The Chakra System
Chakras then are the conduits through which the universal energy flows into and out of the body; spinning vortexes of subtle energy they act as batteries and transformers, powering our interaction with the energy fields around us. As swirling intersections of vital life force, each chakra reflects an aspect of consciousness essential to our lives as indicated below. Having worked with them for many years I feel they are a simple, profound and deeply significant map to understanding consciousness and bring a profound sense of energy, balance and harmony into our lives. At a time when life has become so very complex, materialistic and overloaded with seemingly important information about events that we are powerless to change, it is essential to examine how we now live our lives. What is truly important in life; how can we thrive and empower others to believe in themselves and the best that humanity has to offer? What are the ways we give our power away? How do we deny love and beauty in our lives? How do we daily connect with our passion and excitement about being alive? How do we connect to the earth and honour this beautiful planet? Having worked with thousands of people over the years I know that people are not lazy or unresourceful - they simply are uninspired in life and don't have a potent vision of themselves. I firmly believe that the system of chakra yoga I teach is a brilliant way to focus and bring into balance the various strands of life so that we can realise how truly incredible we are and the value of life in all its forms. The Chakras are thus the vehicle for self awareness and self awakening
Chakras send energy out from the core of the body and act as the organisational centres for the reception and assimilation of energy from the earth and the universe. Each chakra receives its charge of energy by being in alignment and connected to the chakras below and above it, forming this central column of energy, sushumma. If we are not in balance with ourselves, our chakras fall out of alignment much like the way the vertebra in the spine can be dislodged. Chakras are associated with the seven basic levels of consciousness outlined below. There are specific exercises to facilitate the opening, discharging or strengthening of each centre but it is important to understand the system as a whole because the chakras are in constant interplay and can only be separated intellectually. As we climb up the chakra column each plane is said to vibrate at a higher, faster and more effective level than the one beneath it.
In Hindu mythology the universe is seen to be created by the combination of the deities Shiva and Shakti; Shiva being pure unmanifest consciousness or bliss, Shakti, the life giver is inactive consciousness, the womb of creation. Shiva and Shakti can also be seen as representing two currents of energy through the chakras, the current of manifestation and the current of liberation or freedom. Both forces are in a constant dance throughout our lifetimes as we learn to live by our values, bringing clear intentions and actions into the world in order to effect change and manifestation in our lives. At the same time we are in a constant process of letting go, releasing old thought forms, releasing accumulated energy in the body as emotion, freeing ourselves of limiting cultural and family beliefs and experiences and most importantly, relinquishing the conditioning of the past so we can become truly alive to the 'present'.
Chakra one: The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, at the perineum between the anus and the sex. Its function relates to fundamental survival, a sense of security and stability and is represented by the quality of earth. Red is the colour associated with muladhara chakra (root support) and it governs the sense of smell. It governs the foundations of life, the health, nourishment and protection of the physical body. The root chakra literally connects us to our "roots" and the evolution of the planet and our ancestors. Verb = "I have".
Chakra two: The sacral chakra is located at the sex. Its function is related to the ebb and flow of emotion, pleasure and pain, the passion of sexuality and procreation. Water is the element with which swadhisthana (sweetness) chakra resonates, and it governs the sense of taste. If we are not in tune with our senses we are numb to life and barely coasting. The senses are the way that we make sense of and interact with our environment and we can receive great pleasure and joy from them, literally taking in the sweetness of life. This centre governs our e-motions (energy in motion) so that we feel life flowing through us. Verb = "I feel"
Chakra three: The solar plexus chakra is located at the navel and energetically it represents willpower, self confidence and power. It is the fire chakra, manipura (lustrous gem) and sight is the sense it powers. This centre controls the energy and force we give to our actions, building momentum and flow. How we discern situations and make decisions in any given moment followed through with action or non-action, it is the 'doing' part of life. The ability to set one's sights on a goal to achieve and steadily realise it despite setbacks and wrong turns. Verb = "I can"
Chakra four: The heart chakra, anahata (unstruck) is located in the region of the heart. Governed by the vibrational quality of air its function is that of love, balance, compassion. It resonates with the sense of touch and we talk of being 'touched' by someone's words or actions. It is at the centre of the chakras and allows us to find a new perspective on events in our lives. It invites us to accept life rather than fight it - must life really be a struggle? It invites us to accept the totality of ourselves - our strengths and weaknesses and embrace ourselves and others with compassion and beauty. Verb = "I love"
Chakra five: The throat chakra, visuddha (purification) is very obviously located at the throat. Its function is one of communication and the expression of creative force. Its element is sound - the first element which really moves beyond the personal to the transpersonal through speech, art, writing etc....Thus the sense associated with this chakra is hearing. It is through creative expression of our thoughts and feelings that we feel a deep sense of connection with others and with ourselves. Creativity, like a mirror offers us new reflections of ourselves and creates space in our lives for natural play and invention. We learn to be true to ourselves and 'walk our talk'. Verb = "I speak"
Chakra six: the brow chakra, ajna chakra (to perceive, to command) is situated at the 3rd eye in the centre of the forehead. Its vibration resonates with the element of light and the organising function of this chakra is one of seeing, and the use of inner sight - insight. The ability to focus and give one's attention fully to the particular or equally to expand one's vision so that one has new vision, seeing the patterns and symbolic overtones to events. This centre governs the 'bigger picture of life' and relates to the ideas we have and value we attribute to our own lives and life itself. Verb = "I see"
Chakra seven: the crown chakra, sahasrara (thousandfold) is located at the top of the head. Its function is one of connection to divine intelligence, providing one with deep understanding of the nature of the universe. Its experience is that of bliss, the infinite connection of everything and nothing, the unifying Source. Its function then is one of knowing, wisdom and grace. With gratitude we receive the gift of life flowing moment to moment through us in all its perfection. Verb =" I know" - I am that I am
Ymber Delecto0207 433 1619 : txt : 07765 907 514
