Widespread familiarity with the chakras, has arrived with the popularity of yoga.
Laymen typically consider about seven of the chakras, with a healthy dose of discrepancy over descriptions and interpretations for each.
With this new found fame, many over the top depictions, interesting notions, and new-age gadgets have concurrently flooded the marketplace; and, as one might expect, not all are so helpful. I think it safe to speculate that something quite special is missing. Chakras are a sacred part of our being; a complex and delicate part of ourselves that beg a deeper connection. It is unlikely that purchases of technicolour silkscreens and matching scented candles will assist with any sincere aim to behold them in this light.
Cultivating a positive relationship to one’s chakras is important. Lacking this intention, it is foreseeable that the affliction common to many who gravitate toward self-help trends, known as perfectionism, a kind of violence toward the self, could predictably hijack the initial quest for insight and run amok, sending one trailing downward through years of unproductive fantasy. Within the same realm of misses, over-conceptualisation may have a conjoint effect; often keeping one light years away from genuine experience.
In and of itself, nothing is inherently wrong with reflecting on various maps of the energy system; the practice may be helpful in creating an initial idea. However, if one does not break away from theory (or better yet, begin at the other end—with actual experience), attachment to such models can be imprisoning.
Self-knowledge gained from authentic experience of one’s chakras, can lead to a better understanding of one’s potential, intuition and, subtle energy system. This in turn can lead to greater freedom in one’s life.
Support a healthy relationship with your chakras with these common sense tips.
1. Get grounded. As often as possible, connect to the earth.
2. Focus on the Divine for a few moments each day. Meditate on whatever you consider to be your highest truth or highest spiritual reality. This will assist with your clarity of perception.
3. Be mindful of your breath.
4. Cultivate Body Awareness. Learning how to be in your body is key.
5. Cultivate Witness Consciousnesses. Learn how to feel and notice the sensations in your body without judgement. Honour wherever such feelings and sensations may arise from, even if the origins are unknown. This practice will eventually translate into a heightened awareness of your energy field and chakras.
6. Whenever you are called to feel something, i.e. You are surprised with a gift of flowers, an eagle is spotted during an early morning stroll, something amusing is heard on your car radio, a waiter mixes up your order; Ask yourself; where do I experience the arising feelings in my body? And then, just notice.
7. Remember that your ways of feeling and perceiving are unique.
Through the development of this kind of awareness, you will being to gain an authentic sense of the subtle, multifaceted, structure of your chakras, and how they work together as a unified whole. This will support you in becoming a more fully integrated human being.