Each Week I take a question from my Facebook wall to answer in this column:

Joy T. Writes: What are chakras, how do I use them and why?

MarVeena’s response:

Using Chakras As A Life Guide

No matter what age we are, having a image of life, a road map of sorts, can help us see where we are, what we are doing, and where we are going. Just as the psychological community uses concepts of development across the lifespan, spirituality offers its images of stages of life to guide us. One such guide is the chakras that reside in our energetic, or spiritual body. Within those seven energy centers lies a general explanation of our own development throughout life.

From age 0 – 10, our root chakra guides us in our physical development from infant to child. During this period of time, our physical features undergo their most dramatic changes. We undergo a rooting into this world through our physical bodies. Being nearest to our spiritual birth into this world in a flesh body, we spend this time becoming comfortable with our vehicle, so to speak. We begin to learn how to use all of our faculties to navigate this world on our own and with guidance from our siblings.

From age 10 – 20, our sacral chakra takes precedence. We become aware of our impending expansion into adulthood. Our sexuality awakens, not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Our bodies begin to transcend from child-like to adult-like. We begin to form a more solid identity as male or female. We begin to make choices centered around our developing concept of who we are and our identity, not only with ourselves, but to the outside world. We begin to formulate dreams and aspirations.

Next, our solar plexus chakra dominates during the ages of 20 – 30. In our fully developed adult body, we begin to utilize and tap into its full capabilities. We begin to use our gut to feel our way through life experiences. Our solar plexus gives us strength to ride the intense pursuits of education, relationships, and career beginnings. Just as our core keeps us stable physically, the development of our solar plexus builds upon our resilience to live despite challenge and obstacle.

The heart chakra, during ages 30 – 40, brings new dimensions of love into our lives. Generally, it is during this time that relationships transcend into commitment, often involving marriage. The love expressed in devotion is expanded upon through the planning of children and family affairs. Dating becomes more of a life-mate search as affairs of the heart are greatest during this time. Biological clocks are triggered and childbearing dreams rest deep within the heart. Love is not only greatly desired, but often experienced and shared.

Next, the throat chakra steps up from age 40 – 50 to guide our voice in this life. Our many life experiences have a story and experience to be told. We may have experienced change in our lives, or lived enough experiences that speaking truth about ourselves and the world around us is a developing skill. Having the confidence and the strength to express ourselves and understand life as we know it as of yet is centered in our throat chakra. Pains lived, challenges met, problems existing, they all need to be expressed and worked through. Allowing our voice to release freely guides us towards freedom of expression.

Next, our third-eye chakra presides from age 50 – 60. Having transcended many stages of life, we are now beginning to see the world clearly. We have lived and survived many life experiences that our understanding of life begins to take focus. Our developing intuition guides us to new found life possibilities and directions unrealized. Our understanding now develops with ease and new found wisdom begins to preside. Our “eyes open,” as we transcend knowledge alone.

Finally, during age 60 – 70, our crown chakra guides our spiritual realizations. We begin to see that there is more to life than what we see in this physical world. Our connection with the universe, or a higher power, begins to awaken in us. We may realize that there is life beyond this life. Our spirit within us may awaken insights and wisdom beyond what we previously thought possible.

Keep in mind that these descriptions of the stages of life in connection with our spiritual chakras are a general guideline. It is simply a picture of how human life might be viewed from a spiritual energy center template. However, it can give us a possible sense of where we are currently, what we might need to do, and where we would possibly like to be in life. Looking at this model as a big picture, one can possibly see examples of others in life that mirror the above stated descriptions.

It is interesting to note that within our seven energy centers is a possible road map to follow. It is a model to view that solidifies the fact that answers to life can be found within. Researching into chakras more deeply can help provide possible guidelines to better ourselves and the lives we live.

Bright Blessings

MarVeena Meek (c) Dec 2014