This month our chakra focus is on Sahasrara chakra, the chakra of our divine center located at the crown of the head. Sahasrara means thousand-fold or infinity, and the chakra is associated with the color violet and with the consciousness element. The qualities of this chakra are divinity and limitless wisdom. Through Sahasrara chakra we are able to lift the veil of illusion as we recognize our true nature—that we are connected to all that is. 

The gland associated with Sahasrara is the pineal gland, responsible for the production of certain hormones including melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythms in charge of the wake-sleep cycle. When Sahasrara chakra is in balance, all of the chakras are in balance. Sahasrara is the chakra of enlightenment, or Samadhi. 

When Sahasrara is imbalanced we are unable to see through the mind chatter that clouds our perception. We may be consumed with worldy activities and the accumulation of “stuff.” We may experience spiritual skepticism or feel that we are intellectually or spiritually better than others. Sahasrara offers us the ability to connect with our true selves—with that divine light that exists within each of us—and in that way, realize that we are all, truly, one. 

The mantra OM may be chanted to bring about the consciousness of Sahasrara. An asana, or posture, that serves to balance Sahasrara is Sirsasana, or Headstand. Headstand challenges us to turn our perception on its head so that we can see the world from a different angle. 

Regular meditation practice, the goal of which is enlightenment, will also help to reach Sahasrara. In fact, meditation is the practice best suited for balancing Sahasrara chakra. If you do not yet have a regular meditation practice, consider beginning with a simple five to ten minute session each day. Before bed or after awakening are ideal times to fit in a meditation practice. Find a quiet place, a comfortable cushion, and a timer. Make yourself comfortable, set your timer, close your eyes, and follow your breath. Then do it again the next day, and the next day, etc. Once you establish this routine, it will simply be a part of what you do.
