Rediscovering Creativity by Exploring our Sacral Chakra Energy

Happy October!  Welcome to the season of pumpkins, brightly colored leaves, and of course, Halloween.  As I was pondering my theme for the month and how to marry an intention with this special time of year, I thought about how the color Orange was so prevalent.  And Orange led me to the theme of Creativity.  Hear me out….

In the Chakra human energy system, which I’ve been studying this past year, Orange is the color associated with the second Chakra.  And more importantly, one of the psychological attributes associated with this energetic body is Creativity.  

So, to follow the logical or illogical workings of my brain – October – Orange – Sacral Chakra – Creativity.  Today I’ll dive into why discovering, honing or expressing our Creativity is so important, and some tips on how to practice or play with your artistic side. 

Now, maybe some of you are thinking, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body.”  Well, let me first disagree with you, but if you are stubborn enough to continue this debate, let me offer you this alternative; Consider Creativity in Problem-Solving.  Now you can’t tell me you don’t have problems, so we’ll also explore the idea of activating your imagination to stir up your creative juices, producing a solution blend.

Creativity Meter

So how are you feeling about your personal creativity?  Was there at time in your past that you felt more imaginative?  I bet, as a child, right?  Work, bills, responsibility, kids…. General adulting sure gets in the way of living artistically!  I like the way the author of one of my favorite personal growth devotional puts it, “Only when we remember who we were before the world told us who we should be, only then do we become our Authentic Self.”  

 Well, whether you’re on a quest to search for your Authentic Self, a journey to re-discovering your Inner Child, or would just like some tips to Cultivate your Creative Side, I invite you to read on.  

Energy Chakras

First let me provide a brief overview of the Chakra system, but feel free to read this article which provide a more in-depth description.  Chakras are a system of 7 energy centers along your spine, each related to different psychological and emotional attributes of one’s self.  These internal sources of human energy were first written about in traditional Indian texts called the Vedas between 1500 and 500 BC and have been expanded upon with further research ever since.  They are a current fascination of mine, and I’ve been researching the topic throughout the past year.

The Sacral Chakra is located in the center of your pelvis and lower back.  The color associated with this Chakra is Orange, and the element is Water.  The energetic center is associated with many traits like playfulness, sexuality, and creativity.  The Sanskrit name for this chakra is Svadisthana which means “One’s own Place,” a perfect translation for our purpose here of finding or rediscovering our own authentic artist. 

Why is Creativity Important? 

You may be thinking – why Creativity?  Out of all the intentions and meditations to write about, what is so important about this?  Well, I will endeavor to explain, with guidance from a woman who has written extensively on the topic. 

In her book, “The Chakra System – A Complete Course in Self-Diagnosis and Healing,” Anodea Judith describes your journey up the Chakra energy centers like building blocks: meaning, each Chakra builds upon the previous.  And the second Creativity Chakra is sandwiched between the Root and Purpose Chakras.  Here’s a sample journey up the first 3 rings of the Chakra ladder:

1. Root Chakra – The individual must be provided with, or discover a safe environment and feel relatively content in his or her earthly body or home.
2. Sacral Chakra – Then he or she is free to experiment: to imagine, to create, to play with different activities that allow him or her to discover what sources invite happiness
3. Solar Plexus Chakra – After a while, he or she settles down on a few favorites. These creative endeavors direct one to a Purpose.  The individual may enhance a natural talent through study, leading to a career in that area.  Or one may practice their creative pursuit and become knowledgeable to pass that on to others in an act of service.  Or maybe, the process of creation acts as an outlet for some, so they may pursue their Purpose in another, perhaps non-imaginative way. 

Therefore, for an individual to identify, activate, or hone the third Chakra, the center of your Purpose, (and aren’t we all trying to figure out our Purpose on this world?) he or she must discover his or her own artistic talents.  And we accomplish this in the process of exploring the second Chakra, the center of Creativity. 

Chakra Building Blocks

So, time for another check in – how’s your happiness or contentment gauge in your Career and/or Purpose?  Are they the same or different?  Do you have different avenues to Play or Imagine to stimulate your Creative energy? 

Let me offer you two simple examples of how I went about this journey (unknowingly) in my life:

Example 1

I grew up in a safe home in a small town where my parents allowed me quite a bit of freedom to roam and explore.  In High School I identified with my Art and English teachers and when an Architect came to explain his profession during Career Week, I was intrigued.  My parents eventually took me to New York City and I fell in love with the skyscrapers and urbanism; I then felt my calling.   I went to college, majored in Architecture, studied, tested, and became a Licensed Professional Architect. 

Chakra Building Block Analysis:

Root Chakra – My family and school teachers allowed me to feel safe

Sacral Chakra – I explored different creative activities and traveled.

Solar Plexus Chakra – My reflection on these experiences led me to pursue my career in Architecture

Example 2

Maybe you’re thinking – great, Leila, you found your dream job on Attempt Number One – good for you.  Well, not exactly.  Let me offer you another example. 

After many years working in an Architecture Firm, I discovered that, real life Architecture wasn’t as imaginative or fun as it had been in college.  Managing the construction of industrial buildings wasn’t as enjoyable as drafting theoretical museums.  Sitting at a desk for 10 hours a day hurt my neck. Then I got laid off during the 2009 recession, and became disillusioned in the profession. 

Even though I had no knowledge of the chakra system then, my gut told me to go back to my roots and return to the activities that made me happy when I was a child.  I took adult piano and ballet lessons, then a creative writing class.  I remembered, how much I enjoyed my high school English education.  And how good it felt, moving my body as a teenage dancer, gymnast and cheerleader. 

Then, many, many, many, years later, I found my Balance (in the sense of my work – there is no balance with kids!)  I am still employed Part Time as an Architect and I find satisfaction in many aspects of it.  But I have come to the conclusion that while Architecture may be my Career, it is not my Purpose.  I find my true Purpose in the art of Writing, and Yoga and Teaching.  I first write and practice Yoga for my own personal health and growth, and then I take joy in offering my creative passion to others – through sharing my writing and research on this website and in my Newsletter, and Teaching Yoga classes to my community. 

Chakra Building Block Analysis

Root Chakra – I had a good foundational family that instilled safety at an early age.  And later, I had a boyfriend (now husband) who encouraged me.

Sacral Chakra – I returned to my roots and re-engaged in activities that allowed my creative juices to emerge and flow

Solar Plexus Chakra – Those creative passions lead me to a new Purpose. 

Who knows, maybe I will go through this process again and again in my life, but now I have the Chakra road map to return to find my way.  How about you?  Did any part of these examples trigger insight into your own Career or Purpose journey? 

Creative Excursions

So now that we understand why it’s important not to neglect our creative pursuits, I’m going to offer a few practical tips to activate your imagination. 

Author Sarah Ban Breathnack encourages us to take, what she calls, “Creative Excursions.”  These are solo dates with our self, specifically designed to nurture our imagination. 

“When you embark on a Creative Excursion, your Authentic Self will lovingly reveal to you the beautiful mystery that is you…This occurs spontaneously as you make the pursuit of personal growth a sacred endeavor”

Sarah ban breathnack, author of simple abundance – 365 days to a balanced and joyful life

She gives a few examples such as: take in a movie at a theater, have an early breakfast at a café before work, go for a hike, take a yoga class (her words, not mine!), explore a thrift store, browse a used book store, or visit an art supply store. 

I’ll add in a few of my seasonal favorites: visit a pumpkin patch, decorate your home in Fall décor, design your own Halloween costume, or carve a Jack-o-lantern.  

Creative Savasana

And for extra credit – after your excursion, find a few moments to sit alone, and reflect.  For my Yoga students, you can consider this your Off-the-Mat-Savasana.  Were there any specific aspects of your adventure that brought you joy?  Did any pleasant childhood memories materialize?  Give yourself permission to let your mind wander into a delightful daydream.  And as the plot in your reverie concludes, allow your mind to find stillness, take a few deep breaths, and see what surfaces.   Maybe, after the creative juices have stirred, your mind is suddenly open to receive insight that may not have been possible before.  In my best Savasana’s, I’ve discovered solutions to my work complications, ideas for artistic projects, conciliatory words to offer a colleague, and more. 

So, I encourage you to Play, Imagine, and Invite your heart open to possibilities.  And if you don’t experience this the first time, keep honing your Creativity, and someday, you will.  Now, before the moment passes, open your calendar block off some time, plan your artistic itinerary, and please, please let me know how it goes!