7 Songs for 7 Chakras

Having decided to start writing for and publishing from Vocal as a way to explore the wellness and artistic practice of deep listening, means that a playlist article was inevitable.

Thinking of true Zen as a balancing of the chakras meant that each song on said playlist would be selected specifically for its impact on the chakras, chakras being energy points (literally "wheels" in Sanskrit) that align with the inner workings of our bodies and can be focused on in meditation for specific ends, as well as energy points that can tend to be out of whack and in need of focus for the purpose of realignment.

So what's on this playlist and why?

Root Chakra | "Kumuchikayu" by Mucho Indio

The Red or Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is all about grounding and connection, instinct and vigilance. It's tied to you as your most primal, and so it is a very physical chakra. Deciding to focus on the aspect of being rooted, I chose the song "Kumuchikayu" by Mucho Indio. It's a mellow instrumental with ambient nature sounds that I was introduced to by a talented musician from Argentina not too long ago.

This sound represents a sort of rootedness as expansion that makes even your basest self your highest.

Sacral Chakra | "Luxurious" by Gwen Stefani

The Orange or Sacral Chakra is located a few inches from the belly button. This chakra and color are all about creativity boosts and energy. The Orange Chakra is a holder for energies that are passionate, pleasurable, and deal with sexuality, abundance, safety, and sensuality.

In selecting "Luxurious" by Gwen Stefani for the Sacral Chakra, I went with a song with a sensual beat (It samples "Between the Sheets" by the Isley Brothers, although most listeners will recognize the tune as sampling "Big Poppa" by the Notorious B.I.G) and a theme of luxury living, as well as the success of finding monetary security after a stage of having to have worked for it. Gwen paints a lovely picture of life and tells us it's ours because, we've done enough, we've earned it, we're so rich in love, we're rolling in cashmere.

Solar Plexus Chakra | "See You Again" by Tyler, The ft. Kali Uchis

The Yellow or Solar Plexus Chakra is located a few inches above the belly button and is all about confidence, optimism, self-esteem, and courage. This is a good energy center to pay attention to when you want to feel friendly, capable, and prepared.

"See You Again" felt like a choice as Tyler and Kali's voices seamlessly blend to tell the story of honest professions of what could grow to be love with a tone of conviction. The lyrics are light but heartfelt, a departure from the Tyler who wanted to drag your lifeless body to the forest..., and a flight towards genuine connection.

Heart Chakra | "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John

The Green or Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest. This chakra is associated with wellbeing and good health, compassion, kindness, and love. According to Y7 yoga instructor Emily Torockio, this is a good energy center to tap into for self-love.

I chose Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John because of the lyrical emphasis on love, and sources of love, as a natural focus. The song is a journey of meeting, coupling, being left, and finding the one you don't worry about leaving... that you couldn't picture leaving - even if that's yourself, especially if that's yourself(?). It paints a picture of love as something all-encompassing and perspective shifting.

I can tell there's something going on, hours seem to disappear, everyone is leaving I'm still with you.

Throat Chakra | "Baby Blue" by King Krule

The Blue or Throat chakra is located between the color bones and is a chakra for the intellect. Strengthening the Blue Chakra can mean freeing your voice, being a clear communicator, more well-spoken, and efficient according to the folks who work over at MindValley, which of course ties into things like duty, efficiency, and trustworthiness.

King Krule's "Baby Blue" is an earnest approach, the story of a reconciliation, and so naturally also of a breakup - minus the heartbreak. Instead, the song is a conversation at the very beginning of a reconnection. It doesn't beg or even ask anything of that person being referenced, sang to... but in our eavesdropping on that conversation, we clearly hear King Krule explore what is and has been in a way that beautifully intertwines to create the current moment, full of possibility and truth.

Third Eye Chakra | "Easy Easy" by King Krule

The Indigo or Third Eye Chakra is located in the space above the center of the eyebrows. This chakra deals with wisdom and spirituality, specifically spiritual development, and is a great space to tap into for psychic energy and self-awareness.

For the Third Eye Chakra, I selected another title from King Krule, "Easy Easy". The beginning notes of the song rouse you, it sounds like a bright sky, a city day, an alert mood. The song pushes a Dao of moving beyond.

well, your dead day job has been eating away your life, you feel little inside, but tro uble and strife.

and now you spend your evenings, searching for another life, well I think baby, I think you got it in your sights, ...easy easy

Crown Chakra | "Soulmerge" by Ashana

The Violet and White Chakra, or the Crown Chakra, is located at the top of the head. This chakra is tied into a sense of connection to everything that is, it's a great chakra to tap into for meditations on becoming more evolved and awake.

"Soulmerge" by Ashana is pure sound. Crystal bowls are used to create connecting tones and frequencies that feel like an amazing way to tap into higher energy that connects us with all there is.

Here's a bit about sound healing as it applies to meditating with these sorts of frequencies.

Give it a listen:

- Ashley J. | find me (& my work) on instagram and twitter