Spiritual Alignment - Chakra Centering and Balancing

When you close your eyes and take a deepthe unconditional love of the heart--for self and
breathe, do you feel a sense of serenity, joy, andfor others. This chakra is expansive and the
balance? If so, you may be experiencing anelement associated with this chakra is air. It is
alignment of your chakra centers. The term,related to the concept of self-acceptance. This
"Chakra" refers to energy centers. It is a Sanskritchakra has to do with our social identity. When
word which means vortex or wheel.out of balance we become judgemental of others
There are seven major chakra centers. Theseand are unable to feel another person's pain. We
energy centers regulate the flow of energy orcannot forgive ourselves or others. In balance, this
"ki" in Japanese and "chi" in Chinese throughout ourchakra allows us to love deeply, feel empathy,
bodies. The chakra centers are not of physicaland have a deep sense of peace and serenity.
nature, they exist on an energetic level similar toThe fifth chakra, called the throat chakra, is
our aura. The chakras are aspects of ourlocated in the throat. Its color is blue. When we
consciousness and contain emotional patterns.are in balance this chakra allows us to speak the
The endocrine and nervous systems aretruth of our hearts. It frees the soul to be
connected to the chakra system. When theexpressive and creative. The element associated
chakra center is out of balance, the whole beingwith this chakra is sound. It is related to the
becomes out of alignment. The body reacts andconcept of self-expression. This chakra has to do
our hormones and nervous system react. Itwith our creative identity. When out of balance
becomes extremely important to keep the body'swe hide our feelings and truth. We cannot speak
regulatory systems healthy as well as the spiritualup for what we need and for how we feel. We
body. It is a holistic approach to healing andfeel that we are not creative and we are
balance in our lives.reluctant to express ourselves. In balance, we
The first chakra, called the root chakra, is locatedspeak our hearts and we soar with the electrical
at the base of the spinal column. Its color is red.current of self-expression.
When we are in balance and harmony with thisThe sixth chakra, called the third eye, is located
chakra we feel a sense of grounding on theat the center of the forehead between the brow.
physical plane. The element associated with thisIts color is violet. When we are in balance with
chakra is Earth. It is related to the concept ofthis chakra we become in tune with our intuition.
self-preservation. This chakra has to do with one'sWe let go of reacting from logic or emotions
physical identity. When we are out of balance, wealone. Instead, we become centered and balanced
may be caught up and obsessed with basics suchand our wisdom comes from an intuitive place.
as "How can I make more money" or "I want aThe element associated with this chakra is light. It
bigger house" or "I need to have more" or "Howis related to the concept of self-reflection. This
am I going to make it in this world" In balance,chakra has to do with our archetypal identity. We
this chakra brings health, security, and prosperity.connect to all beings. When out of balance we are
We are calm and assured that our basic needs willshut down from our "knowing self" and instead
be provided.react out of emotions like anger and fear. In
The second chakra, called the sacral chakra, isbalance, we see clearly, and we begin to see the
located just below the naval. Its color is orange.bigger picture. We may become so in tune that
When we are in balance and harmony with thiswe can see the pictures of others...clairvoyant.
chakra we feel a sense of connection to othersThe seventh chakra, called the crown chakra, is
and a feeling of being nurtured. We are in tunelocated at the top of the head. Its color is white
with our desires, sensations and feelings. Theor magenta. When we are in balance with this
element associated with this chakra is water. It ischakra we become connected to the world of
related to the concept of self-gratification. Thisspirituality. We feel a sense of timelessness. It is
chakra has to do with one's emotional identity.the place of the all-knowing. We feel connected to
When we are out of balance, we may be caughtall that is and all that was. The element associated
up in feelings of being alone, and feeling undesiredwith this chakra is thought. It is related to the
and that no one cares. Sometimes we may haveconcept of self-knowledge. When out of balance
a sense of emptiness. In balance, this chakrawe feel isolated and wounded. We feel
brings fluidity and grace, a sense of fulfillment anddisconnected and alone. In balance, we feel a
the warmth of self nurturing and depth of feeling.spiritual connection to ourselves and to all that
The third chakra, called the solar plexus chakra, isexists.
located in the solar plexus just below theTake a moment again to think about these seven
diaphragm. Its color is yellow. When we are inenergy centers of the body. Is there any aspect
balance and in harmony with this chakra, we feelof your being that is out of balance? Do you need
a sense of personal power. We feel free and weto take a moment to reflect on what needs to
feel our own autonomy. The element associatedchange in order for you to reach a greater sense
with this chakra is fire. It is related to the conceptof balance and joy? Will you take the time to put
of self-definition. This chakra has to do with one'syourself into a state of daily meditation in order
ego identity. When we are out of balance, weto maintain a balance in your chakra centers?
may feel anxiety and fear. We may haveWhen the chakra are out of alignment the energy
forgotten the joy of being and the gratitude ofgets "stuck" and you are "out of the flow" this
simple things. In balance, this chakra offers health,can result in physical ailments and disease. The
security, happiness, and prosperity.emotional body and spiritual body must be healthy
The forth chakra, called the heart chakra, isin order to maintain a state of physical prowess
located in the region of the heart. Its color isand health. It's your choice to be healthy and full
green. When we are in balance this chakra opensof joy or not.