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Without really being conscious of it, most of us have a tendency to live our lives influenced by patterns and behaviors that we are completely unaware of. When I was a child my mom only bought Hellmann’s mayonnaise, and to this day I still believe that there is only one mayonnaise, Hellmann’s. The one time I ventured to try something else, I’d already made up my mind I wouldn’t like it and sure enough, it was awful.

Memories of experiences are stored in our bodies on a cellular level: one of the locations is in “processing centers” called  “Chakras”. The chakras act as input centers where we experience and process information.

There are seven major chakras within the human body. These centers are aligned vertically from the base of the spine to the top of the head. Together the 7 chakras create a system that shapes our consciousness on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. Each center has its own theme for processing and releasing information and energy and contains a different part of our memories and experiences.

When our chakras are functioning in a healthy manner their energy is fluid and they function in harmony with each other, and we experience well-balanced lives. Storing unresolved experiences, emotions or memories can block or damage our chakras.

The first chakra, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine and is the foundation for the whole chakra system. This is our center for manifestation and governs our physical body. The function of this center is to respond to issues concerning survival: eating, sleeping, exercising, recovering from illness, making a living, or simply feeling safe and secure verses feeling fearful or afraid to take risks.  If this chakra is damaged we find ourselves repeatedly coping with threats to our survival. This keeps us from accomplishing what we truly desire.

Indications that the first chakra is damaged or out of balance may include, money and trust issues, sense of heaviness, resistance to change, obesity or anorexia, lack of being focused, disconnected from your body, defensiveness, restlessness, and attitudes of lack.

The focal points of the six remaining major chakras are outlined below as well:

• The second chakra, located in the sacral area, represents our emotional body, feelings, emotions, sexuality and creativity.
• The third chakra, located in the solar plexus, is our center of will, desire and personal power.
• The fourth center, the heart chakra, is located in the center of the chest. This energy center reflects relationships, compassion, and love for one’s self and for others.
• The fifth chakra, located in the throat, controls our communication, how we are heard, listen and speak our truth.
• The sixth energy center, located in the center of the forehead, between our eyes, focuses on developing our intuition and creating/living our vision.
• Located at the top of our head, the seventh chakra controls our connection to our "higher selves." It is associated with wisdom and integration of our eternal selves with our current physical selves.

 The energy of each of these centers is deeply impacted by our beliefs. When we hold onto the old “stories” we have been programmed with, these centers become blocked and prevent us from living a healthy and balanced life.

What old stories and beliefs are you holding on to that impact your day-to-day life and how do they limit or influence your life?  

Suzi April, founder of Live Life ~ Coaching for Body, Mind & Spirit, is devoted to the process of living a life which reflects and honors one's own true Self. Integrating body, mind and spirit, Suzi coaches individuals to discover and live their passion with a higher sense of focus, commitment and accountability.

In addition to her one-on-one life coaching, Suzi facilitates workshops focused on opening and balancing the energy of the individual chakras. Suzi's greatest joy is giving others the gift of opening their heart and truly learning to Live Life ~ Mastering the Universe within YOU.