Meditation for Dummies (ISBN by 0471777749)

Author:0471777749)
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: &NEW
Published: 2011-07-01T01:27:53+00:00

19_777749 ch12.qxp 12/16/05 8:14 PM Page 212

212 Part III: Troubleshooting and Fine-Tuning

Seventh chakra

(also known as the ”crown chakra”)

Sixth chakra

(sometimes called the ”third eye”)

Fifth chakra

(also known as the ”throat chakra”)

Figure 12-1:

Here’s a

Fourth chakra

map of the

(also called the ”heart chakra”)

chakras

(energy

Third chakra

centers),

Second chakra

with the

traditional

First chakra

symbols for

each one.

In particular, people who meditate frequently may have a tendency to open their upper chakras (from the heart to the crown) relatively easily, while keeping their lower chakras relatively closed. For example, many people find it easier to have spiritual experiences or feel unconditional love for all beings than to deal with core personal issues like trust, safety, intimacy, and self-assertion. As a result, these lower centers may require special attention and tender, gentle investigation before they open.

Certain meditation techniques aim to awaken the kundalini and guide it through the chakras until it reaches the crown of the head, where it ultimately bursts forth in a moment of powerful illumination. Others work on opening and energizing particular chakras. (For example, see Chapter 10 for meditations that open the heart.) The primary technique I propose in this book, known as mindfulness meditation, doesn’t focus on the chakras at all.

But people who practice mindfulness may experience the opening of particular energy centers as a side effect of their meditative journey.

To help you recognize these openings if and when they do occur, I’ll describe each of the chakras in some detail. (Incidentally, Indian tantra, which has branches in both Hinduism and Buddhism, is not the only tradition to talk about chakras. Jewish kabbalists, Sufi dervishes, and Taoist sages all have their own unique energy systems and centers.) In addition to the experiences described in the bullets that follow, you may feel tightness or constriction in 19_777749 ch12.qxp 12/16/05 8:14 PM Page 213

Chapter 12: Troubleshooting the Roadblocks and Side Effects 213

the area when a chakra is relatively closed and a noticeable increase of energy when it opens.

ߜ First chakra: Located at the base of the spine and connected with issues of survival and safety. When it’s relatively closed, you may feel insecure and ungrounded, possibly even terrified and mistrustful of your capacity to survive. As it opens, you may feel energy flowing down through your body into the earth, accompanied by images and feelings associated with safety and survival as well as an overall sense of stability and trust.

Positive expression: “I’m safe and at home in the world and in my body.”

ߜ Second chakra: Located in the lower abdomen about 2 inches below the navel; connected with issues of sexuality, creativity, and emotional attachment. When it’s relatively closed, you may feel ashamed of your body, sexually inhibited, and emotionally disconnected from others. As it opens, you may experience a rush of sexual feelings or imagery, including possible images of past abuse or dysfunction, as well as a sense of potency, playfulness, and flow with others. Positive expression: “I’m a creative, sexual, emotional being.”

ߜ Third chakra: Located at the solar plexus just below the diaphragm and connected with issues of interpersonal power and authenticity.

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