Returning to Yourself: A Fall Q+A on Chakras, Body & Intuition
In this month’s blog, yoga therapist and tarot and astrology practitioner Sarah Jane Chapman reflects on the practice of turning inward. From seasonal rituals to chakra work, Sarah Jane offers an approachable perspective on creating more space to notice what we need—on and off the mat.
Hola: Fall is a season of transition, reflection, and turning inward. What’s your favorite fall ritual for grounding, reconnecting, or coming back to yourself?
Sarah Jane: I always lose my rhythm in the summer. Between travel and my daughter being home, my practices go out the window. I used to fight it, but now I’ve learned to ride the seasonal waves. In autumn, I like to get back to my routine. I have set some better boundaries for social media (only log on during work hours!) and restarted my meditation practice. I always remember how much I need it once it’s back in my life.
Hola: The fall season can be a natural time to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. What are some simple ways students can create more space for reflection and body awareness in everyday situations?
Sarah Jane: Fall is an excellent time to look at our habits. What is taking up time that is no longer aligned? How can you replace that with something that actually feels right these days? As the daylight starts to wane, this is a time to start to look within. Sometimes releasing what isn’t helpful can create a great amount of space.
Hola: For someone who has heard of chakras but doesn’t really know what they are, how would you describe the chakra system in a simple, approachable way?
Sarah Jane: The chakras are energy centers in our bodies that can ripple into our lived experience. For example, the heart chakra is located on our chest, upper back and all the way down through our arms and hands. The action we do with our hands reflects the state of our hearts. The hugs we give, the words we type and the food we make all is a mirror to what we are feeling, whether we realize it or not. In this course, we are going to look at how these energy centers show up in our bodies and actions and how to find balance.
Hola: Is there a particular chakra or energetic theme that you think feels especially relevant during the fall season?
Sarah Jane: I connect this part of the year to the throat chakra. We ease into fall during Virgo season, which is ruled by Mercury, our communication. We then kick off the season with Libra, an air sign, which also is a bit how we share and connect with others. The throat chakra is all about expression, so I play with this energy by chanting, singing, writing or talking to a friend.
Hola: How does yoga therapy influence the way you approach energetic practices like chakra work?
Sarah Jane: Yoga therapy influences how I do everything! I was taught that the subtle practices can ripple outwards into our body and habits. By checking in with the different energy centers with a pendulum, I can see patterns arise with where someone might need extra nurturing or support.
Hola: You’ll be introducing students to crystal pendulums in your Chakra Workshop. What exactly is a pendulum, and how can it be used as a tool for self-inquiry rather than simply looking for an “answer”?
Sarah Jane: Pendulums are weighted objects on some sort of string or chain. Typically people use crystals, but I’ve had students make them out of charms or other special objects.
Essentially, they pick up on your energy. We start by asking it for “yes” or “no” questions and they will affirm what the questioner is feeling. Similar to how I explain tarot- the object is not magic, you are magic. It is affirming what we know to be true.
Then, we will use them to check in on the energy of the chakras. They pick up different areas and what they need or experience. It’s a great tool to check in with yourself and affirm your intuition.
Hola: What does “listening to your body” actually look like in your day-to-day life?
Learning to listen to your body, especially if you were taught (like many of us!) to ignore them is like caring for a pet. You know they have basic needs like eating, resting, playing and snuggling. After that, you attune to the fluctuation of their needs. Maybe they eat the same amount every day, but they have been playing more than normal and are actually hungry or more tired. You would meet their needs, right? We can do the same with our bodies! Give your body a routine and then notice when it changes. It’s okay to be more hungry or tired some days. By giving your body what they need, you build trust with each other and it becomes easier. There is usually a lot of deconditioning that needs to happen around meeting our own needs without guilt. Keep going, it’s worth it!