The seven chakras
To improve your chi, or life force, you must balance the seven key points where energy flows through the body. These are the chakras—Sanskrit for “wheels of light”—or energy portals that interact with both the body and the spirit.
Many students of spiritual practices and philosophies believe that humans possess an energy field that radiates a few feet from their bodies. When energy passes from this field into the body, it is transformed by the centers of spiritual power, the chakras, into thought, emotion, and physical sensation. Just as the brain interprets the different frequencies of light that enter the eyes as colors, so the chakras interpret the frequencies and vibrations of energy and form the impressions that impact us.
The seven chakras
The seven chakras are located along the central meridian of the body. Each is associated with a certain body part, color, and domain.
1. The first or root chakra, Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine, or coccyx, and is represented by the color red. It governs the understanding of the physical dimension.
2. Second, Svadhishthana, is the sacral chakra, located just above the genitals. It is associated with the color orange and regulates sexual energy.
3. The third, Manipura, is the solar plexus chakra; it is designated by the color yellow and controls creative power.
4. The heart chakra, Anahata, is fourth, and is represented as emerald green. It controls circulation and breathing.
5. Fifth is the blue throat chakra, Vishuddha, which represents the intellectual body, personal integrity, and identity.
6. Sixth is the third eye or face chakra, Ajna, located on the forehead and shown as deep indigo. It controls all thoughts and visions.
7. The seventh chakra, Sahasrara, is the highest chakra in terms of frequency. It is known as the crown chakra and it synchronizes all colors and manifests as white light. It controls the upper brain, the nervous system, and the pineal gland, and is associated with spirituality.
CHAKRA MEDITATION
The relaxation techniques that bring balance and well-being to the chakras are quite basic. You can focus one, several, or all seven chakras in turn. Start by sitting erect in a comfortable chair. Close your eyes, and begin belly breathing. Concentrate on the first chakra at the base of your spine, home to dormant kundalini energy. Imagine you are breathing in and out through this chakra, visualizing it as a fiery red ball. Allow your consciousness to sink into and become the ball, and feel it being drawn downward to the earth. Pay attention to how you are feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally. Remain in this state for eight to 10 minutes, and tell yourself, “Whenever I reach this relaxed state I will learn to use my mind more creatively and become aware of the energy blocks that have impeded me.”
Afterward, release the ball of energy, slowly count to five, and open your eyes. You should feel refreshed and peaceful. You can stop there or work your way up, making sure to give each chakra its proper color and attribute as you visualize it.
DIY: Cherish the Crown
