Seven Wonders of the [Inner] World
The seven wonders of the each of our inner worlds are the chakras, from the base to the crown, they are: root (muladhara), sacral (swadhistana), solar plexus (manipura), heart (anahata), throat (visuhuddha), third eye (ajna) and crown (sahasrara).
Each chakra is associated with its unique color, earth element and chakra design. Additionally, chakra healers will also use crystals, essential oils and sounds in different notes corresponding to certain chakras to relieve imbalances. Though we discussed this in detail during the class, I will refer this chakra table, which seems to sum these points up nicely.
In looking at the chakras in detail, a few points were intriguing;
1. According to Joanne’s teacher, Anodea Judith, the chakra system is a map to help us find our way through life. The chakra system is a map that
“…tells us we are shifting our global operating system from third chakra to fourth chakra. A shift from war to peace, from an ego system to an ecosystem, competition to collaboration, from a chain of command to a web of connection, from markets to networks, and hierarchy to holarchy. And, most important from the love of power to the power of love.” [source –youtube video]
The characteristics of this chakra are akin to the characteristics of a 2 – 3 ½ year old child- one who wants instant self gratification, continues to argue (i.e. it’s mine, no it’s mine, etc.) and basically lives to satisfy various pleasures. I find this fascinating because according to Hindu thought we are now in “Kali Yuga,” an era when humans are very selfish, into self-gratification and contention.
“Kali Yuga is associated with the apocalypse demon Kali, not be confused with the goddess Kālī, as these are unrelated words in the Sanskrit language. The "Kali" of Kali Yuga means "strife, discord, quarrel, or contention." [source]
2. Regarding the top four chakras, the heart, throat, third eye and crown, I find it fascinating that puja (prayer) as done in most Hindu temples or households engages these chakras physically through the placing of holy powders on these chakras when completing prayer. Kumkum (red) powder is often applied on the third eye, and for married ladies, in the part of their hair (closest place on body akin to crown chakra), while men also place sacred ash across their forehead and third eye. Others also place different types of powders or pastes such as sandalwood or turmeric paste on their throat or on their necklace charms (marriage necklace or thali) or on their chest (representing heart chakra) after prayer. I know that placing ash on the forehead helps reduce heat in the Indian sun, and that sandalwood and turmeric paste are also used for cooling purposes, but far as the other powders and pastes used after puja, I am curious to know their medicinal or healing properties and the origin of use on different body parts (or chakra centers).
3. The crown chakra is located above the crown of the head. It is this area that is open if we are spiritual or close to god, and very pure. I find it intriguing that in images of holy people around the world, regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation, that they have a white or glowing light around their head, which I believe is suggestive of the opening of the crown chakra.
Expressing Chakras in the Physical World
After learning the chakra system through the use of the upward chakra current (intellectualizing), we experienced the outward expression of the chakras through various exercises (materializing).
Root Chakra: Do we stand on firm ground? Do we walk feeling the ground or have our head in the clouds? Many of us run from place to place without stopping to smell the roses, so we rarely feel the ground beneath our feet. This proves most of us are not grounded. In the modern world many are thrown off balance if things don’t go ‘as planned,’ or if others threaten us verbally, or if our values are tested. It’s easy to get offended. It’s also easy to be thrown off balance physically because many of us don’t feel our legs and our feet- hence so many problems with restless legs and varicose veins. In the exercises moderated by Joanne, we all tested ourselves and each other on how well we stand our ground by firmly pushing against each others hands and letting go randomly. Following this, a short meditation was done to help us feel the ground with our feet, to feel as if we were growing roots out our feet deep into the ground to feel firmly planted, like a tree.
Solar Plexus: Are we able to claim what’s ours and stand our own ground? We paired in twos and had a scarf, one at each end tugging acting like small children shouting, ‘It’s mine, it’s mine!” This exercise was a bit challenging as many of us adults forget what it’s like to play pretend. For me, this exercise answered the question, “How can the tug of war team with the skinny guy as its anchor win?” There is no need to be heavy or fat to win tug of war. It’s all in how you stand your ground and claim what’s yours. This is where your power comes from.
Heart: This one was the most difficult. We were asked to stand in pairs facing each other, looking into each other’s eyes and put our hand on each other’s hearts to feel the pulse. For me, my partner made it easy. She had forgiving eyes. But, when I tried to focus on the heart beat, I could only feel my own pulse banging against the skin of my finger tips, but after relaxing a bit, I could feel her heartbeat, then I could feel the rhythm of both of our hearts beating, flowing in and out like the ebb and flow of the tides. It was a very memorable moment.
Third eye and Crown: We engaged in a guided meditation with lights dimmed and comfortably lying on the floor with pillows and blankets.
All Chakras: Joanne played snippets of music corresponding with vibrations of each chakra and we each moved our bodies in response. This was difficult for me, not because I was being self-conscious, but because it’s a challenge for me to find rhythm, coordination and grace in my body. (I often wondered how I accomplished the Indian group dance, Thiruvathirakali last year.)
Summing up Chakras
The irony in learning about Chakras, and many philosophies that originated from India in the U.S. is that I rarely learn them from Indians themselves. When I mention to others that even in India people consider these topics (i.e. Chakras, Ayurveda, yoga, reiki, etc.) new age or alternative and many have rejected these modalities for allopathic (i.e. Western medicine) remedies, my American counterparts are in shock. Sure, in India people know about these things deep down, but practicing it takes resources that are in short supply in any country- time, personal energy and money. Just as these modalities in U.S. are considered costly, this is equally true in India. Going to the western doctor not only saves money, but also brain power and time in carrying out the healing advice.
My belief is that once one can fully grasp these philosophies one can understand oneself and others in a deeper, more meaningful way. This kind of understanding can be the best preventative health measure one can rely on over doctors and medicine. Understanding one’s own body and the energies that reside in it is timeless wisdom that can be utilized for the betterment of not only oneself, but all of the human inhabitants of planet Earth.
Thank you for reading!
Part 2 of 2. Concluded. Read part 1 here.
Related Posts/Sites: Joanne Panarisi – Intrinsic Wisdom | History of the Chakra System | Chakra Energy | Chakra Imbalances
This article is inspired by a class I took on Chakras given by Joanne Panarisi.
Joanne Panarisi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Reiki Master Teacher and founder of Intrinsic Wisdom: Healing Mind, Body and Soul. It has been said that Joanne has the ‘soul of an artist”. She offers energy healing sessions, psychotherapy and a variety of classes and workshops to assist others along their path to living consciously.
She is also a student of Sacred Centers (Anodea Judith) on the Psychology of the Chakras, Mind/Body Integration Techniques and Manifesting Through the Chakras, working toward certification as a Chakra Therapist. Anodea is a psychotherapist, healer, teacher, and author who is known internationally for her workshops and books on the chakra system and the mind/body connection.
Most importantly Joanne is a life partner, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and mother to 2 beautiful cats and a dog.
Intrinsic Wisdom: Healing Mind, Body and Soul is located at 675 Panorama Trail Suite 12, Rochester, NY 14625. Joanne can be reached at 585-737-7561 and you may also visit her website at www.intrinsicwisdom.org .