KEEP IT
While most of us suffer from tight hips, it’s not
unheard of to have hips that are too loose. To harness
the second chakra’s power, you need both physical
openness to unlock creativity, and structure to give
that creativity direction. How you feel in your hips
is a good indication of how balanced your second
chakra is: Expansive freedom of movement (think
knees all the way to the floor in Supta Baddha
Konasana [Reclining Bound Angle Pose]) can signal
that svadisthana energy is unbridled and overly
wild. In this case, you may notice that you’re addicted
to turbulent and unhealthy relationships, or experi-
ence jealousy, emotional outbursts, and unfulfilling,
confusing lust. To counter this energy, add more
poses like Low Lunge, with an emphasis on draw-
ing in, containing, and stabilizing the hips. Focus on
grounding with each inhale, engaging your abductors
(outer-thigh muscles), hugging in toward your midline
with your adductors (inner-thigh muscles), and
lifting your pelvic floor to support the lower back.
This will give the second chakra a clear, constructive
way to express your true self, explains LaRue.7