This is my perspective on the chakra system. My beliefs are partially rooted in science and it’s interesting that science has begun to acknowledge the presence of chakras whether purely in the presence of nerve bundles in those areas or in measurable concentrated energy. One of my favorite authors, Candice Pert who wrote Molecules of Emotion and Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind was initially a hard core scientist who was credited for discovering the opiate receptor. Her more recent work shows how she has shifted and opened more to the presence of energy, the influence of thought and ever the chakra system. This was in inspiration to me even though I still have some resistance to the idea of putting much focus on them. Another place where I was inspired by the chakras is in the tantra retreat here at Anamaya. We were to think of a question that we wanted to find an answer to, then we were let through each chakra and were to answer the question based on the perspective of that chakra and what it represented. I realized after that found myself always coming back to love for all of them and thought I should “think” with my heart more. I’m sure I’m missing some of the details, but I really enjoyed the exercise and thought I might use it to make other decisions, but haven’t thus far. I’m glad to be reminded of it now.
I like writing the word chakra because despite how I say it in my mind (shakra), on paper it is written the way you would prefer it to be pronounced. So I feel like it works for both of us. You don’t have to hear me say it “wrong,” which to me is simply a nicer sounding way to say it and how I’ve heard it most. I recently dated someone named “Chanda” and she pronounced it and preferred others pronouncing it Shanda, which also sounds nicer. I had to put something in about pronunciation because I know you (Jackie) like to give me a hard time about it.
The root chakra, Muladhara, the red glow swirling at the base of my spine: my connection to the Earth, which is also the element it represents. Like roots of a tree holding me up strong. Earth energy to me is a living, grounded, calm, always present, force that is the foundation of all things in our physical world. So I feel it as a connection to society and community, to other earthlings. The beginning of the path of energy channeled up from the Earth.
The second chakra, Svadhisthana meaning sweetness, the orange love nest: Watery flowey yummy energy. I’m not sure what else to say about one that won’t get me in trouble. I can describe it as passion, moving through me. To me it seems more like a creative energy, and not easy to tame. It’s the force that brings us all into this world, the relationship to others individually.
The third chakra, Manipura, the yellow gem: All about the power baby. I always see this as the place where we have “cords” that connect to other people and they can “steal” your power if you let them. We need to regularly reclaim our free choice and be who we truly are and not who others want us to be. Not an easy task, but well worth the effort.
The fourth chakra, Anahata, the green goddess: If love is all there is and love is all you need, then let’s celebrate! I feel like I have an unbound amount of energy in this area and no path to share it fully. I need to discover ways to share love outside of a relationship context. Love is about sharing and offering of yourself and not asking what’s in return. Like relationships should be also in my opinion. Actually I do offer love in the form of service and selflessness at Anamaya.
The fifth chakra, Visuddha, blue purification: this is an area that I have been working on for some time. Self expression! Voicing my truth is not always easy, but I’m coming into it more and more by being a leader. Running a business and speaking and performing in front of groups. It feels good to fully express myself and be heard. I love how much running Anamaya allows my creative expression to shine. From the website and print graphics to structure design to performance, it’s so wonderful!
The sixth chakra, Ajna, the indigo bridge between the mind and spirit: the center of intuition and consciousness. I am certain that it must have a lot to do with the pineal gland. I feel somewhat connected to my intuition but know that there is so much more to perceive if I took the space to be silent and listen. This is the place where words begin to fall away and an experiential understanding is required. I’m very fascinated with telepathy and telekinesis and would love to take some time to work on developing them.
The seventh chakra, Sahasrara, the violet thousand petal lotus crown: the pathway through which heaven enters the body. Actually I see the energy of “god” or “heaven” in all things and separate from time and space. So to give it a location and relationship to a specific part of the body is a little strange for me. Heaven isn’t in the clouds. I think the only reason to think of heaven as up is because it’s the opposite of the Earth below. Heaven is really a state of being, regardless of where you are. This chakra reminds us to transcend the limited understanding of our minds, and experience the ultimate truth of all things.
So this is my quick explanation of the chakra’s from my perspective which is highly influenced by the modern “new age” ideas of “how things are.” My personal philosophy of spirituality is very simple and can be summed up in 3 words: Presence, Love and Kindness. All things are made from the fabric of love and when we can be fully present we exist in truth and kindness flows from us.
