Our Intricate Layers

A Guide to our Chakras and Energy Bodies

The ancient wisdom of the chakras has been embraced by cultures around the world for centuries. These energy centres within our bodies play a vital role in our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.  We hear lots about the 7 main chakras, but less about the 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, in this article we will delve into the realm of all 12 chakras and the 5 energy bodies, to give you a greater understanding of our energy centres and your aura.  We will explore their unique qualities, significance, and how you can harness their power to achieve balance and vitality.

Chakras are energy wheels, there are 7 main chakras that run the length of our spine.  Each chakra is associated to a colour and is linked to certain parts of the body and emotions.  When one or more of our chakras are blocked it causes emotional and physical dissonance.  This usually occurs when we do not process negative emotions and supress them instead.  Negative thoughts, feelings and emotions can be caused by many things, and what impacts one person, may have zero effect on the other.  The impact an event or something someone says to us varies based on things that have already happened to us, not just in this life but in all of our past lives, it can even be linked to ancestorial trauma that has been carried through our lineage.  The point is when something impacts us negatively, if left unprocessed, it can cause a block in our energy system and centres.  Happily, there are lots of ways we can move negative energy along and out of our sacred system. 

Let’s first take a closer look at the 7 main chakras and what they are associated with.

ROOT CHAKRA
Muladhara

Located at the base of our spine, this chakra is associated with the colour red, and is linked to your tailbone, legs, feet, bladder and the large intestine. Muladhara represents our foundation and connection to the physical world. It is associated with stability, grounding, and a sense of security. When balanced, it instils a sense of safety and helps us feel rooted in our lives. When blocked we can feel fearful, anxious, ungrounded or disconnected from your body. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature can help activate and balance the root chakra.

SACRAL CHAKRA
Svadhisthana

Located about 2 inches below our navel, this chakra is associated with the colour orange, and it is linked to your reproductive organs, spleen, gallbladder, and kidneys. It governs our emotions, creativity, and sensuality. It is the center of our passion and pleasure. When this chakra is in harmony, we experience a healthy flow of emotions, creativity, and a balanced approach to our relationships. When blocked we can experience a lack of creativity, low libido, difficulty expressing emotions, or feeling emotionally numb. Engaging in creative pursuits, connecting with our emotions, and practicing self-care can help balance the sacral chakra.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
Manipura

Located at the top of our stomach, this chakra is associated with the colour yellow, and it is linked to your digestive system, small intestine, and pancreas. This energy centre is all about personal power, self-confidence, and inner strength. It governs our willpower and motivation. A balanced solar plexus chakra empowers us to take action, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate a strong sense of self. When blocked we can experience low self-esteem, lack of confidence, indecisiveness, or feeling powerless. Practices like meditation, breathwork, and affirmations can enhance the balance of this chakra.

HEART CHAKRA
Anahata

Located in the centre of our chest, this chakra is associated with the colour green, and it is linked to your lungs, shoulders, arms, hands, and the thymus gland (power house for your immune system). It represents love, compassion, and emotional healing. It is the bridge between the lower and upper chakras, connecting our physical and spiritual selves. When the heart chakra is balanced, we experience deep love for ourselves and others, forgiveness, and a strong sense of interconnectedness. When blocked we can find it difficult to give or receive love, feel emotionally closed off, or hold grudges. Cultivating gratitude, practicing acts of kindness, and engaging in heart-opening exercises can nurture the heart chakra.

THROAT CHAKRA
Vishuddha

Located in the throat centre, this chakra is associated with the colour blue, and it is linked to your mouth, tongue, gums, neck and glands. the throat chakra governs communication, self-expression, and authenticity. It enables us to speak our truth and express ourselves creatively. When balanced, it allows for clear and effective communication, both with ourselves and with others. When blocked you can experience difficulty expressing yourself, fear of public speaking, or feeling unheard. Singing, chanting, journaling, and practicing mindful communication can help balance and activate the throat chakra.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA
Ajna

Located between the eyebrows, this chakra is associated with the colour indigo, and it is linked to your ears, nose, throat and brain. It represents intuition, inner wisdom, and spiritual insight. It is associated with our ability to see beyond the physical realm and tap into our intuition. When balanced, it enhances our clarity, intuition, and connection to our higher self. When blocked you can experience a lack of clarity, difficulty making decisions, or feeling disconnected from your intuition. Meditation, visualisation, and deepening our spiritual practices can help activate and align the third eye chakra.

CROWN CHAKRA
Sahasrara

Located on the top of the head, this chakra is associated with the colour purple, and it is linked the nervous system and pituitary gland. It is the gateway to our spiritual connection and higher consciousness. It represents our divine nature and connection to the universe. When the crown chakra is balanced, we experience a sense of oneness, spiritual awakening, and a deep connection to our purpose. When blocked we can experience feeling disconnected from spirituality, a lack of direction, or closed-mindedness. Meditation, prayer, and engaging in activities that uplift our spirit can help balance and activate the crown chakra.

Now let’s take a look at the lesser known aspect of our chakra system beyond these seven centers and explore the 8th to 12th chakras, their significance, and how they can contribute to our spiritual growth and wellbeing.

THE 8TH CHAKRA
Soul Star Chakra

The 8th chakra, also known as the Soul Star Chakra, is located above the crown chakra. It is associated with the soul's purpose, divine connection, and higher consciousness. Activating and balancing the Soul Star Chakra can help us align with our soul's mission and access higher realms of wisdom and guidance.

THE 9TH CHAKRA
Spirit Chakra
The 9th chakra, known as the Spirit Chakra, is located above the Soul Star Chakra. It represents our connection to the divine and the universal consciousness. Activating this chakra can deepen our spiritual awareness and facilitate a stronger connection to our spiritual guides and teachers.

THE 10TH CHAKRA
Stellar Gateway
The 10th chakra, called the Stellar Gateway, is located above the Spirit Chakra. It is associated with cosmic consciousness, divine love, and unity with all beings. The activation of the Stellar Gateway can expand our perspective beyond the individual self and connect us to the infinite and interconnected nature of the universe.

THE 11TH CHAKRA
Universal Gateway
The 11th chakra, known as the Universal Gateway, is located above the Stellar Gateway. It represents the threshold between the physical and spiritual realms. Activation of the Universal Gateway can deepen our spiritual gifts, intuition, and psychic abilities, allowing us to access higher dimensions of knowledge and understanding.

THE 12TH CHAKRA
Divine Gateway
The 12th chakra, also referred to as the Divine Gateway, is the highest chakra in this expanded system. It is located above the Universal Gateway and is associated with pure divine consciousness and enlightenment. Activation of the Divine Gateway can lead to profound spiritual transformation, transcending the limitations of the ego and experiencing oneness with the divine.

To engage with these higher chakras, there are various practices and techniques you can explore such as, meditation, regular meditation can help activate and balance the higher chakras. Specific guided meditations or visualisations focusing on each chakra can be beneficial. Energy Healing, receiving energy healing modalities such as Reiki, EFT or working with a skilled energy healer can assist in clearing blockages and balancing the higher chakras. Crystal Work, crystals like amethyst, selenite, and clear quartz can be used to support the activation and alignment of the higher chakras. Placing these crystals on the corresponding chakra points during meditation can be helpful. Intuitive Development, developing and trusting your intuition can further open up pathways to the higher chakras. Practices such as journaling, dreamwork, and connecting with nature can enhance intuitive abilities.

While the traditional seven chakras form the foundation of our energetic system, exploring the 8th to 12th chakras can provide a deeper understanding of our spiritual nature and connection to the divine. By engaging with these higher chakras, we can expand our consciousness, tap into our innate spiritual gifts, and experience profound transformation on our spiritual journey. Remember to approach this exploration with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to embrace the limitless possibilities of our spiritual existence.

THE 5 ENERGY BODIES
Aura

Beyond our physical form lies a complex and interconnected web of energy that shapes our experiences and perception of the world. The concept of the five energy bodies offers a profound understanding of our multidimensional nature and the various layers that make up our energetic being. In this blog, we will delve into the realm of the five energy bodies, exploring their significance, functions, and how they contribute to our overall well-being and spiritual growth.

PHYSICAL BODY
Annamaya Kosha

The physical body, represents the temple that houses our soul. It is through this body that we experience the tangible world, with all its sensations and experiences.

ENERGY BODY
Pranamaya Kosha

The energy or vital body, is the life force that flows within us. It is the source of our vitality, connecting us to the universal energy and keeping our physical body alive and vibrant.

MENTAL BODY
Manomaya Kosha

The mental body, encompasses the realm of thoughts, emotions, and intellect. It is through this body that we perceive, process, and interpret the world around us, shaping our understanding and actions.

WISDOM BODY
Vijnanamaya Kosha

The wisdom or intuitive body, goes beyond the realm of the mind. It is the seat of higher knowledge, intuition, and spiritual insights. This body allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and connect with the universal consciousness.

BLISS BODY
Anandamaya Kosha

The bliss or spiritual body, represents the ultimate state of being. It is the deepest layer of our existence, where we experience profound joy, peace, and oneness with the divine. This body transcends the limitations of the physical world and opens us up to the infinite possibilities of spiritual awakening.

The understanding and exploration of the five energy bodies provide us with a holistic approach to wellbeing and personal growth. By acknowledging and nurturing these layers of our energetic being, we can achieve a harmonious balance in our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. Engaging in practices that support the health and vitality of each energy body, such as yoga, meditation, energy healing, and self-reflection, can help us tap into our full potential and live a more vibrant and fulfilling life. Embrace the journey of exploring and nurturing your energy bodies, and unlock the transformative power they hold on your path to self-discovery and spiritual evolution.

Spiritual Awakening

A Journey Within

In the realm of personal growth and self-discovery, spiritual awakenings hold a profound significance. These transformative experiences have the power to awaken us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

My spiritual journey started a couple of years ago, I have always felt a knowing, a knowing that there is more, a knowing that something was missing for me, like a part of me already remembered what that more was. Until I started my spiritual practice I had always had a feeling best described as home sickness. Now I have reconnected to my inner knowing, and have a deeper understanding, that feeling has lessoned considerably. Although my consciousness has shifted and my understanding of ‘source’ and ‘souls’ has deepened, I choose to be grounded and fully present in the life I am living right now. I only allow myself to connect to source when I am meditating or being guided to help others.

So what is a spiritual awakening? It is a profound shift in consciousness that goes beyond the boundaries of religious beliefs or dogmas. It is a personal and unique experience that can occur spontaneously or be triggered by specific life events, such as loss, trauma, or deep introspection. At its core, a spiritual awakening invites us to question our beliefs, identities, and the nature of reality itself.

While spiritual awakenings vary from person to person, there are some common signs that indicate one may be experiencing this transformative journey. These signs include a heightened sense of awareness, a deep longing for meaning and purpose, a shift in values and priorities, increased sensitivity, and a desire for inner peace and connection.

The process of spiritual awakening is often described as a journey of self-discovery, introspection, and inner growth. It involves shedding old patterns, beliefs, and attachments that no longer serve us and opening ourselves up to new ways of being and perceiving the world. This process can be both liberating and challenging as we navigate through periods of confusion, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval.

Spiritual awakenings have the potential to bring about profound changes in various aspects of your life. They can lead to a greater sense of purpose and clarity, enhanced intuition, deepened relationships, increased compassion and empathy, and a greater alignment with one's authentic self. However, it is important to note that the journey of awakening is not always smooth, and you may encounter resistance, fear, and uncertainty along the way.

To nurture and integrate the process of spiritual awakening, individuals can engage in various practices that support their inner growth. These practices may include meditation, mindfulness, journaling, connecting with nature, engaging in creative expression, seeking guidance from spiritual teachers or mentors, and cultivating self-care and self-compassion.

Not sure where to start? Why not sign-up to my Unplug & Relax Retreat Day, I will hold space for you and guide you through meditations, past life regression and exercises to help you reconnect to your inner-self.

Here are some great books I recommend to help you on your journey.

The Power of Self-Compassion

Embracing Kindness Towards Ourselves

As a self-confessed, self-abuser, I am passionate about self-compassion. I can still remember the first time I looked at myself in the mirror and truly saw myself, not my preserved flaws or imperfections. I had just attended a Paul McKenna seminar, I caught a glimpse of myself as I walked by a mirror in the ladies loo, for some reason I stopped, leaned in and really looked at myself in the eyes. My heart broke for her, for the years of unkindness, physical and emotional abuse I had inflicted on her. I made a promise to myself there and then to do better, to be nicer, and to be less judgemental. I would love to say that was it, I never had another unkind thought about myself, never made another harsh judgement, but that’s not the case. It took a lot of tapping (EFT), a lot of journalling, a lot of affirmations, and a few good therapy sessions with my wonderful mentor, to break the patterns of self-abuse and release the limiting beliefs that most definitely did not serve me.

I now fully embrace self-compassion, I interrupt any unkind thoughts, on the rare occasion they try to intrude, with the words from Louise Hay’s book - You Can Heal Your Life “I APPROVE OF MYSELF.” I say kind things to myself when I look in the mirror, and I give myself grace when I make a mistake. I cheer myself on when I have a great idea, and I celebrate my wins. I would say hands down the most powerful thing I have done for me, is to walk away from people who cannot be happy for me, and who do not want the best for me. Self-compassion has made me less tolerant of other people’s bullshit, purely in a way of not allowing or wanting to be around it. I always wish them well, and hold no anger in my heart. Like the limiting beliefs I put up with for so long, I simply release them without judgement.

There are three key elements of self-compassion, self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. It is not about self-indulgence or self-pity, it is about treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, acknowledging our imperfections, and embracing our humanity. It provides a foundation for resilience, wellbeing, and healthy relationships with ourselves and others.

Self-Kindness: This involves being gentle and understanding towards oneself, especially during times of difficulty or failure. It means offering ourselves support and encouragement instead of self-criticism or judgment.

Common Humanity: Recognising that we are not alone in our struggles and suffering. Understanding that everyone experiences pain, setbacks, and challenges in life. Embracing the shared human experience helps us cultivate greater compassion for ourselves and others.

Mindfulness: Being aware of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a non-judgmental and accepting way. Mindfulness allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in self-critical or self-destructive patterns. It helps us stay present and connected to our own needs and emotions.

Practicing self-compassion involves cultivating a mindset of self-care, self-acceptance, and self-encouragement. It can be nurtured through various techniques, some of which I have already mentioned, such as tapping, journaling, self-reflection, and seeking support from others. Meditation and using enquiry oracle cards are also great tools to develop self-compassion. Most importantly pay attention to your inner-bully, interrupt those thoughts before they get a chance to deepen those pathways and beliefs. Use self-help tools, I have listed some steps below, or seek help from a practitioner to recode those negative thoughts once and for all.

The benefits of self-compassion are huge and include, increased resilience, improved mental wellbeing, enhanced self-acceptance, and stronger relationships.

Increased Resilience: When we practice self-compassion, we cultivate a supportive inner environment that allows us to bounce back from setbacks and failures with greater resilience. It helps us embrace our imperfections and learn from our mistakes, rather than being consumed by self-criticism.

Improved Mental Wellbeing: Self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. By offering ourselves kindness and understanding, we create a nurturing space within our minds that promotes emotional well-being and a positive outlook on life.

Enhanced Self-acceptance: Self-compassion allows us to embrace ourselves fully, including our flaws and vulnerabilities. It helps us let go of unrealistic expectations and fosters a sense of self-acceptance, leading to a healthier self-image and improved self-esteem.

Stronger Relationships: When we extend compassion to ourselves, we become more understanding and empathetic towards others. By cultivating self-compassion, we can develop deeper connections and healthier relationships, as we approach others with kindness and without judgment.

Here are some great tips on how to get started with your self-compassion journey.

Mindful Awareness: Start by becoming aware of your self-critical thoughts and judgments. Practice mindfulness to observe your inner dialogue without getting caught up in it. Recognise that these thoughts are not facts and challenge them with kindness and understanding.

Self-Kindness: Treat yourself with the same compassion and care you would offer to a loved one. Practice self-soothing and self-nurturing activities, such as taking warm baths, practicing self-care rituals, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Mirror work, positive affirmations and tapping are all great too.

Embrace Imperfection: Embrace the reality that perfection is an unattainable goal. Instead, focus on self-improvement and growth. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes with a compassionate mindset.

Seek Support: Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you. Seek out therapy, support groups, or trusted friends who can provide guidance and encouragement on your self-compassion journey.

Self-compassion is a powerful tool that allows us to navigate life's challenges with kindness, understanding, and resilience. By embracing self-compassion, we can cultivate a deep sense of wellbeing, improve our relationships, and foster a positive outlook on life. Remember, self-compassion is not a destination but a lifelong practice that requires patience, self-awareness, and a commitment to treating ourselves with the love and kindness we truly deserve. Let us embark on this journey of self-compassion and create a world where kindness towards ourselves is celebrated and cherished.