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The Seven Chakra Centers Of Mind
The secret is, of course, realignment with the inner self-unifying processes through understanding the function of spiritual feeling signals as they circulate within and between all aspects of self. As we now know, the bodily needs and the spiritual challenges manifest in this process of purposeful mental self-development. This developmental process is the intended natural opening or turning on each of the chakras of mind.
The optimum word here is "understanding". If we don't completely understand or appreciate the workings of the Chakra system, it only requires exposure to this information, even if that means repeated exposure. There is no shame in having to read or listen to it more than once, considering how alien it is to most of our belief systems. It is as mysterious as our understanding of how atoms and molecules relate and this is something that most were not even exposed to a mere hundred years ago. When we open the gates of the mind, we allow a whole universe to flow in and, with discretion, we can grow as a result.
Ancient symbolic wisdom has linked the chakra system to the elements of earth, fire, water, and air; to the sensory system; to aromas; to musical notes and tones; to colors of the spectrum; all in addition to health issues. The recent pioneering efforts in energy medicine have begun to synthesize the ancient symbolic wisdom and to tap into the physical maladies linking them with the unmet physical needs and unfulfilled spiritual challenges. Although there is less specificity and precision than will ultimately emerge, this rudimentary holistic concept of health is a necessary step in the evolution of the species.
The whole concept of digging into the ancient past in order to understand the present and alter the future for our betterment, might strike some as unorthodox, at the very least. But a rudimentary review of history will show that our understanding of such things as philosophy and mathematics comes from the thinkers of Greece and other cultures who made their contributions thousands of years ago, or what we might describe as "ancient times".
To assist in this evolving self-understanding, it is most useful to discuss the over-energized and under-energized symptoms at each of the chakra centers. These physical and emotional conditions can be used to identify the unfulfilled spiritual challenges, to resolve conflicting beliefs, and to remove the destructive slivers. Individuals can draw from this wisdom to find many useful techniques to assist their self-developmental progress. The use of tone and color are particularly helpful in visualizations, vocalizations, and creation of soothing, relaxing, and grounding external conditions.
Once the mind is opened to the idea of examining new ways of bio-feedback, then the suggested techniques, no matter how foreign they might seem, can be put in place and the benefits applied.
As the chakras themselves are introduced, their descriptions will include some of the traditional wisdom. But it is essential to recognize the supplementary nature of element, tone, and colors associated with specific chakras and that the focus remain upon the spiritual challenges and conscious development of the mindscape. The chakras must first and foremost be recognized as the very manifestations of mind itself which have a direct energetic, electrical, and chemical effect upon the body. The chakras are where and how the specific beliefs of mind effect the bodily conditions. In a general sense, the chakra system has three major categories or stages in a sequential developmental process. The primal or bodily grounding, the psychological or mental grounding and the psychic spiritual awakening.
We are now moving into a territory that modern technology can not yet measure. This means that current scientific thought will have difficulty in accepting the existence of the matters described. This may be significant but not that important. Science has always played catch-up to reality and frequently uses the word "discover" to describe its latest findings.
Chakras One & Two: Bodily Grounding
The first two chakras are opened fully as the mind learns its place in the world, becomes connected with inner and outer processes, and learns to both give and receive energy information. There can be a good deal of overlap in the physical process and symptoms of these two basic centers, but the health maladies offered can point the mind in the direction of the spiritual issues and bodily needs that require corrective attention.
The mere fact that these two chakras are up and running at the time of our entrance into physical reality, should serve as a stimulant and incentive for further development. The next step is to learn to use them to their maximum potential.
The Root Chakra
The root chakra is the first and most basic energy center of the emerging mind. It is located around the tailbone, and it represents the basic connection need to be grounded in one's body and in one's world. The feelings of body push and pull through inner impulses to lead the mind to develop the successful beliefs which overcome the mother challenge. The root chakra is profoundly effected by the infant's environment and is influenced by the predestined focuses of the incarnation. It is the tribal connection and offering of mass consciousness which can make or break an emerging sense of connection, freedom, and power.Unconditional love from family and acceptance into the world is essential for the complete opening of the root chakra. The root chakra has been associated with the sense of touch, the color red, the earth element, the note of C, and the tone of short "e" as in "red".
Here is an example of where science is beginning to catch up with the metaphysical. Experts in child psychology are starting to recognize the importance of the giving and acceptance (or absence) of the "love" emotion in the life of a newly born. By experiencing this emotion, the individual also achieves the necessary grounding which will have the long-term positive effects necessary to aid in the development of a balanced life.
A fully open and balanced root chakra is characterized in the mother archetypal energy, by a centered groundedness, a safe and healthy sense of self-empowerment, unlimited physical energy and the ability to manifest abundance. It supports the values of loyalty, honor, and justice. The sexual energy is loving affectionate, passionate, trusting and sensuality is experienced throughout the body.
Kinda makes one wonder where the rest of us went wrong! Well, the good news is that it's never too late to make a course correction. If only those born to a perfect environment could have an opportunity at evolving, the universe would begin getting very minimal in size. In fact, just the opposite is true. The greater the opportunity for improvement, the greater the opportunity for expansion.
Disturbances in this chakra relate to unresolved challenges and mental slivers that have been instilled which close the door at either end of mind. An over-energized root chakra presents itself in such characteristics as: victimizing archetypal energy, perfectionism, impulses of greed dominance, and addiction to wealth. Sexuality is often indiscriminate, mostly genital, often sadistic and filled with nervous sexual energy. An under-energized root chakra is well captured in the victim archetype, characterized by weakness, confusion, inability to attain goals, and self-destructiveness. Sexuality is influenced by feelings of being unloved, or of being abandoned, and often results in little interest in sex or masochism.
We all know people who occupy such categories and may even recognize a certain portion of ourselves in this description. This should not be of great concern, for the mere capability of "recognizing" suggests that we are sensitive to those lesser qualities which we might wish to alter. The capability to do so will soon be expanded upon.
Physical symptoms of disturbances of the root chakra will involve: the spinal column, nervous system, legs, feet, immune system, the blood, and the bladder. They can include: lower back pain, sciatica, hyperactivity, fever, low or high blood pressure, sluggish digestion, flaky skin, varicose veins, shock, anemia, poor circulation, rectal tumors, and depression.
If all those symptoms are not enough to point to a recognition of a chakra shortcoming, it would be difficult to imagine what might do the trick. There are so many signals in our physical existence that can help us to make the necessary course corrections, that to ignore them would be to put our ships of state into reverse. But the tide of progress travels in only one direction and sooner or later, we must fulfill our deemed destiny.
The Second Chakra
The second chakra is located in the lower abdomen. It is associated with the father challenge, the sense of taste, the color orange, the element of water, the note D, the tone "o" as in "open". It involves the sexual organs, the hips, bladder, appendix, pelvis and large intestine. It is the center for physical prowess, empowerment, friendliness, creativity, money, blame, guilt, and sexuality. A healthy and open second chakra of the mindscape drives a friendly, humorous, and optimistic disposition, solid attunement to feelings, strong empathic connection with others, creativity, imagination, and intuition, and a beginning sense of universal connection and altered states of consciousness. Sexual energy is very sensual and a potential desire to have children if such has been a destiny choice.
It should be of interest that three of the qualities attributed to the second chakra are "money, blame and guilt". Among all the qualities listed, these would have to be regarded among the least virtuous.
Excessive energy in the second chakra is evidenced by emotional explosiveness, aggression, being overly ambitious or manipulative, being caught up in fantasy or delusion, and overly affected by the feelings of others. The sexuality might be obsessive, with a view that people are objects. An under-energized condition is characterized by detached emotions, shyness, guilt, mistrustfulness, self-sacrifice and resentment, and well described by the martyr archetype. Sexuality is often overly needy, repressed, guilt-ridden, dysfunctional and may bring difficulty with conception.
What are listed above are all the adverse consequences of a state of imbalance in this particular chakra. These are qualities that might be recognizable in western society, especially in the more urban centers where populations tend to be condensed and competitive.
Physical symptoms of disturbances in the second chakra can be: Ob/gyn problems, kidney weakness, constipation or diarrhea, lethargy, allergies, urinary problems or bladder infections, muscle cramps or spasm, infertility, impotence or frigidity as well as chronic lower back pain.
At various periods in our life process, we are often prone to experiencing the above related physical problems. Should such problems be recognized and appreciated as signals designed to encourage course corrections, we might learn to appreciate one of the more obvious benefits of physical and emotional pain.
Chakras Three & Four - Mental Grounding
The next two chakras are concerned with the mind's grounding in its tasks, abilities and functional role as the conscious controller and instrument of self-development and creative expression.
The Third Chakra
The third chakra is located in the upper abdomen at the solar plexus. It is the center of personal power and value fulfillment at the developmental point where the person comes into one's own in full recognition of the drive to develop and express inner gifts. It is associated with the contributor challenge, sense of taste, the color yellow, the element fire, the note E and the tone "aahoom" as in "room". It involves the stomach, the middle spine, liver, gallbladder, adrenal glands, spleen, abdomen, upper intestines, kidney and the pancreas. It involves issues of trust, self-esteem, pursuit of happiness, compassion for self and others, responsibility for decision making, fear and intimidation, sensitivity to criticism, and personal honor.
It is presumed that on each occasion when there is the experience of pain or discomfort in this particular area of the body, that a signal is being transmitted to the mind that a review of one's thoughts and actions in the attitudes being currently reflected, is in order. If such a review results in a positive step being taken to alter such attitudes or beliefs, than the result would lead to a greater level of happiness both within and without.
An open and balanced third chakra is characterized by: respect for self and others, an outgoing and cheerful disposition, a strong sense of personal power and responsibility, awareness of inner value potential and its need to express; skillful, relaxed, intelligent, spontaneous, enjoys good food, and likes challenge and activity. Sexuality is free, uninhibited, emotionally warm, intimate and mutually pleasurable, with a sense of tremendous value for, and committed responsibility to, family.
To have all of these qualities, all of the time would suggest that one has achieved the "opening" and the balance that has been imagined and achieved by desire and dedication. This might sound like a lot of hard work but, in fact, it is simply a state of mind that has been allowed to make the shift to intent. From that point, all progress comes in an uninterrupted fashion.
Disturbances in the over-energized third chakra include: judgmentalness, perfectionism, workaholism, demanding, resentful, overly intellectual, seeks chemical escapism, and a superiority complex based upon feelings of inferiority. Sexuality might include complaining, testing one's partner, being overly demanding or overactive but rarely fulfilled. An under-energized third chakra brings: depression, lack of confidence, confusion, following rather than leading, fear, and loneliness. Physical symptoms of these disturbances are: poor digestion, food allergies, gas, liver problems, diabetes, hypoglycemia, over-sexuality, depression, difficulty breathing, gallstones, and nervous exhaustion.
The overachiever and the underachiever seem to share balanced extremes. Both also share a state of perpetual unhappiness, which when viewed from a detached perspective, are no more permanent than a state of mind. These personality characteristics are similar to the descriptions we read earlier of physical pains which signal us of states of imbalance.
The Fourth Chakra
The fourth chakra is located in the heart area. It is the center of full connection and empathetic compassion. It is associated with the lover challenge, the color green, the element air, the senses of touch and smell, the note F#, and the tone "a" as in "ah". It involves the heart and lungs, the circulatory system, and the thymus gland, the arms and shoulders, the ribs, breasts and the diaphragm. It involves the issues of love and hate, grief and anger, resentment and revenge, loneliness, commitment, hope, trust, forgiveness and compassion.
It is clearly the most feeling of the chakras and that in most need of exploration and definition in our current time/space experience. It is too often confused with the sex drive when, in fact, it is the parent of that particular expression. In this age, we tend to put the order in reverse, presuming that the passion aroused in sex is the perpetrator of genuine love. This might explain our notoriously high divorce rate.
A balanced fourth chakra is characterized by: full emotional attunement, intimate relationships, compassion, humanitarianism, faith in human nature, nurturing, in touch with feelings in self and others, active in community, discriminating, and outgoing. Sexuality is a merging of spirits in intimate communion, a dissatisfaction with lesser forms and the strong inner motivations and patience for the higher intimacy.
It is difficult to have compassion if there is little passion. It is difficulty to have higher intimacy if there is no appreciation for intimacy at a lower level. The stifling of the sexual drive is detrimental to those qualities that enhance our humanness and motivate our love of the divine. It is for this reason that so many of those who take vows of celibacy are drawn toward sexual activity or end up having a difficult time making an emotional connection with those they have made a commitment to simply serve.
Excessive energy in the fourth chakra is reflected in: possessiveness, overly demanding and critical behavior, melodramatic, manic-depressive, uses money and or guilt to control. Sexual energy is conditional love, and manipulative control. Under-energized conditions result in: self-pity, indecision, paranoia, fear of abandonment, fear of vulnerability, and worry over family members. Sexuality is stifled by feelings of unworthiness, fear of rejection, neediness for constant reassurance.
When emotions seem to run the gamut from being overly demanding to a semi-state of depression, it is likely a natural energy of some sort is being stifled. If that energy is emotion, it will likely be reflected in the natural methods that society regards as acceptable. When certain practices become unacceptable because of age, an unmarried state or a religious position, then emotional problems are likely to surface in many ways, particularly among those which are described above.
Physical symptoms of fourth chakra disturbances are: congestive heart failure, heart attack, mitral valve prolapse, asthma, allergies, lung cancer, bronchial pneumonia, upper back and shoulder pain, breast cancer, high blood pressure, negativity, fatigue, breathing problems, tension, insomnia, anger, cancer and paranoia.
Listen to those terms: Heart failure, heart attack, lung cancer, breast cancer, high blood pressure, tensions, negativity, anger, paranoia. Those all relate to the emotions or the organs we identify with emotions. It is only when we have related these doorways with the forces that pass through them, that we can begin to make progress in the areas of our most prolific problems.
The Final Three Chakras - Grounding The Spirit
The final three chakras are involved with the grounding of spirit and attaining the maximum connection with the highest guidance and communion with All That Is.
The Fifth Chakra
The fifth chakra is located in the throat area. It is the center for creative expression. It is associated with the speaker challenge, the color blue, the sense of sound, the note "G", the tone "u" as in "blue". It involves the throat, the thyroid, mouth, teeth & gums, trachea, esophagus, parathyroid, the neck vertebrae, and the hypothalamus. It involves the issues of: creativity, choice and strength of will, value fulfillment, personal expression, judgment, faith, and knowledge.
It is not only the "center for creative expression", but the guiding force of that expression, allowing for a direct link between body/mind and spirit. It effects the balancing of the tools of expression and maintains a ideal of focus.
The balanced fifth chakra is characterized by: artistic inspiration and expression, spontaneity and living in the present, good speaking and meditating skills, intuitive, centered, and prolific. Sexual energy is incredible, or it can be channeled into other creative outlets, making abstinence an easy choice.
One would not think that the choice of sexual abstinence would necessarily have a positive result but in this case, that is exactly what happens. The greater the abstinence, the higher the spiritual development, the more positive the expression of spirit. Is there life in the absence of sex? Yes, and most abundantly.
Excessive energy in the fifth chakra involves: being over-talkative, self-righteous, dogmatic, addictive, or arrogant. Sexuality is preoccupying, subconsciously macho and might seek partners that can be dominated. Too little energy results in: intimidation, holding back, unreliable, inconsistent, confusion, devious or manipulative, and having trouble expressing one's thoughts. Sexuality is fearful, tense, and in conflict with cultural teachings.
Here, again, a self-examination of one's personal characteristics can give clues to where greater balance can be achieved. Of course, the primary incentive for achieving that state of balance is the desire to do so, and without that desire, the imbalance and all of its ramifications will remain dormant.
Physical symptoms of disturbances in the fifth chakra include: thyroid problems, sore throat, teeth and gum problems, exhaustion, mental fatigue, skin irritations and rashes, ear infections, laryngitis, and swollen glands.
Any visualization techniques exercised to alleviate these conditions should also include a vision of achieving balance in the chakra to which they are related. In fact, this is a sound suggestion for all consequences of chakra imbalance.
The Sixth Chakra
The Sixth chakra is located in the forehead area. It is the center of intuitive vision and finding meaning through an ever-widening conscious awareness. It is associated with the senses of sight and self-regulation, the color indigo, the note high "A", and the tone "om" as in "home". It involves the brain, nervous system, the eyes, nose, and ears, and the pineal and pituitary glands. It is connected with issues of: the seer, seeking truth, self-evaluation, uniting intellect with emotion, openness to others ideas and feedback.
The connection of the balanced state of this chakra and the sound "om", might suggest that if one were to spend a modest amount of time making this simple sound, he/she might well be enhancing those positive qualities in self that are listed above.
The fully open sixth chakra is evident in: charisma, attunement to universal consciousness, emotional detachment from material things while open to the joy of aesthetic, no fear of death, model of liberation and self-mastery, telepathy and clairvoyance, and a mobile consciousness. Sexuality is spiritual melding, with androgyny attained by both partners, or celibacy and transcendent bliss is substituted.
It is only through the evidence expressed above that we can know that these portals to the higher level of development are truly open and operational. In our current society, the qualities described herein are not always appreciated, especially by those who have no clue as to what is being "described".
An over energized sixth chakra results in: authoritarianism, religious dogmatism, manipulation, and egomania. An under-energized sixth chakra instead brings: lack of self-discipline, fear of success, and a melding with feelings, energies, and identities beyond the personality.
The "over energized" characteristics might be attributed to many of our "so-called" successful political and religious leaders. Unfortunately, these personality types are tolerated (and sometimes admired) by the general population because of a state of imbalance within the general population. This is true of the "under-energized" qualities, as well.
Health conditions that accompany sixth chakra disturbances, include: stroke, brain tumors or hemorrhage, neurological disturbances, blindness or deafness, full spinal problems, seizure disorders and learning disabilities.
In other words, the more egotistical and "uptight" we become about the world around us, or the more insecure we find ourselves to be, the greater likelihood we will develop the above described health problems.
The Seventh Crown Chakra
The seventh, final chakra of the mindscape is located at the crown area of the head. It is the center of spiritual transcendence. It is associated with the transcender challenge, the need for the highest meaning, the color violet, with extrasensory perception, and the transcendent lure of life-long unified self-regulation, the note B, and the tone "e" as in "see". It involves the muscular and skeletal systems and the skin. Its issues are spiritual awareness, mobility of consciousness, conscious creation, faith, inspiration, and cosmic humanitarianism.
As we move toward the greater "opening" of this last chakra, we will begin to feel the peace of mind that can only be associated with our arrival at a complete state of balance. Those not near this state will find themselves feeling uncomfortable around this balanced state and take steps to distance themselves. This is as it should be, for all must travel their own road in their own time.
The fully functional seventh chakra is characterized by purposeful thoughts and actions that lead to the highest ethics and values of natural morality, communion with the divine, the self actualized potential, the endless boundaries of the self concept, miraculous abilities, the humanitarian efforts for the broadest realm of self-expression, faith, courage, compassion and devotion, and a relative absence of negative emotion.
This is often set up as a near unachievable state, but we are much closer to it than we might imagine. A great deal of progress toward the opening of this and the other "chakras" can be achieved effortlessly by the simple act of making a defined request before we go to sleep at night. This technique might appear very attractive to those who indulge in multi-tasking, a term of our modern era.
An over-energized crown chakra brings: constant frustration, unrealized power, frequent migraine headaches, psychosis, depression or mania, destructive impulses, and delusions of grandeur. Sexuality fluctuates between passion and distance. An under-energized crown chakra leads to: indecision, low vitality, and catatonia. Physical symptoms of the crown chakra disturbances include: energetic disorders, mystical depression, chronic exhaustion without any physical source, and extreme sensitivity to all forms of sensory stimuli.
It would seem that any apparent state of personality or physical/mental imbalance can be associated with a state of too open or too closed chakras. With this particular section of the Lessons, we can now identify which chakra point we can direct our attention toward.
Personal Health Care
In light of the reunification of body, mind and spirit, health maintenance becomes the daily care and feeding of the body, and of ongoing refinement of the mindscape to expand the consciousness through the specifications of spirit. As more successful belief structures conduct spiritual energy/information, the chakras that comprise it can open and "spin" freely allowing for the most purposeful, vital, rewarding, and healthy life experience.
The mere exposure to enlightening information regarding the relationship between body, mind and spirit is the initial necessary step in this expansive process. Once initiated, it will become impossible to reverse the course of events. There may be steps backward, but they will be simply detours in the time/space environment. Progress comes as the result of a simple request.
Infant natal charts will include courses of parental actions regarding the specific challenges indicted by genetic strengths, weaknesses and disorders. Individuals can then take the lead at any point which they become conscious enough to recognize their unique sensitivities and life events as relating to the overall challenges of the spirit and any deficits that may be lingering. They can quite literally map the slivers of mind by using the information from the body through the evaluative wisdom of spirit.
No doubt, the above described process will rob the conventional scientists of their own plans to explore and manipulate the information gains through their genetic research. However, as values change and become more spiritually refined, so will the benefits of the knowledge gained through this research.
Enlightened individuals can immediately begin using the mental and physical symptoms to find disruptions in the energy/information flow, and alter the slivers that now stand between the spirit and the person. The spiritual challenges, the physical needs, and the mind's conscious ability to meet them through personally designed willful strategies are all reflected through the various manifestations of the emotional sense, with the spirit pulling humanity toward the highest feeling tones, the broadest mind, and the most vibrant health.
Each state of imbalance offers a clue to what need only be connected through willful intent. A great deal of the energy to carry out the restoration of chakra balance can be carried out while we are in a semi or unconscious state, such as sleep. The process of doing so should be obvious.
The chart below can be of tremendous assistance in analyzing all aspects of every health challenge:
The Chakras Of Mind
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