We are more than just our physical body, in fact our physical body is the last aspect of our being to manifest into form. Other, more subtle, higher vibration bodies include our emotional, mental and spiritual body. These bodies which vibrate at a frequency too high for most of us to see with the naked eye make up our complex energy system as 'spiritual beings having a human experience'. It is within our subtle bodies that our emotions and beliefs are stored along with holographic events suspended in time - unresolved experiences from various lifetimes which continue to affect our current life.

The First or ROOT CHAKRA -The Root chakra channels the earth's energy up through the rest of our chakras, while at the same time, helps us ground energies coming from the higher spiritual planes into the physical. The root chakra is what actually grounds our spirit in the material world, affording us to manifest our creativity in physical form. The more we ground ourselves, the greater chance we have of making our dreams real while developing into the individuals we desire to become.

When our connection to the Earth Mother is blocked, we lose our ability to feel centered and grounded. We lose our sense of self and disconnect from our ability to lovingly care for ourselves. Often, if we are struggling simply to meet our basis physical needs, our root chakra requires attention.

Our Second or SACRAL CHAKRA governs our well-being, our sense of pleasure and sexuality along with our permission to give ourselves prosperity and abundance. It is located in our belly and it's through this chakra that our boundary capabilities are developed. When in balance, it is from this center we create our life and move freely into the world. It is the Sacral chakra that is most influenced by our emotions. Like the water element, when our emotions remain fluid and moving, our lives are healthy and flowing.

The Third Chakra is found within our SOLAR PLEXUS. It is here our thoughts of self-esteem, self-worth and confidence reside. It is also the home of decision-making and personal power. The Solar Plexus chakra intrinsically helps us to feel self-respecting, decisive and confident. When we are submissive or susceptible to the influences of other people, the energy from this center becomes weak and we find ourselves disempowered.

The solar plexus chakra is important as it controls the intake and our flow of energy which is generated during our interchanges with others. When this center is in balance, it attracts satisfying and healthy relationships because we our relating from a strong sense of who we are. When we own our power and accept our value, knowing that we truly deserve the very best for ourselves, we invite people to provide us care, kindness and respect.

When the third chakra is weak, we fail to value and honor ourselves. As a result, we often take the brunt of other people's negativity while creating experiences which undermine our self-worth and diminish our confidence.

The HEART CHAKRA is our Fourth Chakra. As beautifully stated by Amibka in her book Chakras and their Archetypes, the heart chakra functions as the core of our physical body and our spiritual essence. As the heart is the most important organ in our body, so is love the center of our lives. To flourish and develop as a compassionate and loving person, we need to be receptive to love.

We are born with open hearts, yet as we enter into the illusions of separation, we cut ourselves off from the eternal presence of love, i.e., God. By doing so,we lose our capacity to trust in the ever-present goodness of life while closing our hearts to protect ourselves from our own and other's negativity and harshness. In essence, what we long for is love and the desire to be loved. We may try to fill the void we've created with food, alcohol, sex, drugs, a fancy car or a high pressured job, yet we know in our heart that there is no substitute for love.

The THROAT CHAKRA governed by truth, communication, integrity, will power and creativity is our Fifth Chakra. The throat chakra sits close to the surface of the physical body and channels mental energy to our minds and hearts to give a voice for our feelings, thoughts and experiences. Where other centers are protected by muscle, representing the forces of the ego, the Throat chakra is exposed and can be unbalanced by draughts and temperature changes. Have you ever noticed a young, timid child tuck his or her chin over their throat to protect their vulnerability?

Since the throat chakra is the center for self-expression, creativity and will power, it is where we harness the energy we need for expressing ourselves. Therefore, every time we express ourselves in truth and with integrity, we strengthen and enhance this chakra.

Our THIRD EYE or BROW CHAKRA comprises our Sixth Chakra from which knowledge, intuition, discernment and imagination reside. The Brow chakra is known as the control center of the body because it is from here that conscious control is mobilized for our physical, emotional and mental well-being. It is here we are able to open to our Higher Self and to that which connects us with the spiritual realms. The Higher Self serves our conscious awareness as a guide and protector as we deal with the uncertainties of life.

A balanced Third Eye center combines a clearly focused left brain, which computes and analyzes, with an open right brain which is where our intuitive, artistic and psychic gifts reside. Concentrating on this center teaches us discernment and wisdom. It helps us see clearly what is important for our well-being and happiness, and gives us a sense of perspective as well as insight.

The CROWN CHAKRA, our Seventh Chakra embodies beauty and spirituality via connection with the Divine Source. In fact, the function of the Crown chakra is to open us to the light of spirit which is eternally connected to Source.When we open to receiving love and wisdom from our Higher Self, we are filled with the energy of the Divine, guiding and inspiring us in all that we do. In this place, there is always joy and an abiding peace for we are living and walking our path of destiny; touching life from the center outward.