Inside every human being there is a network of nerves and sensory organs that interprets the outside physical world. At the same time, within us resides a subtle system of channels and centers of energy (chakras) which look after our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual being.

Each of the seven chakras has several spiritual qualities. These qualities are intact within us, and even though they might not always be functioning, they can never be destroyed.  

When the chakra becomes blocked or only partially opened, a person can feel low on energy, their life might not be going as smoothly as it should be, illness can set in. 

Restoring energy can be a subtle process. You may not be aware of tensions, imbalances, blockages and other energy depleters. Input from others maybe essential to clear and open the chakras.

 

SECOND CHAKRA: Area of the Body: The Sexual Organs
HUMAN TALENT: Creativity
COLOR: Orange
SHADOW EMOTION(S): Passionate manipulation, Guilt
ELEMENT: Water

THIRD CHAKRA: Area of the Body: Navel Center
HUMAN TALENT: Commitment
COLOR: Yellow Shadow
EMOTION(S): Anger, Greed
ELEMENT: Fire

FOURTH CHAKRA: Area of the Body: Heart Center
HUMAN TALENT: Compassion COLOR: Green Shadow
EMOTION(S): Fear, Attachment
ELEMENT: Air

FIFTH CHAKRA: Area of the Body: Throat
HUMAN TALENT: Truth
COLOR: Blue Shadow
EMOTION(S): Denial, Abruptness
ELEMENT: Ether

SIXTH CHAKRA: Area of the Body: Third Eye Point
HUMAN TALENT: Intuition
COLOR: Indigo
SHADOW EMOTION(S): Confusion, Depression
ELEMENT: None

SEVENTH CHAKRA: Area of the Body: Crown of the Head
HUMAN TALENT: Boundlessness
COLOR: Violet
SHADOW EMOTION(S): Grief
ELEMENT: None

EIGHTH CHAKRA: Area of the Body: The Electromagnetic Field (Aura)
HUMAN TALENT: Radiance
COLOR: White
SHADOW EMOTION(S): None
ELEMENT: None

You will notice that the first five chakras are each associated with an earthly element -- earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Most people recognize the first four elements, but are unfamiliar with the term "ether." Ether is a subtle, heavenly energy, beyond the earth. As we move up the ladder of chakras, into the higher mental and spiritual realms, there are no longer earthly elements associated with these chakras.

Lust, anger, greed, pride, and attachment are human qualities that result from the imbalance of the eight energy centers called chakras. When these imbalances settle in, we often experience mental or physical problems.

 

Chakra Balancing Meditation

Choose one or more stones for each chakra. You want to balance all of your chakras, even if you have a particular one to work on. Lie down and place each stone on the appropriate location. I like to hold a clear quartz point and rotate it over each stone, beginning at the first chakra.

Inhale deeply, and as you inhale imagine your breath coming up through the soles of your feet, and filling your body as it rises to the top of your head. As you exhale imagine it traveling back down your body and exiting through the soles of your feet.

After you've practiced this for a while you may want to visualize the color associated with each chakra as the breath travels through the related part of the body.

If you are working on a particular chakra, you may want to create an affirmation related to it. For example, a fourth-chakra affirmation could be "I give and receive love unconditionally." Repeat the affirmation to yourself, visualize yourself flooded with the color rose. Imagine yourself in loving situations.

You can't overdo chakra balancing, and it's a relaxing and simple way to meditate. As you continue to practice it you will find yourself more attuned to your subtle energies. You will become more aware of imbalances before they express themselves physically.