Chakra Clearing and Balancing

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “vortex.” The chakras in the human body are subtle energy centers. Hindu mystics numbered the chakras in the body in the hundreds of thousands, which closely align with the meridian system used in acupuncture, shiatsu therapies and Lika healing modalities.

Chakras act as a filtration system that purifies dense physical plane energy into the highly refined spiritual plane that connects us with the source of life itself. It’s important to remember that working with and balancing the chakras can open the way to healing, psychological development and spiritual growth.

There are 7 major chakras that act as receivers and transmitters for subtle energies. Each chakra functions on physical, emotional, spiritual and energetic levels. Balance being one key to health and well-being, when there is imbalance it can manifest in many ways, the most noticeable being a feeling of “something being off.” Clear, functional chakras work effortlessly, distributing energy to, and removing used stale or stagnant energy from the physical organs and subtle bodies that make up our physical body.

When the physical body functions in a state of dis-ease from being overly stress, depressed, fearful, etc., the chakras have difficulty spinning, becoming dysfunctional, unbalanced and clogged with stale and stagnant energy, similar to a clogged artery. Unexpressed emotions, thoughts and negative attitudes can also disrupt or block normal energy flow patterns through the chakras. Eventually the affected chakra(s) may close. When chakras are closed, energy cannot be processed and distributed to the physical body, resulting in localized and or systemic physical problems, discomfort, or illness.

Blocked chakras need healing that can be accomplished by scanning and removing the barrier. Because the chakras work together as a system, a block in the functioning of one chakra may affect the activity of another. Chakra clearing helps transform harmful emotional energy like anger, grief, and guilt into positive energy. Healthy chakras can enhance your general emotional and physical well-being leaving us refreshed and vitalized.

The major chakras:

Root Chakra—located at the very tip of the tailbone. Its color is red and is associated with passion, vitality, desire, and energy. This chakra keeps up rooted in material reality, lending us the power to achieve. Imbalance may manifest as general physical and emotional weakness, anorexia or greed. A person with a healthy root chakra is flexible and able to flow with the changes, balanced and remains grounded during change. You can heal your Root Chakra by taking control of your destiny and make your own choices. A constricted Root Chakra can be congested with conservative, rigid beliefs, hate, prejudice and petty attitudes that rule what we can and cannot do. Every time we affirm our right to the life we desire, we heal the Root Chakra! Know you have a right to joy, happiness, health and a creative existence. You don’t need anyone else’s approval or reasons to make choices that promise you happiness, security and joy!

Sacral Chakra—located around the area of the pubic bone. Its color is orange, associated with joy, and sociability. This is the center of intimacy, sex and creative reproduction of being. The function of this chakra depends on how well we take care of ourselves. We need to know what our boundaries and limitations are so we can use this energy for both daily tasks and to protect us during stressful times. The body needs to be consistently replenished so we can draw on it when needed. If this charka is not replenished it will drain all the other chakras to fill it and eventually deplete the entire energy source of the body. Know when enough is enough. You can dissipate your energy by giving it away to people and situations that are not pleasurable. Knowing how you give your energy away can help you make better choices in how you spend your time. Imbalance may manifest as sexual inhibition or an inability to handle intimacy. It controls our appetites for food, sex and pleasure. If we are too indulgent we burn up energy required by other systems in our body. If we hold back too much energy, we become obsessed on what we can’t have. Finding the balance between being in control and letting go is key to keeping this chakra strong.

Solar-Plexus Chakra—located just above the navel. Its color is yellow and is associated with intelligence, clarity, happiness, and creativity. This is the chakra of your personal power. Imbalance of this chakra may manifest as feelings of worthlessness, discouragement, perpetual uncertainty or a need to control others and events. This chakra is the center of personal identity. The Solar Plexus Chakra rules all aspects of our personality and ego, including our sense of self-worth, self-esteem and personal identity. It influences our personal power and our freedom of choice. This chakra regulates our gut feelings about things and people. Developing our personal power comes from feelings of who we truly are. This power can emerge in any situation and guides us through the complications of life that help us grow and mature. It thrives when we stand our ground. Without life challenges, opposition and resistance from others, our inner determination can’t develop which in turn, develops our personal power. Our true self is the part of us that is always complete and undivided. It is not affected by pain, loss or trauma if we truly know ourselves. It is this awareness of our worth; esteem and true power that makes us radiate and shine in life.

Heart Chakra—located in the middle of the chest—you guessed it—near the heart. Its color is green, associated with healing, balance, harmony, and gentle nurturing. It is the center point of the chakra system and is crucial to maintaining balance. Imbalances of the heart center may manifest through an inability to give and/or receive love, gravitation to co-dependent and other dysfunctional relationships, and depression. The Heart Chakra thrives on joy and delight and it flourishes on openness, sharing, touch and connection. It contracts with pain, loss and trauma. The message of the Heart Chakra is to accept people the way they are and love them anyway because we are all one with life. We forge a strong heart protector by developing a strong sense of love for ourselves that is reflected in setting healthy boundaries and knowing who and what are for our highest good. Once we have created strong protection for our hearts, we develop the pureness and innocence of the heart itself. We can then see the purity and beauty in each individual graced with life.

Throat Chakra—located where the throat meets the chest. Its color is sky-blue or turquoise, associated with friendship, loyalty, open and honest communication. The Throat Chakra gives us the power to express ourselves on every level. To honor this gift fully we must consciously commit to express our truth and individuality clearly and with integrity. The Throat Chakra is the gateway to higher spiritual realms. In esoteric teachings it is known as the “Mouth of God” and is where higher spiritual energy is channeled into the body. This infusion of energy occurs when the mind is free and the spirit is open. The Throat Chakra shuts down from grief, unexpressed feelings like anger and fear, emotional and physical abuse, dishonesty, slandering or gossiping and all forms of substance abuse that pass through the throat damage it including alcohol, smoking, recreational and prescribed drugs and overeating. All these disrupt energy that flows from the lower chakras to Third Eye and Crown Chakras.

Third-eye Chakra—located at the third-eye point in the middle of the forehead. Its color is indigo, associated with deep meditation, high-level intuition, and self-awareness. This chakra provides the energy for us to experience clear and concise thought. It's the root for psychological maturity as well as ethical and philosophical principles. When fully activated this chakra stimulates both hemispheres of the brain. The right hemisphere controls intuitive and creative activity. The left side controls rational and analytical thinking. When they work together a harmonious image of reality is created and consists of grounded, logical thinking and intuitive and imaginative experience. The Third Eye Chakra is the power of the mind to create our reality on the physical, mental and emotional levels. It is the part of the mind where we transform our lives, harness our vitality and carry out our dreams. The Third Eye Chakra helps awaken our minds and question whether what we have been taught is true or false. To fully activate this chakra it’s necessary to examine our self-limiting ideas that belittle our worth. Its spiritual purpose can give us wisdom, discernment, imagination, intuition and knowledge. As we extract the truth from life experience, we develop this chakra and strengthen our spirit. It's important not to ignore your other chakras and work on the Third Eye Chakra exclusively. Doing so can make you feel unbalanced, ungrounded and even delusional!

Crown Chakra—located at the crown of the skull, approximately at the same point as a baby's soft-spot. The color most associated with this center is violet. This chakra is associated with spiritual attainment, silent contemplation, eternal truth, and the highest aspect of one's Self. The Crown Chakra brings us spiritual insights and a greater sense of what we are capable of accomplishing and what our higher purpose may be. For some, this can be seen as a “mid-life crisis” because enlightenment often leads us to reject what we have been and pursuit of what we want to become. In order for the Crown Chakra to be fully operational it isn’t necessary for us to renounce the world and its material temptations. Our goal must be to see the spirit in all life and to understand that we are here on Earth to be happy and fulfill our soul’s longings for love, peace and happiness. When fully activating the energy of the Crown Chakra, we need rest, tranquility and peace in order to contemplate the wonders and mysteries of the divine. By balancing worldly activity with spiritual pursuits we can remain grounded in life, often bringing healing and transformation in subtle ways to our immediate world.

Chakra Healing

This healing exercise is derived from energetic healing practices, lucid dreaming and meditation. Regular practice of this technique and others like it will aid in clearing, healing and maintaining an overall healthy energetic self. Your thoughts are the source of creation, they create your reality. When you have a negative thought, acknowledge it and then substitute it. You are the one with the power to cancel out a negative thought with a positive one by simply thinking again. For some, it’s hard to fully comprehend the concept that everything is made of energy. Atoms and molecules that bounce around at all times are what everything is made of. Scientists have only recently discovered that we can control these atoms and molecules with just our thoughts. Thought is energy in itself and cannot be destroyed, and thought creates everything.

There are many different ways to determine whether a chakra is blocked as well as options for clearing a blockage. The following guided visualization will help you to become more energized and balanced in both your spiritual and material life.

Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Place both feet on the ground and mentally prepare by grounding and centering yourself. Close your eyes and imagine roots growing from your feet into Mother Earth. Focus on grounding and centering yourself by picturing roots extending from your feet into Earth Mother, continue breathing deeply and slowly, breathe in through your nose, hold it briefly, and release it very slowly through your mouth. Repeat this several times then unconsciously continue breathing this way throughout the meditation. If you notice any mind cluttering thoughts, imagine them floating away in a bubble. (Don’t worry if this seems difficult, it takes practice before being able to completely quiet your mind.) Ask your Guides and allies to accompany you on this meditation now.

Envision a beam of protective white light extending down from the Creator. Watch as it rains down on you surrounding and enveloping you in its’ protective radiance. Direct the beam of white light into your crown chakra on the top of your head. This light travels down the center of your physical body, down through your legs, feet, into the earth and then how it effortlessly loops back up to the Creator. See and feel this energy cycle moving through you in a continuously.

Now, concentrate on your root chakra. Visualize it as a magnificent pinwheel-shaped circle of light, glowing ruby red. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While concentrating on this Chakra, feel your connection to the physical world. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are grounded, have the ability to reach your goals and attracting wealth and everything you need for survival.

Move up to your sacral chakra. Picture it as a lovely pinwheel-shaped circle of light, glowing sunset orange. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While concentrating on this Chakra, feel your connection to your confidence, sexual energy, creativity and joy. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are joyful, creative and able to connect with others on an intimate level.

Now bring your focus to your solar plexus chakra. Imagine it as a beautiful pinwheel-shaped circle of light, glowing sunshine yellow. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While focusing on this Chakra, feel your connection to your personal power, purpose and physical body. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are living your life to the fullest and your personal power and willpower is resilient. Now, concentrate on your heart chakra. Visualize it as a stunning pinwheel-shaped circle of light, glowing emerald green. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While directing your attention on this Chakra, feel your connection to your perfect love, compassion and devotion. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are healing, balanced, harmonious, good-natured and nurturing.

Now move up to your throat chakra. Picture it as a luminous pinwheel-shaped circle of sky blue light. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. Feel your connection to your communication center, inspirations and expressions. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you can communicate your thoughts and truth clearly to yourself and others.

Now shift your attention to your third-eye. Feel your forehead release and expand as the intense energy of the violet light courses through this chakra. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While focusing on this Chakra, know that your intuition is activated and you are able to see clearly with your inner eye. Know that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are open and willing to receive intuitive messages and it will be easier to see “psychic visions.”

Bring your focus up to your crown chakra. Feel the crown of your head release and expand as the shining violet-white light courses through this chakra. If it is spinning slowly or not at all, activate the chakra by commanding and visualizing it spinning counterclockwise until it spins freely releasing any congestion. Then command it to spin clockwise and feel the energy vortex swirling with bright red light. See the loop of white light moving through this chakra. If you notice any dark spots, command that they be combusted. Watch the light clear making the chakra even more bright and beautiful. While focusing on this Chakra, know that your connection to Great Spirit is strong. Understand that when this chakra is clear and spinning you are aware that you are loved and important, and that there is no separation, you are connected to all. Know that your spiritual awareness is heightened and you are free of fears.

Bring your focus to all seven chakras, command that they all become the same size, as large or small as you desire. Watch the brilliant wheels of light pulsate and harmonize becoming the same size. Then command that they all spin at the same speed, not too slow, not too fast, the speed that is optimum for you.

Now pause and feel all seven chakras spinning and vibrating with pure energy. Notice the loop of white light and how it’s taking any negativity and blocks down to the earth and back up to the source for cleansing and release. Relish in the vitality this energy is passing on to you for as long as you wish.

Thank all of creation, your Spirit Guides and Allies assisting you in the clearing, balancing and aligning your chakras. Pause a moment and open your eyes and enjoy the peace.

You can repeat this exercise as often as you desire, however, the more often you do it, the better you’ll feel.

Additional info can be found here: http://www.crystalinks.com/chakras.html