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🎙️Show Notes
Summary
What happens as we move from the heart towards the higher chakras?
In this episode of Rooted in the Seasons, we continue our journey through the chakra system with Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara — exploring the movement from communication and expression towards discernment, inner awareness and consciousness.
We begin with Vishuddha, the throat chakra, and look beyond the familiar idea of simply “finding your voice.” Vishuddha is also a centre of purification. Its traditional qualities include compassion, truthfulness and knowledge alongside pride, vanity, poison and nectar.
We explore the connection with Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, speech, music and the creative arts, and the symbolism of Haṃsa, the swan. We also look at Shiva as Neelakantha, the blue-throated one, and what this story can teach us about processing and transforming difficult experiences.
From there, we move to Ajna, the third eye chakra, and one of its most important qualities: discernment.
How do we distinguish between an immediate reaction and something we understand at a deeper level?
We explore the relationship between gaze and attention, why Nadi Shodhana is particularly relevant to Ajna, and how practices such as drishti, Trataka and meditation gradually turn our attention inwards.
We also look at the sounds HAM and KSHAM, why I was taught to chant them together, and what this tells us about working with the chakras as an interconnected system.
Finally, we reach Sahasrara, the crown chakra, and consider the chakra system as a journey through the evolution of human awareness — from our basic needs and desires towards compassion, expression, discernment and a greater awareness of ourselves, others and the life we are here to live.
Throughout the episode, I also explain why traditional chakra practices develop gradually, and why preparing the body, mind and nervous system is an important part of the practice.
In this episode, you'll explore:
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Higher Chakras
03:12 Vishuddha: Expression and Purification
07:07 Saraswati and the Symbolism of the Swan
11:03 Purification and Transformation in Vishuddha
15:56 Ajna: The Third Eye and Discernment
19:40 Practices for Developing Ajna Awareness
26:21 Sahasrara: The Crown of Consciousness
27:33 Working With the Chakras Gradually
34:29 From the Root to the Crown: Bringing It Together
Resources mentioned in this episode
Read the accompanying article:
The Higher Chakras: From Expression to Inner Awareness
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/vishuddha-ajna-chakras
Explore meditation in more depth:
Why Meditation Matters More Than Ever
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/why-meditation-matters-more-than-ever
Catch up with the chakra series:
Mooladhara — Root Chakra Guide
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guide
Swadhisthana — Sacral Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healing
Manipura — Solar Plexus Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/manipura-chakra-inner-fire
Anahata — Heart Chakra
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/anahata-chakra-heart-healing
Join the Back to Rhythm Interest List:
https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm
Download my free guide:
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
https://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shifts
If something in this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. You can connect with me on Substack or send me an email — I always read them.
And if you enjoyed the episode, follow or subscribe to Rooted in the Seasons so the next episode lands automatically for you.
Until next time, stay rooted in the seasons.
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️ Show Notes
Summary
In this episode, we explore the Heart Chakra (Anahata) as the turning point in the chakra journey, where our awareness begins to expand from self to connection. Discover how yoga, breath and simple daily practices can help you reconnect with compassion, resilience and a more open heart.
Keywords
Heart Chakra, Anahata Chakra, yoga, breathwork, compassion, connection, emotional resilience, journaling, kindness, Ayurveda
Key Topics
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"The Heart Chakra marks a turning point."
"Sometimes we're so focused on what's next that we completely miss what's here."
"Lasting change grows through the small rhythms we return to every day."
Resources
📖 Companion Blog Post
Heart Chakra: From Self to Connection https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/anahata-chakra-heart-healing
🌿 Free Guide
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again https://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shifts
✨ Back to Rhythm
Join the interest list for my 12-week programme that helps you restore steady energy, digestion, and daily rhythm.
https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm
Continue the Chakra Journey
Start at the beginning of the series:
Mooladhara Chakra: Everything You Need to Know to Feel Grounded https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guide
Swadhisthana Chakra: What Your Emotions Are Trying to Tell You https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healing
Manipura Chakra: How to Turn Intention into Action https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/manipura-chakra-inner-fire
Next week:
❤️ The Higher Chakras
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & The Turning Point in the Chakra Journey
02:15 From Self to Connection
05:00 Understanding the Heart Chakra (Anahata)
07:15 Bringing the Heart Chakra into Everyday Life
10:30 Yoga for the Heart Chakra
12:15 Heart Breathing Practice
15:35 Returning to an Open Heart
17:10 Bringing the Teachings into Everyday Life
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️ Show Notes
We all begin the week with good intentions.
We plan to eat well, make time for yoga, finish work on time, or finally create healthier routines. Yet somehow, life takes over, and those intentions quietly slip away.
In this episode, we explore the Manipura Chakra, the third chakra located around the navel and associated with the fire element. Together we'll discover how Yoga and Ayurveda understand transformation, why confidence grows through small daily actions, and how the fire element helps us turn intention into purposeful action.
You'll learn about the symbolism of the Manipura chakra, the Bija mantra RAM, its connection with Agni and Pitta, and practical ways to strengthen this centre through yoga, breathing practices and everyday habits.
Whether you're new to the chakras or continuing the series, this episode offers practical insights to help you build confidence, create lasting habits and reconnect with what truly matters.
In this episode
Resources
📖 Companion Blog Post
Manipura Chakra: How to Turn Intention into Action https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/manipura-chakra-inner-fire
🌿 Free Guide
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again https://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shifts
✨ Back to Rhythm
Join the interest list for my 12-week programme that helps you restore steady energy, digestion, and daily rhythm.
https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm
Continue the Chakra Journey
Start at the beginning of the series:
• Mooladhara Chakra: Everything You Need to Know to Feel Grounded https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guide
• Swadhisthana Chakra: What Your Emotions Are Trying to Tell You https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healing
Next week:
❤️ Anahata Chakra – Discovering the Heart Centre
Chapters
00:00 Why Good Intentions Fade
01:12 Our Journey Through the Chakras
03:20 The City of Jewels: Discovering Manipura
05:10 Fire: Turning Intention into Action
07:05 Chanting the Bija Mantra RAM
08:50 Yoga & Ayurveda: Two Ways of Understanding Transformation
10:45 Fear Is Cold: A Teaching from Shreeguruji Balaji
12:35 Small Actions Build Confidence
14:20 Practices for the Manipura Chakra
15:45 One Promise to Yourself
16:25 Back to Rhythm & Next Week's Journey
Keywords
Manipura chakra, solar plexus chakra, Yoga, Ayurveda, Agni, Pitta, fire element, confidence, transformation, personal growth, daily rhythm, Bija mantra RAM, chakra meditation, yoga philosophy, turn intention into action, chakras for beginners
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summary
This episode is part of my seven-part Chakra Series, exploring the traditional teachings of yoga in a practical, down-to-earth way for modern life.
In this episode of Rooted in the Seasons, we continue our journey through the seven chakras by exploring Swadhisthana, the Sacral Chakra.
Together we'll look at what our emotions can teach us, why this chakra is associated with the water element, and how yoga encourages us to respond to life's changes with greater awareness rather than automatic reaction.You'll discover the traditional symbolism of Swadhisthana, including the lotus, Varuna, Rakini and the crocodile, along with simple yoga practices, reflection questions and the VAM mantra to help you cultivate greater emotional balance in everyday life.
Keywords
Key Topics
Titles
1 Swadhisthana Chakra Explained | Understanding Your Emotions Through Yoga
2 The Sacral Chakra: What Your Emotions Are Trying to Tell You
3 Understanding the Sacral Chakra | Yoga, Emotions & Emotional Balance
Sound bites
"Our emotions aren't obstacles. They're invitations to understand ourselves more deeply."
"The question isn't whether life will change. The question is how we respond when it does."
"We don't find steadiness by stopping the river. We find it by learning how to move with it."
Chapters
00:00 Welcome & The Sacral Chakra
01:22 What Moves You? Exploring Emotional Longings
02:24 What Our Emotions Reveal
03:54 Understanding the Sacral Chakra
05:06 The Water Element & Emotional Flow
06:36 Emotions Are Invitations
07:44 The Six-Petalled Lotus
08:28 The Crocodile: Instinct & Protection
10:16 Varuna & Learning to Flow with Life
11:58 Rakini: Finding Emotional Balance
13:48 Practices for the Sacral Chakra
14:50 The VAM Mantra
16:09 Yoga Poses for Swadhisthana
17:14 Responding Instead of Reacting
19:52 The Yoga Journey Continues
20:35 Next Time: Building Self-Confidence
Resources
🌿 Read the accompanying blog post:
Swadhisthana Chakra: Emotions, Creativity and the Flow of Life
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healing
🎙️ Listen to the previous episode
Root Chakra: Finding Stability in an Uncertain World
https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guide
📩 Download your free guide:
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
https://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shifts
🌸 Back to Rhythm
Join the interest list for my new 12-week programme exploring yoga, Ayurveda and practical daily rhythms for steadier energy, digestion and emotional balance.
https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summary
In this episode, Katja Patel explores the Mooladhara, or Root Chakra, through the lens of traditional yoga. Discover why the root chakra symbolises stability, belonging and foundation, and how simple practices from yoga and Ayurveda can help cultivate those qualities in everyday life.
Keywords
Root Chakra, Mooladhara, Yoga Philosophy, Chakras, Ayurveda, Grounding, Stability, Daily Rhythm, Yoga Practice, Prana
Key Topics
Takeaways
Titles
Understanding the Root Chakra: Stability, Belonging & Growth
Alternative:
What the Root Chakra Really Teaches Us
Sound Bites
"Without healthy roots, there can be no growth."
"Before we reach upwards, we first create a foundation."
"The root chakra reminds us that our everyday foundations matter."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:10 What the Root Chakra Represents
05:00 Understanding the Chakras
07:30 Balance, Foundation and Energy
10:20 Practical Ways to Support the Root Chakra
13:30 A Strong Foundation for Growth
15:00 Closing Thoughts
Resources
Read the companion article:
Root Chakra (Mooladhara): Meaning, Symbolism & Practices
Free Guide:
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Workshop:
When Rest Isn't Enough – Reset Your Daily Rhythm
🌿 Sunday Read Newsletter:
Weekly reflections on yoga, Ayurveda and living with rhythm.
🌿 Explore more:
https://www.zestforyoga.com
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Discover why Ayurveda cares about when you eat, not just what you eat. In this episode, I explore how Agni, the doshas, circadian rhythms and the changing seasons influence digestion, energy and satisfaction after meals, along with simple ways to work with your body's natural rhythm.
Keywords
Key Topics
Titles
Sound bites
"Your body doesn't digest with the same strength all day."
"Ayurveda isn't only interested in what we eat. It also pays attention to when we eat."
"Sometimes the body is already giving us the answers. We simply need to pause long enough to notice."
Chapters
00:00 Why meal timing matters
01:25 A familiar afternoon of missed lunch
03:50 Understanding Agni and digestive fire
05:45 Why breakfast, lunch and dinner are different
08:20 How the seasons influence digestion
10:40 One simple experiment to try this week
12:20 Final thoughts and next steps
Resources
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summary
In this episode, Katja explores the natural transitions that already exist throughout our day and why they often go unnoticed. Drawing on yoga philosophy and her own experience, she shares a simple practice that helps create more presence, steadiness and rhythm—one conscious breath at a time.
Keywords
daily rhythm, conscious transitions, being present, breathing, Yoga Sutras, stress, mental clarity, nervous system, yoga philosophy, daily anchors
Key Topics
The importance of recognising natural transitions in daily life
How to use conscious breathing to create space
Insights from the Yoga Sutras on calming the mind
Practical exercises for mindfulness during transitions
Why the mind moves on before one activity has fully come to an end
Takeaways
Titles
The Power of Pauses: Transform Your Day with Mindful Transitions
How Small Breaths Can Change Your Entire Day
Sound Bites
"The little transitions already exist between activities"
"The body has finished. The mind has already moved on."
"The work stayed the same. My experience of the work changed."
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Pauses in Daily Life
06:52 Conscious Transitions: Finish, Breathe, Begin
10:06 Rediscovering Natural Rhythms in Everyday Life
Resources
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
When Rest Isn't Enough - Reset Your Daily Rhythm
Read the full blog post
The Tiredness That Sleep Doesn't Fix — If this episode resonated, this earlier piece explores the quiet narrative that often runs alongside the day and why it can leave us feeling exhausted even after a good night's sleep.
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summer doesn't just bring warmer weather. It can also leave us feeling restless, irritable, impatient, and unable to switch off.
In this episode of Rooted in the Seasons, Katja Patel explores how Ayurveda understands the accumulation of heat in both body and mind and shares three simple breathing techniques to help you feel cooler, calmer, and more comfortable during the summer months.
You'll learn when to use Shitali, Sitkari, Chandra Bhedana (Moon Breath), and Bhramari (Bee Breath), along with practical ways to work with the season rather than feeling at the mercy of it.
Keywords
Titles
3 Cooling Breathing Techniques for Hot Days and Busy Minds
Feeling Hot, Restless or Irritable? Try These Cooling Breathing Practices
Ayurveda for Summer: Cooling Breathing Techniques to Calm Body and Mind
Sound Bites
"Sometimes the temperature outside stays the same, but your experience of it changes."
"A few conscious breaths can change the direction of the next hour."
Chapters
00:00 Why Summer Can Leave You Feeling Restless
03:45 How Ayurveda Understands Heat
07:30 Shitali and Sitkari: Cooling the Body
12:00 Chandra Bhedana: Moon Breath for Busy Minds
16:00 Bhramari: Bee Breath and the Nervous System
20:00 Working With the Season, Not Against It
22:30 Final Thoughts
Resources
Free Guide
Related Reading
Workshop
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summary
In this episode, Katja Patel explores Pitta dosha and why summer often tips it out of balance — showing up as restless sleep, irritability, reactive skin, and a washed-out kind of tired. She explains the Ayurvedic principle behind it and shares practical, doable shifts across food, movement, and evening routine to help you feel steadier through the season.
Keywords
Ayurveda, Pitta Dosha, Summer Health, Seasonal Balance, Ayurvedic Diet, Pitta Imbalance, Summer Skin, Natural Remedies
Key Topics
Titles
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Pitta Dosha and Its Seasonal Impact
10:19 Recognising Pitta Imbalances
19:08 Practical Strategies for Balancing Pitta
20:15 Embracing Summer with Ease
Resources
Beginner's Guide to Ayurveda
3 cooling Breathing Techniques to Beat the Heat
Seasonal Eating: Ayurvedic Summer Food Guide
7 Best Cooling Spices for Summer: Ayurvedic Remedies to Beat the Heat
Soothing Pitta: Natural Summer Skin Remedies
The 6 Tastes of Ayurveda
☀️ Want a full Ayurvedic summer routine with cooling foods, lifestyle tips, and yoga guidance?
Read our seasonal guide: Stay Cool This Summer with Ayurveda and Yoga
When Rest Isn't Enough
Read full blog post:
Pitta Dosha in Summer: Signs of Imbalance and How to Cool Down
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
Send us Fan Mail
🎙️Show Notes
Summary
This episode explores why summer can feel heavier and more tiring than expected, and offers practical Ayurvedic guidance on the foods and spices that support digestion and keep the body cool through the season.
Keywords
Ayurveda, summer health, seasonal eating, Pitta dosha, digestion, spices, summer foods, holistic health, cooling spices, mung dal
Key topics
Ayurvedic understanding of summer and Pitta dosha
Impact of heat on digestion and energy
Foods and spices that support summer health
Takeaways
Summer management involves supporting digestion and cooling the body.
Seasonal foods naturally align with Ayurvedic principles for summer.
Spices like coriander, fennel, and cardamom help balance Pitta and cool the body.
Sound bites
"Coriander is the best cooling spice for summer."
"Ginger is one of Ayurveda's best ama-burning herbs."
"Saffron enhances digestion and cools the brain."
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Summer's Impact on the Body
04:43 Supporting the Body Through Summer
09:36 Summer Foods for Balance
16:41 The Role of Spices in Summer Health
Resources
Seasonal Food Guide Blog Post
7 Best Cooling Spices for Summer
Cook to Feel Steady: 5-Day Food Reset
5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts To Feel Like Yourself Again
🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again
Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life.
👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE
🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda.
Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast
From the publisher's feed
Rooted in the Seasons is a weekly podcast about living with more rhythm through Yoga, Ayurveda and the changing seasons.
Hosted by Katja Patel, yoga teacher and mentor, and…
We might explore why your digestion changes in autumn, what your period can tell you about your monthly rhythm, how Nadi Shodhana affects the nervous system, what a sattvic kitchen actually looks like, or how to work with Ayurveda when everyday life is already full.
You’ll find practical Ayurveda, Yoga and pranayama, seasonal food, daily rhythms and reflections from more than 20 years of teaching.
Come along each week and discover how to bring these ancient practices into the life you’re actually living.