Meditation provides a much-needed succor to the battered mind and soul. This fact is known for centuries to ancient civilizations, like Hindu. However, the Western world has only just realized the potency of meditation as a means towards a healthy physical and meta-physical existence. Chakra Meditation, also referred to as chakra balancing or chakra healing, is one of the Meditation methods that is most popular the world over purely because of its simplicity and effectiveness in bringing about a change in anyones life.
Chakra Meditation; Basics
Chakra Meditation is the art of balancing and energizing all the seven energy centers in the body, called Chakras, in order to align the flow of energy through them. Heres a brief description of these seven energy centers, or the Chakras:
*Crown Chakra is situated at the top of the head. It is related to the thought element, which governs our wisdom, knowledge, and consciousness.
*Orange Chakra governing your emotions and sexuality is located at the center of abdomen and related to the element Water.
*Solar Plexus governing your metabolism, autonomy and conviction is located just above the naval region and related to the element Fire.
*Heart Chakra governing your general relationships, and feelings of love and compassion is located at the center of the chest and related to the element Air.
*Throat Chakra located at the base of the throat and related to the element Sound. It governs clear communication, creativity, and resonance during our entire lifespan.
*Brow Chakra governing your power of imagination, visualization, and interpretation is located between the brows on the forehead and related to the element Light.
*Crown Chakra governing your wisdom and knowledge is located at the top of the head and related to the element thought.
A concentrated mind working towards the achievement of synchronized movements of these seven Chakras in the body can truly bring incalculable rewards in ones life. The body, mind, and soul would become stress-free and youll emerge as a better-informed human being who can easily see the spiritual side to every materialistic possession in this world. One can also achieve natural healing for bodily and mental ailments just by bringing the seven energy centers in consonance with each other.
Chakra Meditation Techniques
Chakra Meditation, essentially, involves three steps or techniques:
*Grounding Technique. As is evident from its name, the Grounding Technique makes your body feel connected with the Earth. The application of this technique is pretty simple. Just visualize a root growing from your body and entering into the Earth. Easier it may sound, but requires intense concentration and mental awareness while performing the Grounding Technique.
*Centering Technique. This technique is vital as it prepares your body to receive the benefits of Chakra Meditation. Again, the application of this technique is not too difficult. Just take 4-5 deep breaths and feel every body part from head to toe getting relaxed. This process involves tightening and relaxing each body part from toe, and then visualizing the act of a potter who centers a pot on the pottery wheel.
*Relaxation Technique, which is the final step in Chakra Meditation. There is no hard and fast rule to relax your body. Everyone has his or her own method of relaxation.
One of the popular methods of Chakra Meditation is detailed below:
*Sit or lie down in a position that is most comfortable for your body.
*Close your eyes and loosen your clothing. The idea is to be in a natural state without any kind of artificial compulsion on the body and mind.
*Breathe in a relaxed manner, which is neither too fast nor too slow. Let the breath come naturally!
*The next step relates to feeling every part of your body from toe to head in that direction. While your eyes are closed, try to feel everything that you wouldve seen with open eyes, like earth, air, clothes, surroundings etc. The idea is to feel awareness even with closed eyes.
*Initially, your efforts will be met with stiff resistance from negative thoughts and emotions. Dont suppress them! Theyll disappear with time and practice.
*Feel every subtle inner detail and let your awareness travel freely from one body part to the other.
This exercise can be done at any time of the day and for any duration of time. However, the longer the better!