Research Paper By Sandeep Singh Arora
(Executive Coach, INDIA)
1. Introduction
We notice that there are people who are bright and intelligent but their life remains chaotic. They appear confident but they never seem to reach their potential. Majority of executives live life chasing success and seek to define their identity through association and achievement. They desire to be part of communities (company, clubs) that give them a feeling of status and identity. This external focus and chasing benchmarks that are determined by society creates tremendous pressure and stress. The body begins to harbour limiting blocks and beliefs that stop them from reaching their full potential.
This research paper attempts to use the “Chakra” Science to understand the blocks that limit the experiencing of energy and therefore not allowing a feeling of abundance and prosperity. It is based on the belief that a universal life energy circulates through us and brings us the experience of life. Each one of us is a creative outlet for this energy. It is important that there are clear channels for this divine energy so that it leads to harmony and peace. According to David Pond the “Chakras” store and express the divine energy and any blocks and restrictions to the flow of energy creates emotional and physical imbalances.
Coaching as per Peter Ten Hoppen and Fons Trompenaars is to help people Discover and Realize their full potential.
Wikipedia defines life coaching as
helping people identify and achieve their personal goals.
The “Chakras” science gives us insight into the clients limiting blocks and beliefs. It encourages the coach to help the client explore and activate the energy doorways and focus them on specific goals thus allowing them to reach their full potential.
This research paper does not attempt to compare the “Chakras” to other systems that help understand behaviour, conscious and subconscious thinking. It’s focus is on understanding the “Chakra” Science and explore its application to Coaching.
2. Understanding the “Chakras” Science.
Everything that is created in the physical world, must first exist in the world of life energy, says Barbara
Ann Brennan.
The yoga manuscripts define the energy as “Shakti” which has the power to give life. We are all part of this energy system and every interaction involves some exchange of energy. In the world that we live, it may be challenging to feel the energy but it is this life energy that vitalizes all parts of our nervous system and impacts functions such as thinking and emotions. The human energy field consists of seven energy centres called Chakras. The concept of Chakras is based on yogic traditions of Hinduism. The word Chakra means wheel in Sanskrit, which by its nature turns and provides motion and energy. There are seven Chakras that are located along the central channel or spine from the base of the spine to the top of the head.
The spinning wheels are energy centres, which draw the life energy.
Anodea Judith describes the Chakras as centres for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life energy.
The purpose of the Chakras is to draw in the life energy to keep the spiritual, mental and physical health in balance. The network of energy interconnects our mind, body and emotions and it is through the Chakras that we receive and process our life experiences says Ellen Tadd. They are like seven interconnected energy centres that run our lives. The lower Chakras influence our survival, sexuality and the higher chakras work with our intelligence and intuition.
The body is a vehicle of consciousness, Chakras are the wheels that carry this vehicle through its trials and transformations, says Anodea Judith.
Our values, beliefs are stored in the energy systems which shape physical behaviours. Therefore any blocks or reduced energy flow through the Chakras will create imbalances and impact emotional well being. It is not surprising that we often hear the term energy drain which then begins to impact our thinking and behavioural patterns.
In the yoga manuscripts the Chakras are visualized as lotus flowers. According to Anodea Judith the lotus flower demonstrates a path of development as it grows from mud (base Chakra rooted in earth) and gives us blooming petals (enlightenment linked to the crown chakra at the top of the head).
Writers have tried to link the seven Chakras to the endocrine glands and to specific nerve centres along the spine. Hindu yoga teachings link the Chakras to a part of a body and require us to open our physical eyes to the subtle form of the energy systems to experience abundance and our greater potential. Chakras receive and transmit life energy to ensure the vitality of the body parts and the overall energy system. Each of the seven Chakras is therefore a part of an overall energy system but has its specific role, need and purpose to fulfill.
- The base Chakra is called the ROOT Chakra. It is located at the base of the spine and faces downward. It is defined as red energy that defines our right to exist. The original Sanskrit word for this Chakra is "Muladhara". "Mula" means material or money and this Chakra is all about a healthy balance with the material world. The Root Chakra energy is about Survival, Independence and Security. A choked energy flow of the Root Chakra will lead to insecurity, fear and suspicion and could lead to violent behaviour. Living life only based on this Chakra can also reflect in the desire to be ostentatious and demonstrate material things.
- The second chakra SACRAL Chakra is located between the base of the spine and the navel. This Chakra is where we find the human talents of creativity, pleasure, sexuality and emotions. The Sanskrit word for this Chakra is Swadhisthana and means the seat of vitality. When this Chakra is open it allows the person to experience deep emotions and express themselves creatively. It allows the person to have a zest for life and to have great relationships. A closed Sacral Chakra leads to guilt and can express itself in shutting people out. While the second Chakra is all about the right to feelings, the third Chakra called the SOLAR PLEXUS Chakra is about the right to act. It is the energy that affects our will power and desire and is where we find our commitment.
- The Sanskrit word for the third Chakra located at the navel is "ManiPura" which means lustrous gem. A person with flowing energy in this chakra will shine like a gem (Mani) and will have a strong sense of self worth and Will Power. According to Peter TenHoopen and Fons Trompenaars the third Chakra determines our will to act and to be disciplined. This is the energy and directive force from where we find our commitment to do things. The SolarPlexus Chakra is the seat of our personal power, respect and self-esteem. Blockage in this Chakra can lead to lack of direction, procrastination and low self-esteem. Overflowing energy can also lead to a very strong Will, which could overpower all the adjacent Chakras and cause imbalances.
