Balancing the Body and Mind: Anodea Judith’s Holistic Path to Healing

Initially, I had very few expectations from this book, I could not foresee the set of valuable information it taught me. Up until now, I thought that it is only my mind that controls everything and my body is just a block of flesh, fat and bones.

I really did not acknowledge my body. After this book, I have learnt that our body, our intuition, even our dreams have so much meaning. We are much more complex than what science has taught us.

The Chakra System is an ancient spiritual framework that originates from Eastern traditions, particularly Hinduism and yoga. It consists of seven energy centers, or chakras, that run along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head. Each chakra represents different aspects of human consciousness and is associated with specific physical, emotional, and psychological functions.

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There are 7 chakras, running from the base to the crown of the head, they are chronologically from the base: survival, sexuality, power, love, communication, intuition and cognition.

1. Root Chakra (Muladhara) -The survival chakra affirms the need to feel that the earth supports my needs, the need to love my body and to trust its wisdom. We need the affirmation of “I’m here, I’m real” for this chakra. It gets highly diminished if a child is not loved, if beating is prominent. The physical identity of a person can be ruined and the person feels no connection with earth. It creates fear, insecurity and issues with basic needs.
2. Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) — This is the chakra of sexuality. Sexuality is not only the expression of sexual behaviour, but a combination of emotions, communication, poetry, liberation, emotional intelligence, ability to change, and healthy boundaries.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) — Chakra of power needs a will and purpose in life for its proper functioning. The drive for power over others is unhappy and materialistic. One should be able to find their will and their purpose in life from within.
4. Heart Chakra (Anahata) — Located in the center of the chest, this chakra relates to love, compassion, and emotional connections. Imbalances can cause problems with giving and receiving love, grief, and emotional pain.
5. Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) — Positioned at the throat, this chakra governs communication and self-expression. We need to hear and speak the truth and express ourselves with clear intent, practice active listening and empathy. We need the affirmation of “My creativity flows through me. My voice is necessary.”
6. Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) — Located between the eyebrows, this chakra is linked to intuition, perception, and wisdom. We can always manifest our vision. There is a huge difference between vision and illusion. Manifestation can only occur from our intuition when we know our limitations, and realise where we stand.
7. Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) — Situated at the top of the head, this chakra connects to our universal identity. We need to practice non-attachment from people, places, money and materialism in order to be free, to learn from the cosmos. Loosen yourself, let yourself learn. Anything we manifest is possible with an accurate vision. This is the chakra for thought, memory, cognition and spiritual awakening.

There are several exercises recommended in this book for the proper functioning of these chakras. The character structures laid out in this book are unique for each individual. For instance, for the fourth chakra of love, I found that my character structure is hysterical. I am this character as I am heavily influenced by the feeling that I’m worthy of love only when I accomplish something. I hesitate to be in love. This occurs mainly due to early parentification of a child, as I am the oldest in my family.

This book is for anyone ready to explore their inner landscape and achieve greater emotional balance.