Finding Balance Through The Chakras
Contributor: Jessica Luibrand
Photographer: Taylor Balding
Inventor, physicist and engineer Nikola Tesla once said, “If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” Best known for his contributions to the development of the alternating-current electrical system widely used today, perhaps he wasn’t thinking of the human body when he spoke those words—or maybe he was—but either way, the secrets to our bodies, as well as their growth and wellness, can also be found by focusing on energy. Specifically, the seven chakras.
Chakras, as described in the book Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, are “centers of activity for the reception, assimilation and transmission of life energies.” The word chakra comes from the Sanskrit “cakra” meaning “wheel,” pronounced “chuhkruh.” Inside each of us spin seven of these wheel-like energy centers that correspond to the endocrine glands in an east meets west fashion; each is connected to a different aspect of consciousness, with correlating emotions, colors, sounds, symbols, planets, foods, herbs, gemstones, animals, deities and more.
“As all our action and understanding arise from and return to points within ourselves, our chakras, as core centers, form the coordinating network of our complicated mind/body system,” Judith writes. “From instinctual behavior to consciously planned strategies, from emotions to artistic creations, the chakras are the master programs that govern our life, loves, learning and illumination.”
Interest in the chakra system grew with the New Age movement, but the practice of learning about and balancing the chakras is part of the Hindu religion—specifically the tradition of Tantrik Yoga—and dates back to the Vedas, written between 2000-600 B.C. Other cultures also talk about energy centers similar to the chakras, including a Chinese system with six levels based on the cosmic forces of Yin and Yang, and five energy centers referenced by the Hopi Indians.
Our current focus, however, is the chakra system and understanding what each of these centers at various points in our bodies—from the base of the spine through the crown of the head—represents and learning how to heal and balance each one to keep energy flowing freely through them.
Join us as, over the next few months, we focus on each chakra individually.
Interested in learning more about the chakras? Join us next Wednesday for our Discovering Our Energy Centers class. Space is limited, so sign up now!