A Beginner’s Guide to Chakra Wisdom

We begin with stillness. A warm cup of tea in hand. A deep breath. And then, the magic begins.

This is a ritual of remembrance. A way of returning—not to what the world expects of us, but to what our spirit knows to be true. Each time I sit in quiet reflection, I find myself drawn inward, listening for the subtle messages of my body, my breath, my energy. The chakra system has become one of my most trusted maps for this inner journey. It doesn’t demand that we be fixed, but rather invites us to become more fully aware of who we already are—layer by layer, center by center, sip by sip.

What Are Chakras?

The word chakra means “wheel” in Sanskrit. Chakras are spinning energy centers along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head. Each one governs different aspects of your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

There are many chakras in the body, but most healing practices focus on the seven primary chakras. These energy centers influence everything from how safe you feel in your body to how open your heart is to love—and even how easily you trust your intuition.

I’ve come to know these energy centers as intimate companions on my spiritual journey. When a chakra is off, I feel it. When I listen, I can gently invite it back into balance.

Here’s how I work with them in my own life, and how you can begin too.

The Seven Primary Chakras

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara)

• Location: Base of the spine

• Color: Red

• Element: Earth

• Governs: Safety, security, grounding

When my Root Chakra is imbalanced, I feel unanchored. I often notice it during moments of transition or when my nervous system is in overdrive. I begin doubting my foundation—my path, my finances, my worth.

My practice: I return to my breath through intentional movement. Grounding asana—like seated forward folds, child’s pose, or long-held malasana—help me reconnect with the steadiness of the Earth beneath me. I soften into each inhale and exhale, allowing my body to feel supported. I drink warm ginger tea and cook nourishing to my soul foods.

2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana)

• Location: Below the navel

• Color: Orange

• Element: Water

• Governs: Emotion, pleasure, creativity

I feel this chakra closing when I stop allowing myself joy. When I get too serious, disconnected from my sensuality, or feel emotionally blocked, I know my sacral energy is dim.

My practice: I reconnect through art and rhythm. I sit with my crystals and string bracelets, allowing the colors and stones to reflect what I’m feeling or need. I let music guide me—sometimes it’s salsa or reggaetón from my roots, other times I play nostalgic favorites like Maná to stir my soul. This time becomes a moving meditation, reconnecting me with flow, joy, and creation.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

• Location: Upper abdomen

• Color: Yellow

• Element: Fire

• Governs: Confidence, willpower, personal power

When this chakra is off, I notice self-doubt creeping in. I start shrinking myself—questioning my choices, procrastinating, or feeling easily overwhelmed by decision-making.

My practice: I return to breathwork—deep belly breathing that ignites my inner fire. I revisit past moments where I felt powerful and capable. I wear my gold jewelry and choose clothes adorned with yellow flowers to carry that energy with me throughout the day.

4. Heart Chakra (Anahata)

• Location: Center of the chest

• Color: Green or pink

• Element: Air

• Governs: Love, compassion, forgiveness

This is the chakra I return to most often. When I feel heavy in my chest, resistant to connection, or closed off from receiving love, I know my heart needs tending. It often surfaces in grief or heartbreak, but also in my tendency to over-give without pausing to receive.

My practice: I find a quiet space to meditate and use my malas to feel connected to something greater. I remember my devotion and love of Krishna, allowing that love and joy to radiate within me and out to others. Then I remind myself: strong is soft, and soft is strong.

5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)

• Location: Throat

• Color: Blue

• Element: Ether

• Governs: Truth, expression, communication

When I’m not speaking up, when I fear being misunderstood, or when I ignore my truth to keep the peace, my throat tightens. I’ve felt this chakra go silent during times when I betrayed my voice to avoid conflict.

My practice: I sing loud, like I am on stage at a sold-out concert. I turn to my beautiful husband and express all of my thoughts without fear, reservation, or doubt.

6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)

• Location: Between the eyebrows

• Color: Indigo

• Element: Light

• Governs: Intuition, inner knowing, insight

When I’m too in my head, overthinking, seeking external validation, or feeling confused, my intuition dims. I’ve learned this chakra doesn’t always shout—it whispers.

My practice: I get still. I meditate, even if just for five minutes. I pull cards, light lavender, or journal on dreams and synchronicities. I practice trusting the first nudge—even when it makes no logical sense. I remind myself: “My inner wisdom is sacred.”

7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)

• Location: Top of the head

• Color: Violet or white

• Element: Spirit

• Governs: Divine connection, spiritual awareness

When I feel disconnected from my purpose, like I’m floating without meaning or spiritual clarity, I know I need to reconnect to the Crown. It often shows up when I’ve been "doing" too much and not being.

My practice: I make space for stillness. In my meditation, I reconnect with my love and devotion to Krishna. I go to Yoga and embrace savasana and the quiet breath before starting my asana practice.

How to Recognize Chakra Imbalances

Over time, I’ve learned to recognize my patterns. Each chakra has its own language. Your body, emotions, and energy will tell you what needs tending—if you slow down long enough to listen.

• Feeling unstable or ungrounded? Root.

• Numb to joy? Sacral.

• Lacking motivation or stuck in comparison? Solar Plexus.

• Closed off from love? Heart.

• Struggling to speak your truth? Throat.

• Cloudy or indecisive? Third Eye.

• Spiritually disconnected? Crown.

Tuning in is the first act of healing.

Ways to Rebalance Your Chakras

There are many ways to support your energy. You don’t need to overthink it. Choose what feels nourishing and accessible.

• Movement with intention (like chakra-focused yoga or dance)

• Meditation and breathwork

• Crystals, sound healing, and essential oils

• Energy healing like Reiki or intuitive touch

• Creative expression, ritual, and simply being present with yourself

The simplest acts—breathing deeply, sipping tea, saying “yes” to what’s true—can be profound.

Three Daily Practices to Support Chakra Balance

1. Morning Chakra Check-In

Before you check the outside world, check in with your inner one. Close your eyes and gently scan your body. Ask, “What part of me needs attention today?”  Then give it breath, time, or intention.

2. Sip Tea with Intention

Let your tea be a gentle healer. As you sip, choose a chakra to support and offer a loving affirmation. Chamomile for calm power. Peppermint for truth. Rose for love. This is how healing becomes ritual, and ritual becomes a way of life. Me, I choose a London Fog... sweet Earl Grey with deep bergamot, some vanilla syrup and steamed milk... My morning bliss. My pause. My gratitude.

3. Color Your Day

Each chakra has a corresponding color. Wearing, visualizing, or decorating with these hues can subtly support balance.Some days I wrap myself in green and let it soften my heart. Other days I light a violet candle and return to spirit.

The Magic Is in the Everyday

This path is not linear. Some days you’ll feel aligned and alive, others you’ll feel messy and in-between.

That’s okay.

Chakra healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about devotion. A return to your energy, your body, your truth.

Wherever you are today, you can begin again.

One breath. One sip. One sacred moment at a time.

Always in gratitude and a little magic,

Jonencia