Part 1 of the Sacral Chakra guide can be found here.
Because the second chakra governs movement and fluidity, work in this area often requires finding the balance in emotion and stability. An excessive sacral chakra has very little boundary and cannot contain its energy to be properly utilized and channeled. More energy escapes than can be taken in. A deficient sacral chakra has too rigid of a boundary, preventing energy from flowing in and cutting off desire to reach out.
Guilt is the main challenge of the second chakra. In societies that demonize not just sexuality but also simply expressing emotion for fear of seeming “weak” or “over-dramatic”, it is no wonder that the governing attributes of this chakra are commonly suppressed and neglected or otherwise overcompensated out of rebellion or a need to feel anything at all. Trauma and abuse, especially childhood and/or sexual abuse, can cause lifelong harm to the sacral chakra. Guilt can cause difficulty getting in touch with our own feelings, whether because they are repressed and hidden or because we are using the emotions of another to feel whole.
Those who have an excessive second chakra often feel most alive during intense emotional states and will swing wildly between highs and lows. They may have an intense need to be connected to feel complete and may be fiercely over-dependent on other people (or other addictions) with little personal boundaries. Those who are deficient may avoid pleasure due to inner or outer criticism, as if they do not deserve to be happy. They may feel depressed, empty, emotionally illiterate or numb, stuck or isolated. They may feel guilty for desiring certain things, whether it is attention, intimacy, or even a vacation. Life is a duty rather than an adventure.
Balancing the Sacral Chakra
To open and balance the sacral chakra, patterns of emotion (or lack thereof) should be examined. Are you able to express your full range of emotions in healthy ways? If not, why? Where the flow of energy is excessive, develop healthy habits and outlets to release and channel emotional pressure, and form healthy boundaries to contain those habits. Where energy is deficient, encourage physical movement and change in your life. In addition, work through blocks (including deeply-seated societal norms) that prevent emotion from being felt and/or expressed. Any of these situations can require the deep work of healing from trauma and abuse. Pleasure should not be actively sought, and pain should not be actively avoided. Life should simply be experienced with all of its accompanying emotions.
When we have the freedom to want and to feel, we are able to enjoy life and feel alive in ways that are healthy for us physically and emotionally, as well as healthy for our relationships. When we have control over our needs and emotions, we have the power to take control of other parts of our lives. We can be moved by the currents without drowning.
Credits and Resources:
Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith
7wisdoms.org by Shai Tubali
Chakras.info by Lizzy Martin
My Other Chakra Guides: