In our second issue we move up the spine, from the first chakra—the root, to the second chakra—the sacrum. We go from solid—earth—to liquid—WATER. Very much like the journey of this issue, the realm of the second chakra Svadhisthana , is one of movement, fluidity, pleasure, creation and emotions. To not get stuck, our emotions need to flow like water—the element of the second chakra. “Water holds vast cognitive, emotional, psychological and social benefits:” a concept put forth by scientist and activist Dr.Wallace J Nichols in Blue Mind , which resonates throughout this issue. We spoke with some of today’s leading water gods and goddesses. We explore how they move with, learn from, cherish and protect the most vital element of life. GUILT is the challenge of the second chakra. Like an internal alarm calling to take responsibility for our actions, guilt denotes a specific kind of awareness. We polled our contributors, and one of the top-cited reasons for daily guilt is not recycling. Close behind are giving into cravings, not being present for family and friends (and pets), making excuses, snoozing, leaving projects unfinished, and gossiping. These are behaviors few can deny indulging in from time to time. But experiencing guilt too often hinders us from being here, present in the current moment, and enjoying it. To experience the now, to feel pleasure, to have fun and to connect with self and others are integral functions of the second chakra. Which brings us to the topic of SEX. Sex is the primal essential life force of connection. Sex provides release and satisfaction. For too long the visual fantasy of porn has separated out the physical aspects from the emotional, creating a disconnect from the viewer’s pleasure. In these pages, we talk to a feminist/sensualist pornographer who is working to inject empathy into her films, and reconnect viewers to fantasy and back to themselves. One of the big lessons learned is there are many paths to a balanced sacral chakra. From strolling in a natural landscape to shaking your hips to a bumping beat, it’s about giving yourself permission to feel and be—just as you are. Featured in this issue: Wim Hof, Sylvia Earle, Shama Beckford, Alison Teal, Sierra Quitiquit, The Lonely Whale...
