March 26 Class Summary -Solar Plexis Chakra-

Tonight we are continuing our series on the Chakras. Sunset has prepared another presentation for us which I will be typing into the room. Based on the book Wheels of LIfe by..... Anodea Judith.

SOLAR PLEXIS Chakra

The chakra we are discussing tonight is the third chakra, the Lustrous Gem, in Sanskrit is called Manipura. Represented by the planets Mars, and the Sun. This chakra is located in between the naval and solar plexus.

The element associated with this chakra is fire! In the first chakra we felt the stability of the earth, in the second we embraced the polarity consciousness experiences in movement and desire.

Here, in the third chakra, we use the passive nature of the first two chakras, to merge and ignite in power with the force of will to create with higher purpose. This chakra is also associated withtransformation. The visualization of cycles is important here. Creation, destruction, and rebuilding are the circular motion of these lower chakras, and are carried out with the tempered will of force or power that is representative of this chakra.

Changing of beliefs, behaviors and true change are manifested here through will or need for higher purpose...evolution. The inner states associated with joy,laughter and anger. The joy of seeing your desires manifested into something you can create is very liberating, or laughter can be a great way to relieve stress of exerting large amounts of energy, or of releasing disappointment.

Anger, exerted or expressed in a healthy way can take creativity or disappointment to another level of expression through redirection and temperance of force, or re-direction of will. When anger is expressed in an unhealthy way, anger can lead to misuse of force, whether by hurting yourself in some way, or someone else.

The exertion of force can cause abuse or abuses of many kinds, creating a feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, depression,lack of direction for desire, which are all symptoms of this chakra being restricted. Engaging in abusive behaviors or activities can literally cut off your energy supply, leaving you in the cycle of creation, destruction, and rebuilding, leaving you cut off from higher more gratifying realms of love, communication, intuition and spirituality.

Empowering yourself, and believing in yourself, your self worth, and ability to make your dreams come true, your deepest desires a reality, are the true power behind this chakra. Allowing your inner self the ultimate joy of creation with love, temperance and higher purpose gives consciousness expression through harnessing the true power within your own creative desires. The verb for this chakra is " I can". You have the power to be...everything you ever desire. However, you have to be able to have overcome the demons of the first two chakras..fear and guilt..which affect your self esteem that emerge in the way you exert power, or weather you stay open to receiving energy from other higher sources of energy that replenish you.

If you aren't feeling grounded in yourself, and comfortable with the constant movement of change, emotions and desires...the third chakra can be a place of confusion instead of joy. If you are missing one aspect..none will work...all will stay passive...you will have desire with no place to go..you will have stability and desire with no energy if you don't believe you can do something.

The interdependence of the chakras creates a unity and also represents autonomy at the same time..each with a specific purpose unifying the whole. This is the fire that fuels your body, your metabolism, if you aren't stomaching something in your life..it will manifest itself in this chakra . . diabetes, intestinal problems, ulcers..hypoglycemia..are evidence of dysfunction here.
The chakra is represented by the stones amber, topaz, yellow citrine, and rutilated quartz. The sound sight for this chakra is Ram. A wonderful visual meditation is closing your eyes..andimagining the sun sitting on the tip of your nose..radiating light into your body through the third eye, creating thought, which is then manifested through the downward current of the chakras to the lustrous gem for creation.


Brief Discussion:

James: Ok :). This was alot of information. Seems there is alot of talk of "will" with this chakra.
Alite: Yes.
Sunset: well the book talks about will propelling desire. That tempered with force it combines movement and stability to create fire..the lustrous gem.
Alite: It is the chakra where the emotions, mood, self control and confidence are located
Sunset: it reminded me a lot of synchronicity. yes alite..self esteem and confidence is a big thing..if you don't have it..how can you manifest your dreams? desires? The truest part of our hearts? On the cd i have from deepak chopra..it also said this was the seat of the self. I believe
Alite: If you don't have it then it would mean that your Solar Plexis needs to become balanced then all your desires and dreams within your truest part of the heart can manifest.
James: I always associated it with ego, and control.
Alite: When the Solar Plexis is out of balance the ego becomes bigger and control diminishes
Maj: on the polar opposite, it can be low esteem, and lack of control
Alite: Balance is always important. That is why meditation is so important in our daily lives.
Sunset: i think you are absolutely right alite. I think this chakra fires energy up to the other chakras as well as down.
James: So how do we keep this chakra healthy Sun?
Sunset: if something isn't sitting well in your life.. it stays here. a ball of energy in your stomache until you release it. positive affirmations are wonderful. creative visualization is great.. because it sparks your desire to create.
James: ::smile::
Sunset: believing you can conquer anything, laughter, creating joy..all fall in this chakras postiive side. creation is supposed to be an amazing thing. a gift we all have..we are creators
James: yes
Sunset: and we are also co creators
Alite: I was just thinking of something Dr. Dyer said on PBS yesterday. Amazingly I have been telling people the same thing in my chat room all last year and he just restated it again.
James: what is that?
Alite: God made us perfect beings. We can not be less then perfect. When we see that we are beautiful and perfect and just as we should be then life can be wonderful. Heh. He also said the EGO is simply Edging God Out.
James: lol
Sunset: well i think in the middle of everything it's quite hard to remember that despite challenges..we are and will always be whole that whatever we are facing is meant to help us realize what we don't know.. that in reality ..we really do know hehe
James: interesting how that can be so true yet we can be so oblivious to it
Sunset: well sure. because when we are in the middle of something..it's hard to find a higher purpose or to click on that light of consciousness to say hey..i'm being taught something right now
Maj: VERY true
Sunset: we react with feeling that causes emotion..which have a momentum all on their own and soon we are thinking of the past or wandering into the future or worrying about things we have no control over.
Alite: Which is the reason balancing the Solar Plexis is so important.
Sunset: yes..because ultimately the power is within you and always has been
James: It all needs to be balanced.
Alite: Yes of course James.
Sunset: the power is in the present moment where you have the ability to create with power
James: Its amazing how all these aspects fit together.. What I affectionately call "spiritual plumbing" is so fascinating when you see how it all flows.
Sunset: hehe that's cuteJames: pass the drano
Sunset: well.. i think healing ourselves is always ..ever something we have control overJames: We are going to also be covering the channels that connect the chakras and the energy flows Sunset: i think a lot of this has do with intent that directs your desire..
James: Intent is very powerful.
Sunset: the ones you focus on the most or limit your thoughts to create the most potential within.if you think of it like a journey usually when you head out someplace you prepare for the trip. by taking whatever you might need for yourself, snacks, a road map, an emergency roadside assitance card. and of course you want your car to be in great condition and an oil change..tune up well what happens when you forget the map? or you forget your drivers license...or your spark plugs aren't working right? you become disturbed..you worry.. you are creating that which you are lacking by perpetuating thoughts along the line of the things that are missing. so what's gonna happen when you are thinking like that? are you really going to have a good trip?
James: what you fear
Sunset: is your car going to work right? are you going to get a ticket for not having your driverslicense if you get pulled over?
Maj: so the 3rd is about manifesting then?
Sunset: yes very much so. if you have a lack....you can't think of the lack andcreate abundance
James: we draw to ourselvse what we focus on
Sunset: you can't say i want more money and think..i don't have any money. you have to think of things that bring you in vibrational alignment to your desire. like getting to your destination safely and how beautiful the view is. ok i need to stop we have to meditate
Maj: LOL
James: meditation break lol


Group Meditation:

We have time for a quick one...then maybe we can address Tao's comment.
Sit comfortably and relax.. breathing deeply and smoothly.
Let the cares of the day fall away.
Let the stillness settle over you.
Feel a warm peaceful energy fill you as you inhale.
Breathe out all tension.
Breathing in universal energy.
Breathing out all heaviness.
Feel the peace filling and opening your heart space as you inhale.
Exhale anything that is blocking that peace.. release it.
As your body becomes still, let your field of consciousness also become still.
Like a pond of water becoming a mirror in the stillness.
Feel the peace as you inhale this energy.
Feel your heart space opening like a flower to the sun.
Taking one final deep breath and releasing, let us bring this meditation gently to a close.

March 19 Class Summary -Sacral Chakra-

BRIEF DISCUSSION:

Sunset : tonight we have a wonderful continuation of the upward ascension through the chakras
James : Sunset has provided another wonderful write-up on which I will play into the room once we start. Any questions about meditation. or any experiences you would like to share?
Sunset : well the chakras actually flow upward and decend at the same time haha
James : yes
Sunset : exactly what is required for meditation..fifteen minutes twice a day or thirty minutes?
James : Sunset, twice a day seems to work better because if you end day with meditation, you wake up in a state much easier to jump right back in... But for our purposes, we are recommending at least once per day to sustain the inertia. Sunset, I know you have been trying for twice a day.. does it make a difference for you? over once?
Sunset : yes it does..but there have been days where i end up doing it just once and it feels different
James : The momentum is so important here, so you need to find what sustains that for you.
Sunset : i feel like i missed the boat on those days..it's not the same kind of energy....not as sustaining but my meditations are done at odd hours when kids are in bed or after i get one off to school but i have noticed such a sincere difference in being able to feel more integrated..more focused..a better vibration
James : It really does change the tone of everything.
Sunset : well for someone who never knew what meditation was until i learned about this class it has been a true blessing in my life it's been a fun exploration
Emerging : it makes a world of difference, doesn't it?
James : Very happy to hear that Sun..
Sunsetn : it really does it changes your perceptions..
Emerging : I have to get into doing it regularly..
Sunset : you give your body..your mind..that chance to be silent..to be the observer


SACRAL CHAKRA

I am going to start the presentation on the 2nd chakra now.. this was written by Sunset based on the book.. Wheels of Life by Andodea Judith.

The second chakra is located in the lower abdomen, genitals, or the womb. In sanskrit, the name of this chakra is Svadhisthana, "ones own abode" or dwelling place, or sweetness. (feel free to ask questions as we go.. this is alot of material)

The element associated with the chakra is water, formless fluidity, change, motion, the law of polarity. This chakra is associated with desire, pleasure, sexuality, and procreation, nurturance, and clarisentience.

The celestial body associated with this chakra is the moon, with it's clear glow, and radiating beauty, polarizing the bright glowing contrast from the brilliant sun. This chakra is associated with the nourishing color of orange, which is associatiated with vitality, creativity, and potency.

The law of polarity or the attraction of opposites is central here, representative of yin and yang in our lifes. The attraction of male and female, and the fluidity and consistency of movement. Where the first chakra provides us with stability and grounding, this second chakra builds upon that by the adding the next level of manifestation present in our physical body..the delicate balance of movement, and change.

Consciousness moves from the feeling of one..in unity..to the perception of duality...the realization of difference...awareness for others, and the desire for change..movement. Movement is the creative force in this chakra..overcoming inertia or grounding of the first.

A creative visualization given is seen in the formless movement of water, as it drops from the sky to gently find it's way to the ocean, gaining momentum and force as it reaches it's dwelling place, is representative of the constant ebb and flow of life. The constant movement of blood through your veins and the dying and regeneration of cells througout or bodies. Consciousness experiences the formless nature of emotions. Finding the balance of the pleasure principle, of which is exhibited by finding out personal preference, as well as healthy sexual activity. The build up, intensity,release of creation that cause harmony and release of tension within the physical state.

Pleasure and sensation are essential in this chakra, helping the mind and body to establish better communication. Sensations are the building blocks of our feelings and emotions. Pleasure helps us to relax and release tension. It allows us to tune into our senses. It increases impulsivity within our physical body, which create rhythmic, coherant patterns soothing the nervous system. If desire is the seed of movement, then pleasure is the root of desire. It is essential for the rejuvenation of the spirit, and the healing of personal and cultural relationships. It is also good to point out this chakra is also representative of clarisentience, or empathy, the ability to sense other peoples feelings.

Of situations where you might feel the feelings of others rub off on you, or their state of joy harmonize with your own. Typically if negatively influenced, it can take energy away from your central focus causing confusion or distress. Other distresses to this chakra would be the lack of nurturance. The fundament needs of this chakra are touch, feeding with energy, love, and caring for the body. Denial of these basic needs can cause circulatory, kindey, bladder, and reproductive issues.The stones associated with this chakra are Carnelian, Moonstone, and coral, representative of the color yellow, and the celestial body. The demon of this chakra is guilt. The orientation is self-gratification. The seed sound of this chakra is Vam.

DISCUSSION:

James: I was thinking today that we went from beginning meditation to some pretty intense stuff here, but its wonderful information and I think it is practical too.
Flow: How can our awareness of these chakra traits help us?know what I mean?
James: Yes. Sun, you want to take that?
TESLA: Very...and I an so tickled to see this info shared here...and glad I can be here tonight
Flow: I mean, what can we do with it?
James: There are meditations that can be done to bring these aread into balance.
Sunset: i can
TESLA: yes, personally I meditate on the information
James: But being aware of the traits can help you see where you may need work.
Flow: sure, makes senseSunset: basically as we know
TESLA: <-can see more exactly now...today especially
Sunset: energy travels through our chakras.. the information you heard all is relative to this chakra to put it into more usable knowledge would be to see where polarity and awareness are either active or latent in this chakra overcoming inertia is a big theme..which means..understanding difference and movement and how those apply to your daily life..and what you hold as your beliefs
TESLA : Sunset, a passive aggressive nature would benefit from this work, yes?
James : Maybe after we cover all the chakras we can see about doing something on chakra balancing.
Sunset : like a person who doesn't have active boundaries who denies themself pleasure in any wayor has a lack of desire or passion in thier life
TESLA : Pardon..are we doing them all this session?
James: No Tes.. one per weekSunset: no tesla..next week is chakra 3. excessives in this chakra would be addiction weather sexual or physical :) emotional dependancy..co dependancy
TESLA : Hey this is the chakra for me this week :x
COOL: what a chakra
James: Cool, chakra is an energy point... there are 7 major chakras aligned with the spine.
Emerging: How many Chakra's in all?
James: I found the part about going from the grounding of the first chakra to overcoming inertia with movement in the second interesting.
Sunset: seven i think
James: 7 major ones
Emerging : 7 major's..
James: many many others
Flow: all mine are vibrating now
Sunset: actually as i am learning..chakra therapy is really important...
James: Tesla was my cohost (and boss) when this chat was in the alternative medicine forum
Sunset: i am sure you are just a weath of information too tesla
TESLA: I agree Sunset...waiting to hear more of your perception!
James: Sun, Tesla knows so much on so many subjects, I am in awe.
Sunset: well anodea judith wrote another book called eastern body..western mind..which goes more into healing therapies associtated with chakra balancing so perhaps in another forum we will do a class on that
James : Yes Sun, I was thinking about that.
Sunset : i think it could be very powerful in allowing healing aspects into different chakras that may be blockedEmerging : I want to get this book. :)
TESLA : I would like to hear more too
Sunset : how exciting!
TESLA : chakra healing is very important to me....personally
James : We are thinking of starting a study group separate from this class that would delve into some books like that one. Sunset would be our host on that.. :-) she has done such a wonderful job with the chakras.
Sunset: if you missed part of the discussion or presentation we are going to post it aren't we james?
James: Meditation Paths primary purpose is to promote and teach meditation, and offer support towards that end. yes, it will be posted.
Sunset: well you can focus on different chakras during meditation..the mantra is the seed word
James: Other related topics like this one are going to be covered but an in depth study would be more appropriate in another setting.
TESLA: Mantra? Must there be a mantra?
James: Yes, and we listed the mantra for the 2nd chakra
Sunset: i think meditation is key to initiate healing in every chakra
James: Vam
Emerging: The kind of discussion I have been longing for on here.
TESLA : I agree Sunset...but..must it be a mantra?
James: So we had Lam and Vam for the 1st and 2nd chakra
Sunset: you can meditate simply on the colors represented in each chakra to bring awareness and energy into that chakra as well
James: Are there any other thoughts and questions?
Papa: i need to learn how to meditate better i dont zone out just close my eyes and breathe
James: Papa, our site has a complete set of instructions from the first 8 weeks.
Papa: ok ill check it out thank you
TESLA: I simply need to redirect my own energies into self again...I am depleated and chakra therapy is the best way
Sunset: oh you might want to put up the link james
James: Email me to get on our mailing list.. but here is the link just in case you want to just go there....http://meditationpaths.blogspot.com/Meditation Paths
Sunset: can i mention something really fast james?
James: Its so nice to have you all here.. and thanks SO MUCH for this presentation Sunset.. it was wonderful. yes, go ahead
G4: This information is covered in a book entitled "The Serpent Power" by Arthur avalon
Sunset: was that i picked up a meditation cd with music..that is done by deepak chopra that goes through each energy center if anyone likes a guided type of thing
Emerging: I love Deepak.
Sunset: she mentions that book g4 in her bibliography
James: Yes.. I bet that is good.
Sunset: as well as other tantric teachings
TESLA: I have that Sunst...the vedic one?
James: There is also a chakra meditaion online that can be found at one of the links on our web page..
Emerging: I would like to get that..
Papa: can i always go to your classes????
Sunset: i don't have a copy but she gives credit to it
James: yes Papa and we will let you know when we add the study group
TESLA: the CD is done by your veidic onstitution
James: or book group or whatever Sunset wants to call it.
Sunset: oh no..it's put out by ..... rasa. it is called chakra balancing: body, mind and soul. it's actually very good..the backgroud music is very .. different
Papa: i just wanna heal others but mostly my wives CRohns Disease
James: Papa, you might want to try looking into more specific healing techniques like Reiki.
Sunset: woo that would be next weeks discussion papa on the third chakra and that too
Emerging: Crohns is a very tough illness... so sorry, Papa.
Papa: ty
TESLA: best to you and yours Papa
James: ok.. we like to end with a meditation.. which is a group focus.
Papa: ill check into Reiki but someone told me you have to get someone to do it for you
TESLA: May I say......
James: www.reiki.org will give you alot of good info
TESLA: choose your practioner VERY carefully
Papa: ok thank you very much
Emerging: I can't say enough about Reiki... it works wonders.
Papa: testla seems pretty expensive


GROUP MEDITATION:

Ok... lets all get comfortable so we can do a short meditation.

Sit with head, neck and trunk aligned.. sitting on edge of chair may give the best balance. hips higher than knees seems to help. Then relax... top down. let stillness settle over you like a blanket.

Relax forehead, jaw, neck , shoulders Breathe deeply and smoothly while you do this Relax torso, hips. legs, find a place to rest your arms, hands by kepboard on on thighs, palms up.

Then breathe deeply and smoothly... feel the energy of this group all around you.. breathe in the warm peaceful feeling of it. Exhale all tension.

Breathe in peaceful energy... breathe out all heaviness.

Let the stillness settle over you ...think of a pond becoming a mirror as it becomes still. Let the breath be gentle... moving through your heart space like a warm summer breeze in the trees.. rippling not the pond. Feel this stillness surround you, envelop you.

Let the heart open to the feeling of peace as you inhale this peaceful energy. Breathe out all tension, and anything that is blocking that feeling of peace.

Close your eyes for a minute and feel the peaceful feeling of the breath moving throught the heart space, caressesing it from the inside...Breathe peace

Taking one final deep breath and releasing.. let us bring this meditation gently to a close.


ENDING DISCUSSION:

James: any questions or anything anyone wants to share?
Stu: has anyone ever seen or can elobrate on the halo around one's head
Emerg: Aura?
James: Stu, that could be a visual of the 7th chakra
Stu: yes
G4: the halo around the head of a saint
Stu: some people can see it
G4: that is an artistic expression of an idea that we "could " develop a subtle body within the physical body
Stu: they try to photograph it
James: the crown chakra extends like that
Emerging: Yes, I have read that James.
James: we will get to that in about 5 weeks :)
G4: the aura is an occult term to denote the atmosphere around the physical body
Stu: I went to an EE prof group where that was discussed

March 12 Class Summary -Root Chakra-

We have a treat tonight. Sunset has prepared some information for us, and Alite is going to lead the meditationat the end.. so other than running the macros, I have it easy Last week I started discussing the chakras and how they relate to the metaphysics of the corresponding bodies and dimensions. We only covered the first 3 but after that the dimensions start becoming less easy to discuss as they become more formless and timeless as you go on.

So based on the new information that Sunset has been working on, we have decided to start over at the first chakra, and cover one chakra per week in much more detail. This will give us time to assimilate and discuss. I think you will agree after you see what we have prepared, that trying to move faster would be too much.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: The interpretations or my thoughts are from reading the book Wheels of Light by Anodea Judith. Which I would highlyrecommend...amazing text.

Jamesxxxxx: I have 4 books on chakras but from what I have seen, that one is better than any of the ones I have.

Are there any general questions on meditation before we beginthe presentation? I don't want to lose sight of why we have gathered, no matter how interesting some of these related topics can be. In the yoga tradition, a gathering of meditators is calledS atsang. It is an energy sharing.. a kind of interactive meditation. We listen, and speak, from the center... as a group there is a special energy that comes from this.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: James..I think that meditation is a very powerful tool to becoming aware of your chakras and how open or closed they are.

Jamesxxxxx: Yes, I agree Sun, and one of the things I like about this information is how it relates to that.

And on that note, I would like to begin with the first chakra..my font color will change when I am sharing that which Sunset has provided..

Root Chakra:

Here goes... The first chakra lies at the bottom of the spine near the sacral bone, or perinium. The name of this chakra in sanskrit is Muladahara, meaning root support. The element associated with this Chakra is our Earth, which provides for all of our temporal needs. This root chakra represents our need to be grounded, and the manifestation of our physical body, and is associated with the functioning of our legs, feet, bones, large intenstine, and teeth, which provide strength, support, and nourishment from the Earth. This chakra is associated with the color Red, which symbolized the heat, energy, and life force at the core of the Earth, radiating out to the surface to provide for all life forms, and is also associated with the sense of smell. The stones associated with the chakra are Lodestone,ruby, garnet and bloodstone, all representative of the deep and nourishing color of red. When this chakra is open, you trust that the earth will sustain and support your needs. Providing and inner state of stillness, security, and stability in your life. When this chakra is closed or over activated, it is representative of your bodys fight or flight response, fear, and anxiety. Situations that might cause over activitiy would be issues such as the loss of a job, inadequate housing, food, clothing, and being overcome with illness. These situations usually do not allow you to focus or concentrate on other things until they are alleviated. Progression to other chakra levels is inhibited untilsufficiently stablized. Self nurturance is important for this chakra, providing your body with proper nourishment, sleep and exercise allow this chakra to be open, grounded and centered to provide you with optimal support. The seed sound is Lam.

Jamesxxxxx:What I found interesting was how having this chakra open or closed affects how we relate to the world.

Alitexxxxxx: Yes. It is our basic foundation of how grounded we are in the world around us.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Yes...and how comfortable we are in our own bodies

Jamesxxxxx: This reminds me of something I studied in psychology about a hiarchy of needs.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Maslow's Hierarchy.

(Special Note from Alite****** for more information on Maslow's Hierarchy please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs )

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: One thing this book brought out was our right to be here..and the deserving of being nurtured by the earth...

Jamesxxxxx: Until you are stable with you need for food and shelter, you can't be thinking about art, music, or spiritual needs. I think having appropriate financial support is also representative of this chakra.

Jamesxxxxx: Sunset, were there any techniques for working on each chakra in the book?

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Yes. It talked about food choices, proteins being representative of this chakra... and that the ingestion of good foods stabilizes this chakra.

Jamesxxxxx: So this really is dealt with on a physical level.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Yes. There is a grounding visualization technique I can share which consists of standing or sitting in a chair with feet comfortably apart,and tapping the toes and feeling your feet against the earth...and imagining that your feet have roots..like a tree..going deep into the ground sinking deep into the earth to the very core of heat and color representative of this chakra and above your head a single ray of red light falling first on your head and enveloping your body to cradle you against the earth which closely paralells what gravity does to stabalize us. It talks about yoga postures. Laying flat on your back..and bringing on knee up to your chest..and that brings your spine in contact with the earth..grounding your chakra and also.. a bridge pose...laying flat on your back against the ground..pushing the legs up so your pelvis is in the sky your feet stay pushed against the ground also a half and full locust Laying flat on your belly against the ground raising one leg up..or both doing an elephant stance, jumping, jogging and any activity which puts you in contact with the earth helps ground you. It also talks about sleep, resting, eating, and massage. Those are all ways to nurture your first chakra.

(Special note from Alite******: The name of the book again is Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith. A recommended book for better understanding the Chakra System.)

Jamesxxxxx: Does anyone else have anything they would like to share on the first chakra?

Flowxxxx: I'm wondering.. would that grounding exercise have the same effect in a house as well as on the ground? Or upstairs as well as downstairs?

Jamesxxxxx: I have a chart I wanted to share that Alite found, that is an good summary of all the chakras. Your Information Source for Chakras (Keyword to: http://www.chakraenergy.com/chart.html)

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: I think it's the act of doing the exercise that is the grounding part. It's design is to remind you of how comfortable or how stable you feel in your environment. One thing this book perpetuates is that the base chakras are just as important as the higher ones. If you don't have a good grounding or good foundation, you can have discontinuity. It reminds me of the christian teaching of building your house on a rock ..instead of on the sand.

Jamesxxxxx: It would make it hard to progress with the higher ones.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: The next chakra correlates to water which is quite interesting.

Alitexxxxxxx: I am looking forward to learning more on that one next week Sunset!

Jamesxxxxx: Its almost time to wrap up our topic for the evening. Tonight Alite is going to lead our closing meditation.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Well they each build upon the other james, they are all an integral part of each other..spinning in rhythm.

Jamesxxxxx: Any final thoughts before we meditate?

Alitewithin: Is everyone ready? Group Meditation begins....


Group Meditation:

Let us focus on calm and peaceful thoughts with our breaths and begin. Sitting aligned. Feet flat on the floor. Hands gently on yourlap. Relax your forehead. Feel the tensions as they disappear.

Relax your face. Feel a gentle tingle of warmth as the face muscles become calm. Relax your neck and shoulders. Calm. All tension moves downward through your body as you remove it.

Breathe calmness into you. Breathe out all tension. The flow of warmth moves downward and your chest relaxes. The easy flow of your breath fills you with a perfect calm as the tensions are released from you.

Relax your arms, hands and fingers. The calm flows downward and your legs relax. The warm tingle of calm flows down to your feet and your toes and all tensions disappear totally from your body.

You feel the calm stillness flowing through you with each breath you feel more relaxed more at peace.

Breath gently as you visualize yourself sitting not in your chair but on a golden sandy beach. The warmth of the sand embraces you as you breath.

The golden beach fills you with peace and tranquility.

Feel the warmth and inner strength that flows upward through your base and naval gently flowing into your solar plexis as you sit there. Breathing in the energy.

Feel the safe calm feeling it brings to you. Allow it to embrace you gently.

In front of you the calm blue sea flows gently. Touching your feet softly with each breath. Bringing with it the touch of inner peace and confidence that flows upward soothingly through your heart to the quiet peace of your throat. Breath in the calm.

Enjoy the warm embrace of it gently surrounding you. Allow your entire being to embrace this feeling so wonderful so calm.

Feel the calm clear wind breathing with your breath as it touches you and becomes one with your breath. Feel the harmony and balance as it flows through your brow to your crown.

Close your eyes and cherish it, praise the gentle peaceful embrace you share for three breaths. Four breaths. Five breaths.

Now allow the visualization to end as slowly or quicky as you wish. Allow the calm to remain within you.

May peace and calm always be yours to hold. Thank you for meditating with me again!


End Discussion:

Jamesxxxxx: If anyone wishes to be on the mailing list, please email me. Summaries of our sessions can be found at our site: MeditationPaths (Keyword to: http://meditationpaths.blogspot.com/)

Alitexxxxxx: Also join us next week for the lesson on the Sacral Chakra.

Jamesxxxxx: Are there any meditation questions?

Alitexxxxxx: I think James it would be a nice thing if others are alsointerested in leading a meditation to let you know of their interest. This way the lessons we have covered could be put into action! A very good group effort!

March 5 -Class Summary -Chakra Series-

We just finished up our opening 8 week series on the basics of starting a meditation practice.

Tonight we are going to begin a study of the CHAKRAS. After doing some research though, I decided this is going to take more than one week to cover in reasonable depths. So I am going to begin with an overview tonight. There is no point in covering the chakras without also covering the channels that connect them, the energy that flows through these channels, and the purpose of it all.

I used to refer to all of this as spiritual plumbing. The deeper purpose of the physical hatha yoga system is to clear out these channels, and prepare them for the energy flow that happens when you raise your consciousness. Unfortunately, we can't use drano to clear out these pipes.

Lets start with a definition, and a little bit of history. It seems that almost all new age systems have adopted the chakras as a part of their teachings. But the original teachings come from the Vedic traditions in ancient India.

Chakra means wheel. They are spinning vortices of energy. Situated along the psychic channels that roughly correspond to the spinal column, they act as interdimentional portals. To fully cover this we have to look at the whole picture, the entire metaphysical teaching that goes along with the understanding of the chakras.

In the ancient tradition it is taught that there are seven (7) primary dimensions of existence, and a human exists on all seven (7) at once. On each dimension we have a body that vibrates at the rate that allows it to see and relate to that dimension. Each chakra corresponds to one of these bodies. Energy passes between these dimensions at these points.

Lets look at the first three (3) chakras and bodies just as an example. The first three bodies are physical, astral, and mental.

BASE or ROOT CHAKRA

The first chakra is said to control basic survival, need for shelter, food, etc. This is basically a physical consideration. This is the Root Chakra at the base of the spine. (We'll do a nifty grid for you and post it on the site this week.)

NAVAL or SACRAL CHAKRA

The second chakra, corresponding to the astral body, is said to have the aspects of procreation, family, and emotion. The astral body is the emotional body. This one is located a couple of inches below the naval. This is the Sacral Chakra

SOLAR PLEXIS CHAKRA

The third chakra, located at the solar plexus, near the naval, corresponds to the mental body, and has the aspects of ego, control, power.. seeking wealth and fame, etc.. The mental body is where the ego resides. Ego is a function of mind. The mental body is where we get pride and separateness from.

In effect, this system of chakras following the pathway of the spine, acts as an elevator of consciousness. Take the expression, "rise above" something. You can shift your awareness to a higher vantage point, choose a higher floor on the elevator. See things from there. And as we work our way up, we are looking at things less from a physical, emotional, and mental framework and start seeing them from a spiritual one.

Human beings think of themselves as one thing, but because we have all these vehicles, we are a composite of many things, and many voices. Our bodies have their own sets of desires. And in our consciousness we have to sort them all out, and provide direction to the whole.

Meditation has a tendency to bring this to light by creating the spaciousness to show us that there are all these different things going on. We are the witness. We are not our thoughts, or emotions, or mental concepts. And thats just the beginning.

When we get to the 4th chakra we touch on the beginning of spiritual awareness. We are running out of time for tonight, so I am going to stop here. At the Heart Chakra We'll get a grid of the 7 chakras and their corresponding aspects up on the site during the week.We will begin with the heart next week. I figure its going to take 3 weeks to cover this. Two moreafter this one.

Brief Discussion:

Jamesxxxxx: Having a daily spiritual practice is key to being actively on a spiritual path. I cannot stress this enough.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: I've noticed when i miss meditating I don't feel as balanced

Jamesxxxxx: Sunset.. This is very common. When you start feeling the effects of being centered, you miss it a lot. The process of walking this path involves falling and getting back up. Momentum gets lost for things out of our control. As you get a feel for it, you can start arranging your life to be more supportive of higher consciousness, but learning to sustain that focus in the face of normal difficulties is what makes you stronger.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: I have..even if it is way early in the morning

Jamesxxxxxx: In the beginning you have to protect it.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: Makes all the difference in my whole day i have more sanity!

Jamesxxxxxx: A common analogy is planting a small tree. You have to put a fence around it to protect it from being some small animals breakfast. But once its a tall tree, it does not require such protection, and can in fact provide shelter and shade to many.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: I find I still have some moments where I can't clear my mind

Jamesxxxxxx: Sunset... and you have been at this how long?

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: If you have that problem are you supposed to just embrace the thoughts until they subside? Three weeks lol

Alitexxxxxx: Then allow those moments Sunset and be happy that you have other times clearing the mind comes quickly.

Jamesxxxxx: I would not embrace them. I would let them go.. like leaves on a stream... don't pick them up don't try to sink them with a brick just let them go

Sunsetxxxxxx: woo that's a good analogy..I'll have to try that tonight the first like ten minutes is always chatter..then i get into the good stuff

Jamesxxxx: How long do you usually meditate?

Alitexxxxxx: Ah then with you its just a matter of patience for the peace to begin to flow

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: well I have been shooting for a half hour twice a day

Silverxxxxxx: Maybe you could focus on one thing....like an object with symbolic power. And if you can hold that one thing in your mind, you are getting somewhere I learned that from a yogi

Jamesxxxxx: One pointed concentration is a common yogic method.

Alitexxxxxx: Excellent suggestion

Silverxxxxxxxxxxx: That is why Hindi gods have so many arms with so many objects

Flowxxxx: I had a situation weighing on my mind this week (still do actually)..

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: lol I didn't know that was why it was like that

Flowxxxx: And I felt I had no choice but to let it go..the thoughts anyway cause to dwell can increase the problem

Silverxxxxx: Yeah...each object sybolizes something different you need like sword for wisdom

Jamesxxxxxx: One pointed concentration takes some practice and persistence

Silverxxxxx: And if you meditate on the objects, if you can hold them in your mind, you can call on those strengths when you need them

Jamesxxxxx: In our next series we will be covering specific techniques, including the yogic ones.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: You know i have yet to do the candle one you taught james..perhaps i will do that one tonight

Jamesxxxxx: And also some methods that do not require controlling thoughts at all. The candle exercise is a good one to practice concentration.

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: You know I did that before I started meditation...and I didn't even know it was a form of mediation but it always made me fall asleep lol

Flowxxxxx: Don't fall asleep with candles burning!

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: I would concentrate on everything I could hear..and things I wasn't paying attention to I mean paying attention to everything and concentrating on nothing

Silverxxxxxx: Native meditation is like, that I mean Native American. You listen to everything. Try to hear every sound, like become hypersensitive to the world around you

Sunsetxxxxxxxxxx: But I can tell you.. when I mediate like that..my body immediately relaxes as I feel the silence you know someone said to me once that when you are in the present moment focusing on what is going on around you..your body expends less energy..it doesn't need so much

Group Meditation

As always I would like to end with a meditation...assume the position. Head neck and trunk aligned.. When you find that comfortable balanced position, relax, and breathe deeply and smoothly.

Let the tension drain away. Relax forehead, jaw, neck, shoulders, arms. Breathing in warm peaceful energy, breathing out all tension.. relax back, hips, legs

Breathe deeply and smoothly, with no jerks or pauses. Try to make the transition from inhalation and exhalation be without any pause.... Like breathing in a circle.

Let your body and mind become still, like a pond becoming a mirror pool. Let the breath move though the heart space like a warm summer breeze in the trees, not rippling the pond.

Breathe peace... let go of any heaviness in your heart that is blocking that feeling. Let it go. close your eyes for a minutes and sense what is in your heart space.. try to see what is blocking the deep feeling of peace that naturally resides there.

Using the peaceful energy of the breath, try to get this area to open like a flower Open your heart to peace. Breathe through whatever is blocking it.

Taking one final deep breath and releasing, let us bring this meditation gently to a close.

February 26 Class Summary -Meditation... Walking the Path-

This is going to be on ongoing meditation class and group, but tonight it the final week of our 8 week introductory series. In our first weeks we covered why, when, how, where and how long to meditate. Last week we talked about how to take this peace into the rest of your life. And this week our topic is "Walking the Path".

Meditation is most effective when it is done on a regular basis. That much all the methods agree on. When you meditate daily, once or twice, you accumulate a momentum, and all through the day its also much easier to tap into that peaceful center.

Tonight we are going to take all of this one step further, and discuss meditation as a path...It doesn't really matter what religion you are, or if you are even religious at all. Or if you are spiritual. Meditation is a path that brings you closer to who you really are. There are three main components that bring balance to this path.

The first is meditation itself.. taking time each day to enter a sacred space and look within. The second we are doing together right now.. it is called satsang in yoga terminology. A gathering of meditators, for the purpose of sharing energy and information. And the third component is service.. doing something for others, something selfless...Giving.

These three components compliment each other, and if you skip any one of them, the others are diminished.Satsang is a very important component. It helps us to stay motivated.. it helps us to energize. It can greatly enhance our meditation experience. Not all of us have the opportunity near where we live, so here we are.. together online. This meeting will continue on Sundays, and as much as we all come together with a common understanding, this will be a satsang opportunity.

As far as service, you have to find what you are best able to give. I know I said this first series was going to be generic and not include much philosophy or religion, but I have to say this. We are spirits hands in this world. By being open to what good we can do, we open to spirit, and become empowered by "it".

So I see these three components as complimentary.

That is one of the main reasons we created this class/group. This is not so much a discussion as an experience. Whenever you come here, breathe the peace and let all of our common efforts uplift all of us together.

Brief Discussions during class:

DTxxxxxxxx: When you breath is it through your nose . to exhale and inhale?? Catching up here
JamesXxxxxx: yes, I recommend breathing in and out thru the nose.

Alitexxxxxx: I see it (meditation) also as a compliment to each other. If we are meditating and staying tranquil and positive we will react to others in calm positivity. Our entire being will be able to withstand negativity much better and our lives will be enriched with happiness.
JamesB7289: Indeed. When you are calm and centered, it affects those around you. And yes, you will have a buffer against negativity and energy draining situations. As your meditation and understanding deepens, these other aspects will deepen also.

Alitexxxxxx: Those of you who meditate daily do you agree with this too?
TFxxxxxxxx: I only meditate once in awhile, sounds like I need to try harder
Jamesxxxxx: It really helps to do it once a day at least, even if you canonly manage 5 or 10 minutes.
TFxxxxxxxxx: hard to find the time and settle my mind enough
Stuxxxxxxxxxxxxx: I tolerate my foes easier now
Aprilxxx: there are deep benefits from daily meditation that can only be experienced

Lotusxxxxxxxx: Is there something I can read about helping to stay calm and centered in all situations?
Alitexxxxxx: Lotus the way to stay calm and centered in all situations isnumberous but once you have found the point of peace within yourself, the bindu, you can bring it to the surface at anytime by just calming the self.
Lotusxxxxxxxx: I used to meditate, farily regularly, a few years back. I know that place, you're talking about, but it seems so far from reach right now. I guess my goal is to get back to that
Alitexxxxxx: I do this often. I tell myself to be calm. It is a simple word that helps to trigger my inner peace when needed.

Stuxxxxxxxxxxxxx: What do you think is the origin of the expression, take 3-5 deep breaths when nervous or uptight?
Jamesxxxxx: Deep focused breaths calm the mind.
Alitexxxxxx: Because Stu the deep breaths are part of the calming of the body and mind and spirit to bring them together for peace

Group Meditation:

Lets start getting comfortable for meditation.. You want to sit with head, neck and trunk aligned.universal energy is all around usprana or chi as it is called. We are trying to keep this to one hour so I am going to lead the meditation now..

To sit with head, neck and trunk aligned yet balanced, you might want to try sitting on the edge of the chair so your knees are lower than your hips. But find whatever position works for you. The idea is to be upright, aligned, alert, yet relaxed. Find somewhere comfortable to rest your hands, either by the keyboard, or on your thighs, palms up. Then let all tension drain from you.. remain alert but relaxed and still.

Relax your forehead, jaw, neck...Your shoulders and arms. Your torso, hips, legs, feet. Be very still.. adjust if you need to, then resume relaxation and stillness.

Then... breathe deeply and smoothly with a soft stomach.. meaning your stomach moves in and out, not your rib cage. Breathe to your comfortable capacity, and try not to pause between inhalation and exhalation. Let the breath be a continuous circle. No pauses or jerks to disturb the stillness.

Let the stillness fall over you like a blanket. Think of a peaceful pond of water... becoming still, it becomes a mirror pool. The breath as soft as a breeze in the trees, not disturbing the mirror. As you inhale, feel the warm energy filling you.As you exhale, release all tension.. all heaviness.

Breathing in warm peaceful energy. Breathing out all tension and heaviness. Let this stillness surround you, envelop you. Let your heart be open as you inhale this peaceful energy. Feel the peaceful breath caress your heart center from the inside.. like a warm summer breeze in the trees. Feel the energy of the group all round you.. inhale this peaceful energy.. we are as one in this peace.

Sense the point where peace "bubbles up" from in your heart space.. focus there, open fully to it.Let us close our eyes for a couple of deep breaths and feel this point of peace. Taking one final deep breath and releasing.. let us bring this meditation gently to a close. But keep feeling that point of peace.. as you breathe.. .take this with you.and go in peace....