Spiritualität und Alltagsspiritualität - Clara Welten
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13.11.25
Understanding Chakras – The 7 Energy Centers of the Body
“When you turn your attention inward, you will find the universe within you.”
– from the teachings of the Upanishads
The Dance of Life Energy
Everything in the universe is vibration. Every thought, every emotion, every cell vibrates at a certain frequency. This vibration is not only a physical reality, but also a spiritual one: it is the fabric from which consciousness is woven.
In yogic philosophy, this life energy is called prana. It flows through subtle energy channels—nadis—and collects in seven main centers, the chakras.
The word chakra means “wheel” or “vortex” in Sanskrit. Each chakra is a spinning vortex of light and energy that influences physical, emotional, and mental processes.
When the flow of energy is harmonious, we feel centered, alive, and connected. When it is blocked, we experience stress, fatigue, or emotional heaviness.
Chakra work is therefore not an esoteric concept, but a deeply practical form of consciousness hygiene—an inner art of creating balance between heaven and earth.
Origin and meaning of chakra teaching
Chakra teaching originates from ancient Indian spirituality. The flow of prana was already mentioned in the Vedas (around 1500 BC). Later, in Tantra Yoga and the Upanishads, the systematic teaching of the seven main chakras was described.
Each chakra represents a specific level of consciousness – from the physical world (root chakra) to pure unity with the divine (crown chakra).
It can be said that the chakras are like seven gates through which our consciousness unfolds.
In the West, the subject became particularly well known through authors such as C. W. Leadbeater, Anodea Judith, and Caroline Myss, who combined ancient yogic insights with modern psychology. Today, chakra work has become a central component of many healing methods, forms of yoga, and meditation techniques.
The Root Chakra – Muladhara
Location: Base of the spine
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Mantra: LAM
Themes: Basic trust, security, body awareness
The root chakra is the energetic foundation of our existence. It connects us to the earth, matter, and our physical body. This is where instincts, survival instincts, and the feeling of “being at home” reside.
When Muladhara vibrates harmoniously, we feel secure, nourished, and anchored in reality. We are present—in our body and in the moment.
If it is blocked, fears, financial worries, insecurity, or a lack of joie de vivre can arise.
Physical association: Legs, feet, bones, large intestine, adrenal glands
Practical exercise:
Stand barefoot on the earth. Breathe deeply and feel roots growing from your feet. With each breath, you connect more deeply with the heartbeat of the earth.
Reflection question:
“Where in my life do I wish for more stability and trust?”
Affirmation:
“I am secure. I am carried by life.”
The Sacral Chakra – Svadhisthana
Location: Lower abdomen, two finger widths below the navel
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Mantra: VAM
Themes: Sensuality, creativity, emotion
Svadhisthana is the center of joie de vivre and flowing energy. It stands for pleasure, emotion, relationships, and creativity. Like water, it adapts, flows around obstacles, and brings vitality to our being.
A balanced sacral chakra gives us openness to pleasure, closeness, and creative inspiration. If it is blocked, feelings of guilt, sexual inhibition, or emotional instability can arise.
Physical association: Pelvis, bladder, sexual organs, lumbar region
Practical exercise:
Dance freely to music. Let your body move without a plan. Feel how movement releases feelings and activates joie de vivre.
Reflection question:
“Do I allow myself to surrender to the flow of life?”
Affirmation:
“I open myself to the fullness of life.”
The Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura
Location: Upper abdomen, stomach area
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Mantra: RAM
Themes: Self-confidence, willpower, transformation
Manipura is the center of our inner sun. It regulates self-esteem, determination, and the ability to act from our own strength. This is where the fire of transformation burns, transforming obstacles into energy.
When this chakra is in balance, we feel clarity, assertiveness, and vitality. If it is weakened, insecurity, anger, or listlessness arise.
Physical association: Digestive system, liver, spleen, pancreas
Practical exercise:
Place your hands on your solar plexus. Breathe deeply into this area and imagine a golden sun shining there. Feel warmth and strength.
Reflection question:
“Do I act out of inner clarity or out of fear of rejection?”
Affirmation:
“I trust my inner strength.”
The Heart Chakra – Anahata
Location: Center of the chest
Color: Green (sometimes pink)
Element: Air
Mantra: YAM
Themes: Love, compassion, healing
Anahata – the “untouched” chakra – is the center of unconditional love. This is where the lower, earth-bound chakras meet the upper, spiritual planes.
An open heart chakra allows us to resonate with people, nature, and the divine flow of life. When it is closed, loneliness, sadness, or heartache arise.
Physical association: Heart, lungs, thymus gland, blood circulation
Practical exercise:
Breathe deeply into your chest. As you inhale, open your heart; as you exhale, send love in all directions.
Reflection question:
“Who or what can I encounter with an open heart today?”
Affirmation:
“I am love. I am connected to everything.”
The throat chakra – Vishuddha
Location: Throat area
Color: Light blue
Element: Ether / Space
Mantra: HAM
Themes: Expression, truth, communication
Vishuddha is the center of authentic communication – the place where truth takes shape. When it is in balance, we speak clearly and lovingly. We express our truth without hurting others.
Blockages often manifest as fear of showing ourselves or in physical symptoms such as sore throat or tightness in the neck.
Physical association: Voice, thyroid, throat, ears
Practical exercise:
Sing your name out loud. Feel how your voice fills the room. Let it sound soft and true.
Reflection question:
“Where do I hold back my truth – and why?”
Affirmation:
“I speak my truth with love.”
The Forehead Chakra – Ajna
Location: Between the eyebrows
Color: Indigo
Element: Light
Mantra: OM
Themes: Intuition, insight, inner guidance
Ajna – the “third eye” – opens perception to the non-material world. It is the gateway to intuition, vision, and inner wisdom.
A balanced Ajna chakra brings clarity, inner peace, and mental acuity. If it is blocked, one tends to overthink, doubt, or be deluded.
Physical association: Pituitary gland, forehead, eyes, temples
Practical exercise:
Close your eyes. Gently focus your gaze between your eyebrows. Observe what appears—not with your eyes, but with your consciousness.
Reflection question:
“Do I trust my inner guidance?”
Affirmation:
“I see with the eyes of wisdom.”
The Crown Chakra – Sahasrara
Location: Top of the head
Color: Violet/white
Element: Mind
Mantra: Silence
Themes: Spirituality, unity, enlightenment
Sahasrara is the gateway to divine consciousness. It represents the realization that everything is one. This is where the path of energy ends – or begins anew, in an endless cycle of becoming and passing away.
When this chakra is open, we experience peace beyond thought, connected to all life.
Physical association: Pineal gland, brain, nervous system
Practical exercise:
Sit in silence. Feel the space above your head. Allow a purple-white light to flow through you, connecting you to the source.
Reflection question:
“Am I ready to let go of control and surrender to life?”
Affirmation:
“I am one with the source of all being.”
Chakras in harmony – The symphony of consciousness
Each chakra is like a string in the inner harp of the soul. When all are tuned, a harmonious tone is heard. The chakras are interconnected – when we open one, it affects all the others. A strong root chakra grounds us, an open heart chakra uplifts us, a clear forehead chakra enlightens us.
The goal is not a “perfect system,” but a living flow. Energy is allowed to change constantly – like a breath that comes and goes.
Chakra healing in everyday life
In the morning:
Visualize your seven chakras one after the other when you wake up. Breathe light and balance into each center.
During the day:
Pay attention to how your body feels. Do you feel secure, creative, courageous, loving, truthful, clear, and connected?
In the evening:
Reflect: Which chakra had particularly high or low energy today? What can be healed tomorrow?
Shadow Work & Chakras
Every chakra also has a shadow side—unresolved issues that manifest as blockages.
Root Chakra: Fear of loss
Sacral Chakra: Guilt or dependency
Solar Plexus: Control or abuse of power
Heart chakra: Fear of loss
Throat chakra: Lies, restraint
Forehead chakra: Illusion, projection
Crown chakra: Spiritual escape
True healing occurs when we acknowledge and integrate these shadows. It is not pushing them away, but consciously looking at them that brings light into the darkness.
The path of light
The chakras are not a theory—they are living energy. They remind us that we are more than just bodies and thoughts: we are consciousness in motion.
When we learn to listen to the subtle signals of our energy system, we find access to a deep source of inner strength.
This is the path of the chakras—the path inward.
Frequently asked questions about the chakras
What are chakras?
Chakras are subtle energy centers that connect the body, mind, and soul.
How can you activate your chakras?
The flow of prana can be harmonized through yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, sound work, or energy healing.
What happens when chakras are blocked?
Blockages manifest themselves as physical or emotional disharmony. They can be resolved through awareness and energy work.
Can you see or feel chakras?
With keen perception, they can be felt as warmth, light, tingling, or emotional vibrations.
How are chakras related to spirituality?
Each chakra represents a level of consciousness—from the earthly to divine unity.
