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How to Find the Mind-Body Connection
If you’re like most people, your mind is almost constantly active throughout the day. You may choose to be aware of those thoughts or simply ignore them. Sometimes you lose yourself in other activities, such as watching TV, to numb your thought processes. You may also experience feelings during your day—emotional reactions to your thoughts that you may recognize in your mind but actually feel in the body. However, it’s not always easy to be aware of the connection between the two.
The practice of meditation can help connect your mind and body. By emptying your mind, you become more aware of thoughts that drift into it. By observing your body, you begin to notice your body’s reaction to your thoughts. In addition, you can begin to notice how energy moves from one part of your body to another. You may also observe pain or discomfort, which can occur when energy in the body is blocked.
The Seven Major Chakras
According to ancient Hindu thought, the body contains a network of energy channels. The seven most important energy channels run along the axis of the human body, starting at the base of the spine and moving upward to the crown of the head. These energy centers are called chakras, from the Sanskrit word for “wheel.” Sometimes the chakras can become clogged, blocking the natural flow of life energy.
Chakra |
Proper Name |
Common Name |
Location |
Sense |
Emotional Connection |
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1 |
Muladhara |
Root |
Base of spine |
Smell |
Survival |
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2 |
Svadhisthana |
Sex |
Lower
abdomen |
Taste |
Desire, sexuality, passion |
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3 |
Manipura |
Solar plexus |
Navel |
Sight |
Personal power |
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4 |
Anahata |
Heart |
Middle of chest |
Touch |
Love, compassion |
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5 |
Vishuddha |
Throat |
Throat |
Sound |
Communication, self-expression |
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6 |
Ajna |
Third eye |
Middle of forehead |
— |
Higher consciousness, perception, intuition |
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7 |
Sahasrara |
Crown |
Top of head |
— |
Ecstasy,
self-realization, enlightenment |
Body Sensory Exercise
The following exercise will help you listen to your body and to observe the flow of energy through those energy centers.
- Begin in a comfortable meditation pose.
- Close your eyes.
- Observe your breathing.
- Acknowledge each inhale bringing energy to your body and each exhale releasing energy to others.
- Be mindful of your breathing for several minutes.
- Now focus your attention to the top of your head. Relax. Allow yourself to give this spot your full attention for a minute or more. Note any feelings of discomfort, from an itch to an ache. Acknowledge what you feel.
- Shift your focus slowly to the middle of your head. Stay there and don’t move too quickly. Again, note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
- Move downward to your throat region. Don’t rush. Note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
- Next, direct your attention to the middle of your chest. Note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
- Direct your attention toward your navel. Note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
- Move on to the genital region. Note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
- Finally, direct your attention to the base of your spine. Note what you’re feeling and acknowledge it.
You have just observed your seven energy centers. After you’re done, think about what you may have discovered about yourself during the exercise.
| Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
