Understanding The Seven Different Chakras
The chakras are natural energy centers in the body. They are located on the central meridian of the body, following along the powerful energy route that is represented by the spine. Each chakra is extremely important to an individual’s physical and psychological functioning. When energy is not flowing through a chakra correctly, it is considered closed. For each closed chakra an individual has, he or she suffers from personality imbalances and conflicts in mood. When a chakra’s energy flows easily, it is considered open. Open chakras sustain balance and harmony.
The chakra system has been written of for hundreds of years. Some of the most ancient texts referring to these energy centers come from the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. As a result, many forms of yoga and meditation are centered on the needs of these natural energy centers. Focusing attention on them and visualizing the colors, moods and feelings associated with their proper functioning can help open them. There are seven chakras in the body and each one must be healthy for the individual to reach their highest spiritual and personal development.
The seven chakras are as follows:
Root: The root chakra is the lowermost chakra center. It is located at the base of the spine and the color associated with it is red. A closed root chakra results in feelings of nervous tension related to survival. Positive feelings of stability and security are associated with a healthy root chakra.
Sacral: The sacral chakra is found above the root chakra and is centered on the lower abdomen. It plays a strong role in one’s ability to handle intimacy in a healthy way and provides feelings of pleasure, abundance and satisfaction with life. The color associated with this chakra is orange.
Navel: The navel chakra is located in the upper abdomen and is sometimes called the solar plexus chakra. It provides you with the sense of worth and validity required to assert yourself within a group. Its benefits include confidence and self-esteem and its color is yellow.
Heart: Development of the heart chakra leads to feelings of joy and love that can be shared easily with others in daily life. Compassion and respect for others is associated with this chakra and it nourishes the ruling energy of all friendships. It is centered on the heart and its color is green.
Throat: The throat chakra provides individuals with their ability to communicate and express their feelings. It also governs the ability to see, focus on and express personal truth. This chakra is located in the center of the throat and the color associated with it is blue.
Third Eye: The third eye chakra is the energy source for mystic visions and transcendental experiences. It provides the bridge between a person’s waking experiences and his or her powers of intuition. It is located in the center of the forehead and its color is indigo.
Crown: The crown chakra is the ultimate chakra and can only be fully expressed when all the others are in balance. Its energy is associated with an individual’s ability to perceive the divine connection between all things. It is found in the crown of the head and its color is violet.
Chakras can be problematic when they are overactive; however, chakras do not become overactive on their own. Instead, they acquire this state when neighboring chakras are closed and overactive ones must compensate for missing energy. Overactive chakras contribute to survival needs in an unhealthy way. This manifests in a negative expression of a chakra’s power. For example, an overactive root chakra contributes to feelings of greed.
Chakras benefit from focused attention. It is easy to allow one’s chakras to become closed while focusing exclusively on the daily concerns of life. Merely thinking about the goals and positive energy of a chakra will help it to become vibrant and full. In order to achieve complete balance in the chakra energy systems, one might have to devote a great deal of focused attention to the chakras over a long period of time. Those who meditate frequently tend to have an easier time helping their chakras function at the highest level. The transcendental states of bliss and joy associated with the crown chakra are often said to be associated with very sophisticated meditation practices.
Remembering one’s chakras and their purpose will help to keep them in balance. Whenever there is a chronic imbalance in the personality, consider the role of the associated chakra.
