The Blog that Launched the Book: Chakra 101

​I am so excited to share with you some of the information that led into writing my first book, Shift Happens! 21 Days to Better Energy Through the Chakras.   Below is the blog that started it all and eventually became the basis of some of the first chapters in the book!  I hope you enjoy! 

Okay, so really, what’s the deal with chakras?  Most people have heard of the word chakra in yoga class or have seen it somewhere, but really don’t have an idea of what the chakras are and the impact that they have on the physical body.  Chakras act as a part of the subtle energy (non-physical) body and serve as the connection portals from the energy body to specific spots on physical body.  Think of a chakra like a faucet, if the chakra is obstructed, it can impede the flow of energy causing blockages and lead to decreased or even no chakra function at all.  Pain, discomfort and dis-ease in the physical body are often found where energy is blocked or stagnant in the energetic body.  Allowing life force energy to properly flow throughout and around our bodies is what keeps us alive and healthy.  This is the same energy that flows throughout every living plant, animal and being in our Universe.

This mystical life force energy that keeps us alive is known by many names, throughout many ancient belief systems: prana in Sanskrit, chi or qi in Chinese and ki in the Japanese tradition.  The word chakra actually translates to “wheel” or “disk” in Sanskrit, referring to their appearance being similar to that of an energetic spinning vortex. Chakras were first described thousands of years ago in the Hindu books of knowledge, the Vedas, but were only brought to the attention of Western audiences within the past century. 

Traditional texts indicate that there may be over 88,000 spinning energy nodes or points across the human body connecting the energetic body to the physical body.  When discussing the chakras, I will be referencing the seven major chakra points that align with the spine on the physical body (unless otherwise noted).  It should be noted that there are approximately 40 secondary chakras that hold special significance and are often referenced in healing work.  

These chakras are located above, below and on certain parts of the body including the hands and feet.  The first three chakras that we will be discussing are the root, sacral, solar plexus chakras, those relating to physical matter or  the body.  The fourth chakra, the heart chakra, acts as a bridge connecting the physical and the spiritual chakras. The upper three chakras (throat, third eye, crown) are connected to Spirit. ​

Each of the seven main chakras connects to a specific level of the person’s energy field or energy body.  In esoteric studies, the energy field is often referred to as the aura.  The aura is actually the electromagnetic field or bio-field of energy that surrounds all living beings.  This measurable energy field can extend four to five feet beyond the physical being.  Much as there are circulatory systems in the body (lymphatic, blood/veins/arteries, etc.), there are circulatory systems in the energetic body called meridians.  Meridians are most commonly recognized from the practice of acupuncture, where needles are placed along the body’s meridians to help unblock energy. 

Imagine this: you’re driving down the highway, truckin’ along, jammin’ out to your favorite music, wind in your hair and all of a sudden you come cruising around a blind corner to see traffic slowing down, stopping you dead in your tracks.  That’s what happens when a chakra is blocked - the energy in your body cannot move and you get caught in an energetic traffic jam somewhere in the body. 

When a chakra is open and spinning at the proper rate, at the correct frequency, energy is able to move freely connecting the energetic and physical bodies. This creates an opportunity for an individual to come into alignment being in tune with their higher self, honoring their mind, body and spirit. Though all the chakras function separately, they are able to operate at their full potential when they are all working cohesively.

Bringing awareness to how energy flows is paramount in understanding how to keep the chakras functioning; and how to keep your body, mind and spirit feeling nourished.  With each breath you inhale, you welcome life force energy into your body, allowing it to flourish throughout your being.  This breath is what nourishes and sustains us, bringing in this beautiful prana.  Maintaining your energy is something to be especially conscious of, as the energy throughout your body is constantly fluctuating with each and every breath.  

The energy around you can affect your chakra, so it is of the utmost importance to be aware of the energies you choose to surround yourself with.  Have you ever noticed how flipping channels on the television instantly changes the energy of the room? The news feels heavy, dense and generally icky to me.  However, nature shows with cuddly, baby animals feel full of love and good energy.  Your energy can be affected by a situation, a place, an emotional upset, or even due to resistance to change. 

Has your stomach ever cramped up before a meeting with you boss? Your solar plexus, center of personal power, likely became tense. Ever been nervous about a conversation and gotten a sore, scratchy throat? That was your body telling you that your throat chakra was not in alignment.  As soon as we are able to bring awareness to a situation we can shift the energy surrounding it. 

Here are some potential benefits that may occur when you start to address your own energy via the chakra system:

• Overall improvement in well-being
• Alleviate physical, mental and emotional suffering
• A renewed sense of authentic self-awareness
• Improved relationships (with others and self)
• Conscious communication
• Joyful self-care
• A sense of ease, safety, joy, trust and peace

Understanding the chakras allowed me to better conceptualize the idea of energy and how it affects my body and daily life. I am excited to share what I have learned on my journey and help others better understand what is happening within themselves.  Please check back soon for additional blogs on each of the seven main chakras! 

Love and Light,
​xo Arielle Sterling 

P.S. Wanting to keep up with my latest blogs and offerings? Make sure to sign up for the mailing list and as my gift to you, receive a FREE Chakra Sound Bath!

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