meditation

How do you connect chakras
the energy centres of the body in Eastern tradition
and flowers
pretty
ephemeral
bright
cheerful manifestations of nature?

…by way of color therapy.. yoga energy balancing techniques…meditation… and a simple way of making yourself feel better and reenergized even if you don’t really believe in any of the above.

There are seven main chakras (as well as several others) in a line from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and one more newly recognised chakra just above the head which I believe is important. Each one is associated with various areas of physical
emotional and spiritual well-being. When the energy flow in one becomes blocked it can result in certain symptoms and vice versa. By keeping the chakras open and the energy flowing
we can maximise our body’s ability to keep well and heal itself.

One way of stimulating energy flow is by a simple visualisation. Each chakra has a colour of the spectrum linked to it. Focus on that colour and imagine that colour light pouring into the chakra and saturating it in pure coloured light
then visualise the chakra as a spinning disc of colour. Take 2 or 3 deep breaths as you do so. You can also repeat a mantra or affirmation to intensify the positive energy you are creating. Work through each chakra (see below for summary) in turn from Root to Crown to rebalance your whole energy level.

So what about the flowers? Whatever you use to visualise the colour would work
paint swatches
coloured stones or crystals
an image in your minds eye
but beautiful photographs of flowers saturated in the pure colour of each chakra can bring some extra flower energy into your life as well.

Flowers raise the vibrational energy around them
which is why they have long been associated with celebrations
brought as presents to new mothers
sick people
loved ones. Weddings and funerals are lavish with them. We are rarely aware of the spiritual connection these days
we just know that flowers cheer people up and make them feel glad. So flower photos as visualisation aids make sense and are beautiful to have around. www.aflowergallery.com has a whole section devoted to chakra flower photos.

There are books written about the chakras going into far more detail than there is space for here
as it is a deep and complex subject
with infinite
individual interpretations
but here is a basic
brief summary of the chakras and their associated areas and colours.

1. Root - Red
Situated at the base of the spine.
Emotional grounding and ones roots. The excretory and reproductive systems and the immune system.
Mantra “I am in touch with the earth
my roots”

2. Sacral – Orange
A hands breadth down from the belly button.
Sexuality
creativity
financial issues
honour and ethics
one to one relationships.
Genital and urinary systems
bladder and prostate.
Mantra “I am a creative
sexual being”

3. Solar Plexus – Yellow
Over the solar plexus at the bottom of the rib cage.
Self-esteem
self-confidence and how you see yourself.
Digestive system
worries and fears
the stress of responsibility.
Mantra “I believe in myself”

4. Heart – Green
Over the heart.
Love
forgiveness
unconditional love. Relationships.
Circulatory and immune systems. Heart and lungs. Loneliness.
Mantra “I can give and receive love”

5. Throat – Blue
Centre of the throat
Communication
self-expression and will power.
Thyroid problems
sore throats
addictions(due to lack of will)
Mantra “I speak my truth”

6. Brow - Indigo
Centre of forehead
Intuition
intellect and mind
inner vision.
Brain and nervous system
eye problems.
Mantra “I see clearly”

7. Crown - Violet
Top of head.
Spiritual awakening
search for meaning. Our relationship to our spirit and God.
Central nervous system
overwhelming fatigue.
Mantra “I believe”

8. Soul star – White/crystal
Directly above the crown
about two hand’s breadths from the head
Awareness of ones soul and its connection to the conscious self.
Gives perspective on life and ability to see seemingly random positive or negative events as part of the soul’s journey.
Mantra "I transcend"

This is a personal
simplified interpretation of the chakras. Use it as a stepping stone to finding out more for yourself.

Copyright Kit Heathcock 2005