In yoga the
spine is considered the tunnel of consciousness. Along the spine we find the
chakras and as we ascend each chakra from the root at the base of the spine to
the top of the head at the crown we raise our level of consciousness from survival
to enlightenment.
To begin we
move up through the spine and past the primitive brain or the limbic system located
at the base of the skull pushing the energy forward toward the frontal lobe or the
point between our eyebrows known as the third eye. This is our intuitive all-knowing
self.
Because of evolution
our level of consciousness is higher than that of other animals. An easy way to
describe this is when a dog is happy they wag their tail which is located at the
base of their spine. When a human is happy they smile and laugh at the top of the
spine. They raise their head and body upward. That is one reason we lift the
spine in yoga. It is to open the tunnel of consciousness.
As the ego moves upward towards the higher chakras
it begins to lose its importance. Now it looks to expand within its own consciousness
not only its happiness, but the happiness of others.
The self-expanding
ego thinks in terms of serving others rather than being served; it self-sacrifices
for the good of many rather than sacrificing for its own good.
The epitome
of this attitude is that of the warrior willing to sacrifice for the good of
many – a selfless person willing to give his or her own life for the general good.
Ideally this person is noble and self-giving. But sadly today many warriors and
even political leaders are self-serving and aggressive. Which warrior are you?
The closer the
ego approaches the higher levels of consciousness it begins to realize that
even noble deeds are self-limiting when coming from ego consciousness. The ego separates
us. The warrior then asks itself – how much good can I accomplish on my own. We
all need each other to raise the consciousness of existence. So this week seek
to raise your level of consciousness beyond the self-serving ego and like the mighty
warrior do something good for the many.
Doctor Lynn
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