The word chakra means “wheel.” In a symbolic sense, it represents the wheel of vitality.
Our bodies are constantly changing, and to live, they must be supplied with energy from three sources. The first is food, the second is air, and the third is vitality from the etheric, astral, and causal layers of our being. We draw energy from the universe just as we draw energy from our food. We also release energy, just as we eliminate waste from our bodies.
The chakras are spinning wheels that both draw energy in and release it. We draw vitality from the causal layer, the focal point of consciousness that carries our personality. We also draw energy from the astral layer, known as the desire body or emotional body. Negative thoughts and emotions produce darker colors in the astral body, and this is reflected in the physical body. That is why, when someone is in a bad mood, they may appear darker or seem to give off a darker energy.
It works like this: We pick up energy, or vibrations, from the energy sources around and outside our physical bodies. If we are surrounded by negative or discordant energy, we can pick it up. We must then spin the wheels of the chakras in such a way as to release that energy and restore balance.
There are seven major chakras connected to the endocrine system and twenty-one minor chakras throughout the body. When the chakras are in balance, our aura becomes lighter. The condition of the aura, also known as the shadow body, is believed to influence the health of the physical body. The aura can be thought of as an eighth chakra because it represents a blending of all the other chakras.
When you walk into a room, you may pick up an energy from another person even before they speak. We call it a vibe or vibration—something we sense as either friendly or hostile.
Pay attention to how you feel when you have finished the class today. Do you feel lighter, more peaceful, and more balanced? If so, your aura will reflect that energy.
Reflection -The Soul and the Body
To fully understand the chakras, we must first understand the relationship between the body and the soul. We often speak of the body as though it is the real self, with the soul as an appendage of the body—almost like a captive balloon floating above us, somehow attached.
According to Karma Yoga, this is an inaccurate description.
We are souls that possess a body—several bodies, in fact, including the etheric, astral, and causal bodies. The physical body is simply the lower level of energy through which we conduct the business of living in the lower world known as Earth.
The chakras are spinning wheels that draw energy in and release energy outward. Be careful with what you draw in and what you throw out.
Ego
Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers. The index finger represents the ego.
The ego believes that it is a body in possession of a soul, with the soul delegated to a lower level than the body. We worry about the body, compare our bodies with others, and continually find fault with and criticize our physical presence on Earth in an attempt to usurp the soul.
Now pull your finger in and place your thumb on top.
Take a breath and surrender to your soul.
The soul quietly reminds us that the physical world is superficial and constantly changing. What matters is allowing the soul to be our guide. If we do, we may discover that the soul has a body—not the other way around.
The energy we take in and the energy we give off help shape the nature of our lives. The chakras are spinning wheels that remind us to seek balance in all things and, in all things, find balance.
Live from your soul, and your aura will reflect it.
Namaste ~ may you walk the paht of life with health, happiness and peace.
Doctor Lynn
