By Arline Rowden

Each chakra could be thought of as containing a library of energetic information. They are being updated continuously, even from one lifetime to another. They also contain energy for potential growth. There is a theory that each Soul is experiencing life on this planet through the current personality. As we learn from experiences we evolve and will eventually become a Master of life on this planet. This happens in a series of steps often referred to as initiations.

There are lessons that we are learning based on the focus of each chakra. Our life experience will reflect where we are in learning these lessons. There are balanced characteristics for each chakra. If you evaluate your life based on the balanced characteristics for that chakra, you will discover if that chakra is out of balance. Once you know which chakras are out of balance, and their related issues, you can begin to take action steps to resolve those issues. That may sound simple but there is often resistance to change.

There are four different streams of energy flowing through each of our major chakras, two vertical and two horizontal. These four streams of energy keep us connected to all that is around us but our aura gives us an opportunity to have a personal space from which to experience our surroundings and come to realizations about these experiences. One of the vertical flows is the energy from Mother Earth or Nature which enters through our root chakra (actually bottom of the feet) and flows upwards through all the major chakras. The other vertical flow starts with energy from higher consciousness flowing into the crown chakra and flows down through all the chakras. There are two horizontal flows, too. We receive energy from others, such as information, emotions, love, touch and more flowing into our chakras. We express our inner energy to others, such as thoughts, creativity, love, touch and more as that energy flows out of each chakra into the world.

When our chakras are functioning as intended, there is an adequate amount of energy flowing in and out and up and down through each of the chakras. Life experiences, our ideals, beliefs and cultural values all affect our chakras. The flow of energy through the chakra can be affected by our wounds and beliefs. Chakra exploration can be a productive way to approach self-discovery, healing and spiritual development.

There are 3 levels of chakra consciousness:

1.The unconscious level is where choices happen instinctively or as a reaction rather than an expression of a thoughtful choice.

2.The conscious level is where we are aware and free choice is available.

3.The superconscious level is where there is no longer the burden of the intense survival issues of staying alive. The super-conscious level of each chakra connects to the Divine and provides the power of superior understanding and action. By recognizing these levels, we can begin to discover where we are in our spiritual development.

You may want to do some writing and meditating about the chakras, spiritual development and healing. If you want a good beginning chakra book, you could check out: The Sevenfold Journey by Anodea Judith & Selene Vega.