one has with the chakras; where each one resides in the body, at the most subtle level.

In the Yamas, Niyamas & Correlating Chakras seven week class series, we explore each of the seven chakras and the correlating yogic virtues throughout a 60 – 90 minute Hatha flow of varying levels.

Week 1:
Chakra: MULADHARA (root support)
Focus: GROUNDiNG, FOUNDATION, STABILITY, STRENGTH, TRUST / STANDING STRENGTH
Yama: APARIGRAHA (non-possessiveness)

Weel 2:
Chakra: SVADHISTANA (sacral/navel)
Focus: MOVEMENT & FLOW / HIPS & LOWER BACK & LOWER ABDOMINALS
Yama: BRAHMACHARYA (moderation)

Week 3:
Chakra: MANiPURA (solar plexus)
Focus: INTENTION, ENERGY & SELF-MASTERY / DIGESTIVE SYSTEM & CORE STABILITY
Niyama: SAUCHA (purity) & TAPAS (self-discipline)

Week 4:
Chakra: ANAHATA (the heart)
Focus: LOVE, COMPASSION, RELATIONSHIP / CARDIAC PLEXUS, UPPER BACK & BACK EXTENSIONS
Yama: AHIMSA (nonviolence) & ASTEYA (non-stealing)
Niyama: SANTOSHA (contentment)

Week 5:
Chakra: VISUDDHA (the throat)
Focus: COMMUNICATION, INTEGRITY, AUTHENTICITY / THE NECK, SHOULDERS & TWISTS
Yama: SATYA (truthfulness)

Week 6:
Chakra: AJNA (third eye)
Focus: INTUITION, INSIGHT, CLARITY / PINEAL GLAND & FORWARD FOLDS
Niyama: SVADHYAYA (self-study)

Week 7:
Chakra: SAHASRARA (crown)
Focus: AWARENESS, UNDERSTANDING, SPIRITUALITY / RESTORATION & THE BREATH
Niyama: ISHVARA PRANIDHANA (surrender)

But, whatever your background, or physical condition, this class series is suitable for everyone. If you have limited mobility, you’re very welcome to join the class in seated or lying meditation.
And as each week presents a unique feel, flow, and complete journey within itself, if you miss a week, or join the series late, you won’t be missing out. But don’t take my word for it…discover this pathway to peace for yourself! 🕉

Tanaya Ti’en Class & Workshop Schedule

Tanaya Ti en

Tanaya Ti en

When she’s not at home in Western Australia with her favourite humans, Florence the Dalmatian, and Turbo the rescue cat, Tanaya Ti’en is an accredited Yoga Therapist and Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Coach, Civil Celebrant, and founder of Mind Body Collective Australia. Her passion, work, and philosophy is centred around the mind-body connection, and the mind’s role in illness, wellness, dis-ease, and the healing process.