Yoga practitioners are already aware of chakras, the energy centers, each one representing a different area that helps us to live a fruitful and balanced life on and off the mat. Based on life circumstances, chakras may become out of balance, and the strengths any individual exhibits will result in one or two chakras being more predominant. Many times people of faith may feel conflicted believing in chakras, whereas in fact during my in-depth work and practice of Christ-centered yoga, chakras are referred to as “our God-given energy centers.” These powerful energy centers are a gift to perform impactful work, especially off the mat.

During both the practice of yoga and yoga therapy approaches, discussion can be given to how the strength and predominance of particular chakras can be witnessed in one another, especially among both secular and religious leaders throughout history. Here we will explore each chakra’s characteristics and the alignment of a historical leader. You are invited to reflect on the impactful work you do, and the subtle understanding of tapping into the strength of your chakras.

Root Chakra (Muladhara): Located at the base of the spine, it represents stability, security, and basic needs (grounding).

Historical alignment: Nelson Mandela, born in 1918, stands as a towering figure in the global struggle against oppression and apartheid and an example of cultivating characteristics of your Root Chakra. As a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, Mandela dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice and inequality. His unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation led to his enduring legacy as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Sacral Chakra (Svadhishthana): Located in the lower abdomen, it is associated with creativity, emotions, and sexual energy.

Historical alignment: Cleopatra, born in 69 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and exemplifies a strong focus on tapping into the Sacral Chakra. Known for her beauty, intelligence, and political acumen, Cleopatra’s reign was marked by her strategic alliances and diplomatic prowess. She famously formed relationships with Julius Caesar and later Mark Antony, solidifying her position as a formidable leader in the ancient world.

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): Located in the upper abdomen, this is the center of personal power, confidence, and self-esteem.

Historical alignment: Malala Yousafzai was born on July 12, 1997, in Mingora, Pakistan. She gained international attention as a young activist for girls’ education after surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012. Malala’s advocacy work began at an early age when she wrote a blog for BBC Urdu under a pseudonym, detailing her life under Taliban rule and her fight for education exemplifies characteristics found in cultivating the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Heart Chakra (Anahata): Located in the center of the chest, it is the bridge between the lower and higher chakras, governing love, compassion, and connection.

Historical alignment: Jane Goodall was born on April 3rd, 1934, known as a remarkable primatologist and anthropologist. Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane Goodall braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind’s closest living relatives. Through nearly 60 years of groundbreaking work, Dr. Jane Goodall has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment.

Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): Located in the throat, it is responsible for communication, self-expression, and truth.

Historical alignment: Martin Luther King Jr., born in 1929, was a towering figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. As a Baptist minister and activist, King dedicated his life to advocating for racial equality, nonviolent resistance, and social justice. His eloquent and extremely articulate speeches are etched in the history books forever.

Third-Eye Chakra (Ajna): Located between the eyebrows, it governs intuition, imagination, and wisdom.

Historical alignment: Joan of Arc, born in 1412, was a pious peasant in medieval France who believed that God had chosen her to lead France to victory in its long-running war with England. With no military training, Joan convinced Crown Prince Charles of Valois to allow her to lead a French army to the besieged city of Orléans, where they achieved a stunning victory. After seeing the prince crowned King Charles VII, Joan was captured by enemy forces, tried for witchcraft, and burned at the stake at the age of 19. By the time she was canonized in 1920, Joan of Arc was considered one of history’s greatest martyrs and the patron saint of France.

Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Located at the top of the head, it represents spiritual connection, enlightenment, and unity with the divine.

Historical alignment: Mother Teresa, born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in 1910, dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India, and around the world. Renowned for her compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to helping the destitute, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation that provided care for those suffering from poverty, disease, and neglect.

Another historical figure that celebrates a powerful Crown Chakra center is Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869, remains one of the most revered figures in the history of India and the world. Renowned for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, Gandhi led India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule, employing methods of civil disobedience, fasting, and peaceful protest.

No matter where any one is during that path and journey in life, each person has received their gifts through the energy centers. Using free will, it is a choice to either harness and use those gifts and strengths or let them lay dormant. Just imagine a world if each of the above leaders noted here had ignored their gifts and the strength within their predominant energy centers. Heed the invitation to lead with yours and make your impact.

Dr. Donna Jagielski is the Founder & CEO of Blessings Balance Breath Yoga, RYT-500, RCYT-95, R-YFMT- 500, R-CYAMT. Dr. Jagielski is dedicated to bringing yoga and yoga therapy to underserved, underrepresented, marginalized, and system/justice-impacted populations. Providing the healing practice of yoga to reclaim empowerment and harmony. Restoring self-esteem, self-efficacy, and individualism.