Chakra System
06 Oct 2009 ~ Categories: blog • body • mind • wellness • yoga
I’m always fascinated by spiritual systems that help us find out more about ourselves. I think a lot of the so-called “esoteric” spiritual practices that we encounter work best in our Western mindset when we think of them metaphorically.
The chakra system is a perfect example of this.
A lot of us are into yoga. We love the physical practice, the calming effect, and even some of the more exotic rituals like chanting and breathing practices. But when teachers start talking about chakras, many of us glaze over.
As Western thinkers, it’s easy to write off the idea of chakras as a hocus-pocus new age idea with no tangible link to our physical beings. But within this ancient Sanskrit belief system, I believe there is a lot to be learned about our present-day relationship to physical, mental and spiritual balance.
In the most basic terms, chakras are energy centers in the body. We have seven of them:
- Muladhara (the root chakra)
- Swadhisthana (the sacral chakra)
- Manipura (the solar plexus chakra)
- Anahata (the heart chakra)
- Vishuddha (the throat chakra)
- Ajna (the third eye chakra)
- Sahasrara (the crown chakra)
Working with our chakras – even as symbols of how we treat ourselves – gives us an opportunity to create real transformation within us. Visualize the connection between your chakras, and you take a step toward Building a Bridge between what may seem like disconnected parts of yourself, but are actually intrinsically linked.
For instance, when the link between your heart and throat chakras is blocked, you will have trouble communicating your feelings and intentions clearly. Yoga asanas or breathing exercises that serve to open up the chakras and connect them together can help you bring attention and awareness to your lines of communication.
The fact that this energy system is typically illustrated with beautiful drawings and vivid colors and symbols shows how the chakras are integral to your own creative nature (and you do have one).
Chakra-love,
Amy
