College is one of the most stressful times. Being in your twenties, figuring out what you want to do with your life, all while balancing a full class load, work, clubs, and a social life. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the stress. Some people turn to something bigger than themselves, a type of spiritual path. Now, it’s time to balance your body and mind, using an ancient Eastern wellness belief. Chakras are your seven energy centers; vibrations and colors within your body that help keep you balanced.
The seven Chakras are: crown, brow, throat, heart, solar plexus, spleen, and root. Each chakra influences a different part of the body, has its own color, and is in control of certain emotions. According to The Dr. Oz Show, these are the key to physical, mental and spiritual health.
1. Starting at the top of your body is the Crown Chakra, located at the top of your head. Its color is violet, and it brings out the emotions of bliss and spirituality. If you have an open crown Chakra, you possess wisdom, inspiration, charisma, and a higher self.
2. The Brow Chakra is located at the forehead, and is the color indigo. Imagination and intuition are typical emotions of this Chakra. Memory, fearlessness, understanding, and perception are all associated with the brow.
3. Next, the Throat Chakra, which is blue, is known for expansion and healing. Individuals with an open throat Chakra are known to communicate their thoughts very well, partake in creative expression, are trusting, and wise.
4. The Heart Chakra is located at the center of the chest and symbolizes the color green. It brings out emotions of balance and love. It has functions such as relationships, acceptance of others, compassion, harmony, and peace.
5. Now, getting down to the middle of the body is the Solar Plexus Chakra. This is located in the stomach, and is symbolized by the color yellow. Purpose and sunshine are emotions associated with your solar plexus, bringing out feelings of personal power and will, laughter, optimism, and curiosity.
6. The Spleen Chakra is located in the lower abdomen, represented by the color orange. Freedom, confidence, intimacy, and sensuality are all psychological functions of this, bringing out an individuals emotions and desires.
7. Lastly, at the bottom of the body, is the Root Chakra. This is located at an individual’s coccyx perineum. It is symbolized by the color red, emitting survival, vitality, security, courage, and impulsiveness.
“It’s all about self healing, the way you see yourself, and how you better yourself. The Chakras are just a piece of that,” said Katie Cozzi, a senior graphic design major.
Being open to each of these seven energies can aid in maintaining a balance between the mind and body.
It is an ancient belief that if not all your Chakras are balanced, the cycle will come to a complete stop until the problem is resolved. There are multiple ways to balance these seven energies: one is to figure out where you stand with each.
It’s possible to get each of your own Chakras tested by a guru. Professor Kristine Simoes had a four-hour analysis conducted. “It determined that my throat and solar chakras were wide open, too open,” she said. Her guru recommended more mindfulness, by participating in daily meditation, a vow of silence, and listening exercises.
“I hadn’t known too much about the different Chakras till this year, but I’ve seen how it keeps others balanced and I want to give it a try,” said Megan Poeschl, a junior social work major.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is happiness. Where college students find a balance between mind, body, and soul are unique to the individual.
Whether we turn to a higher belief, a spiritual process, or the ancient philosophy of the chakras, we all deserve to find a balance that keeps us both happy and lively.
