The Chakra Energy System
- leilak73
- Jan 28, 2015
- 4 min read
In today's post, I explain the chakra energy system. When I was doing my yoga teacher training, we had to do a 45 minute presentation. I've always had an attraction to the chakras, so that is what I chose. I got a lot of my information from Donna Eden's “Energy Medicine” and from Anodea Judith's “Wheels of Light”. If you are interested in the chakras or other energy systems, these are great books to check out.
So...Just what are these things called the chakras? The chakras are one of many energy systems running through the body.
The word "chakra" means "disc", or "wheel". Energy from our surroundings is drawn into the body through the chakras and distributed throughout the body. The energy in the body is also sent out through each chakra, and each chakra affects the others in the system. The chakras all work together and one can only separate the chakras theoretically. Bringing one chakra into balance will help to bring the whole system closer towards balance.
Conversely, if a chakra is blocked, it can affect the rest of the system. Sometimes problems manifest in one area, whilst the root cause lies in another chakra. Blockages can appear as physical, emotional, mental or spiritual imbalances.
The chakras weave the polarities of spirit and matter, body and mind, masculine and feminine, heaven and earth. There are 7 layers to each of the 7 main chakras. The outer layers tend to hold information about recent events, whilst the deeper layers tend to relate to information that the person has learned and embodied in previous lifetimes.
Chakras are often related to lotus flowers, symbolising consciousness developing as the petals unfold. Like a flower, a chakra can be closed, budding, open, under- or over-developed or even dying.
Each chakra is connected to our physical body (specific organs, glands, nerves and body systems) as well as our emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Because the chakras (and everything in the universe) is made up of energy, and energy vibrates, each chakra is connected to a colour vibration frequency.
Thus, light and colour also move through the chakras, emanating outwards from the deepest layers. Energy can be restored in the chakras by bathing each individual chakra in light or a colour that will give it greater strength, clarity or balance. For example, we can use colours and light from food, herbs, aromatherapy, sound, minerals, clothing and décor.
Our chakras can also be affected by toxins in the environment, such as chemical food enhancements; air, water and noise pollutions; and negative thoughts.
What we generate within ourselves determines much of what we receive. We can change the energy that we receive by reprogramming our thoughts, actions and habit patterns (which is much easier said than done!) It is common to become trapped in the karmic cycle of a chakra. The object of our work here is to cleanse the chakras of old, non-beneficial patterns so that their self-perpetuating actions have a positive influence and our life energy can continue to expand to higher planes.
Once one understands that the chakras work as a whole system, one can work with the chakras with various tools. Yoga asanas, meditation and energy healing are other ways in which the chakras can be brought into balance. One can also open, discharge or strengthen the chakras by focusing attention on the relating area of the body; observing how it feels and behaves; understanding the philosophical workings of that chakra and applying it to real life; or by examining the interactions in one's day-to-day life that corresponds to that chakra. Associated images, colours, sounds, elements or deities and working through emotions that are relevant to each chakra are other ways to work with this system.
In yogic theory, the body contains 72 000 energy pathways or conduits, called the nadi's (also known as the meridians in Chinese acupuncture). The meridians are another of the body's energy systems and they work in conjunction to the chakras. The chakras affect the physical body shape and behaviour, as well as influencing the emotions. Thus, working with the meridians affects the chakras (and the whole physical and emotional body) and vice versa.
There are two main nadi's that are deeply entwined with the chakras - the Ida and Pingala nadi's, also sometimes referred to as Shiva and Shakti (masculine and feminine), or the manifesting and liberating currents (descending and ascending currents)
Ideas begin in pure consciousness, which then becomes images, which then becomes stories to tell. At this stage, other people become involved and relationships are born. Willpower and energy, in various forms, are then invested in the idea, which brings the conceptual and physical elements together and finally manifests in the physical plane. This is an example of the manifesting current.
The liberating current works by taking one out of the physical limitations of matter and becomes lighter and more expansive. It liberates us from outdated or constricting habits and can lead to personal liberation.
Both currents are equally important. Each chakra is equally important. As with all things in life, balance remains the key. In order to manifest, we must accept limitation.
Check out posts in the next few days for more as I go through each chakra! :) Peace, love and light.
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