Peace

 

Energy

George Norwood

 

 

The Chakras (Energy Centers)

The chakras process the inner energy within the body. They can be thought of as associated with the software of the brain.  Singer describes blocked energy as samskaras. Samskaras are caused by impactful  memories. When a samskara is triggered it blocks the energy flowing through the chakras. The heart chakra is turned on when we fall in love and turned off when we break up. . When a samskara is activated, energy is blocked, or said in another way, signals are inhibited.

 

Using medical terminology, a samskara is the cause of a flashback where an important memories are strongly triggered. These are episodal in that is they happen during a period of time measured in perhaps hours. If a memory is constantly being triggered it could be a cause of long term anxiety and addictive behavior.

 

The concept of chakra originated in ancient Hinduism and was incorporated later into Buddhism.  Thee are many superstitious notions used to describe the various chakras which may help people picture the chakra. These include color, frequency,  petals and various colorful symbols.  Actually they are energy centers where energy can be blocked or generated. 

 

In a vague way, there are physical clusters of nerves called solar plexus associated with the chakras. For example, the root chakra aligns with the coccygeal nerve plexus at the base of the spine, associated with survival instincts and grounding. The heart chakra corresponds to the cardiac plexus near the heart, influencing emotions like love and compassion. The throat chakra is linked to the cervical plexus, governing communication and expression.

 

 I was thinking which chakra would help me fall asleep  and concluded that concentrating on any of them would increase my energy and keep me from going to sleep.  I found that just stop all thinking was the best way to go to sleep faster.  So I proposed an anti-chakra that shuts down chakra energy.  I called it the eight chakra, the Sleep Chakra. This chakra might also help regulate chakra energy across the board, and keep us from getting caught up in any particular chakra energy.

 

When viewed through a modern lens, practices like meditation, breath work, and mindfulness that "balance" the chakras may actually help regulate the autonomic nervous system. For instance, focusing on the solar plexus chakra—associated with confidence and personal power—might reduce tension in the abdominal region, where the vagus nerve plays a role in stress response. Similarly, practices targeting the throat chakra can help release tension in the neck and improve communication, which is often tied to psychological well-being. In essence, chakras represent a holistic way of understanding how emotional energy, mental focus, and physical health interconnect, providing a framework for addressing imbalances in both the body and the mind.

  1. Root Chakra (Base of the Spine)

    • Associated with survival instincts, safety, and grounding.
    • Relates to the body's core needs, such as stability and security, and is often linked to the parasympathetic nervous system and pelvic region.

  2. Sacral Chakra (Lower Abdomen)

    • Connected to creativity, sexuality, and emotional balance.
    • Aligns with the reproductive system and influences our ability to form relationships and express emotions.

  3. Solar Plexus Chakra (Upper Abdomen)

    • Governs personal power, confidence, and self-esteem.
    • Linked to the digestive system and the autonomic nervous system, often reflecting how we handle stress and assert ourselves.

  4. Heart Chakra (Center of the Chest)

    • Represents love, compassion, and emotional healing.
    • Relates to the cardiac plexus and influences emotional connections and empathy.

  5. Throat Chakra (Throat Area)

    • Governs communication, self-expression, and truth.
    • Associated with the cervical plexus and vocal cords, impacting how we share our thoughts and emotions.

  6. Third Eye Chakra (Between the Eyebrows)

    • Linked to intuition, insight, and perception.
    • Tied to the brain and the pineal gland, symbolizing clarity and decision-making.

  7. Crown Chakra (Top of the Head)

    • Represents spiritual connection, purpose, and higher consciousness.
    • Associated with the brain and central nervous system, connecting us to a sense of universality and higher awareness.

  8. Sleep Chakra (Brain Stem)

    • This nontraditional chakra represents the state in which a person is asleep. It allows shut down of the mind, emotions and sensations in various stages. It regulates energy but his not a energy center in itself.
    • Associated with relaxation and meditation..

 

 

Our Energy Systems

Chakras

 

 Emotional energy and physical energy, while interconnected, stem from distinct sources and serve different purposes in our lives.

Physical energy is the fuel our body derives from food, oxygen, and rest. It is the energy of the material world, generated through metabolic processes that convert nutrients into usable energy, primarily in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Physical energy powers our muscles, supports cellular functions, and sustains bodily systems, enabling us to move, work, and perform daily activities. It is tangible and measurable, governed by biological rhythms and replenished through eating, sleeping, and exercising.

Emotional energy, on the other hand, is more abstract and arises from our inner experiences—our thoughts, feelings, and interactions. It reflects the vibrancy or depletion we feel in our spirit or mood. Positive emotions like joy, love, and gratitude often boost emotional energy, creating a sense of lightness and enthusiasm. Negative emotions such as anger, fear, or sadness can drain this energy, leaving us feeling heavy or exhausted. Unlike physical energy, emotional energy is influenced by our mental and social environment, as well as by how we process experiences and thoughts.

The contrast lies in their sources and functions: physical energy is rooted in the physical body and sustains our tangible actions, while emotional energy originates in the mind and heart, fueling our relationships, creativity, and sense of purpose. However, they are deeply intertwined. Physical exhaustion can deplete emotional energy, making it harder to remain positive or motivated. Conversely, emotional distress can sap physical vitality, leaving us feeling lethargic or unwell. Nurturing both types of energy—through balanced nutrition, movement, rest, mindfulness, and emotional connection—is key to living a vibrant and fulfilled life.

 

Seen in another way, emotional energy is not physical energy in that it can be seen as part of the brain's software.  This software differs a great deal from computer software and is often called wetware. Wetware is highly parallel whereas computer software is sequential.  Never the less, emotional energy can be seen as information flowing down our nerves, inhibited or enabled by our brain cells and synapses.  

 

Emotional Energy Blockage

Our energy, often referred to as life energy or vitality, is a dynamic interplay between physical energy and the more subtle emotional, mental, and spiritual energies that define our experience of life. Physical energy comes from the body, generated through processes like metabolism, where food and oxygen are converted into fuel for our cells. This energy supports our physical actions, from movement to maintaining essential bodily functions. At the same time, our emotional and mental states can influence this physical energy. For example, feelings of excitement or joy often seem to create a surge of energy, while stress or sadness can leave us feeling drained. This connection suggests that our energy is not just a physical phenomenon but also deeply tied to our inner world.

Our energy is generated and sustained by several factors, including our physical health, mental clarity, emotional balance, and spiritual connection. However, it can become blocked through unresolved emotions, negative thought patterns, or physical tension. According to Michael A. Singer and similar teachings, these blockages often manifest as resistance to life experiences—when we suppress or cling to certain emotions or thoughts, the natural flow of energy is disrupted. For example, anger or fear that we hold onto can create tension in both the body and mind, leading to fatigue or a sense of being stuck. To unblock energy, it’s essential to release these resistances, allowing emotions and experiences to flow through us without clinging or suppression. This openness not only restores vitality but also aligns us with a sense of inner harmony and balance, where energy flows freely and supports our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.   

 

Removing Emotional Blockages and Generating Energy

Removing blockages and restoring energy involves a combination of mindfulness, physical care, and emotional release. Practices like meditation and mindfulness help us become aware of internal resistance, allowing us to observe and release it without suppression or clinging. For example, when uncomfortable emotions arise, simply acknowledging them and letting them flow naturally can dissolve the tension they create. Similarly, physical movement, such as yoga or stretching, combined with deep, intentional breathing, can help release tension stored in the body and promote the free flow of energy.

Letting go of resistance is key to restoring vitality. Blockages often form when we cling to positive experiences or resist negative ones, creating stagnation in our energy. By relaxing into discomfort and accepting life's natural flow, we allow these blockages to resolve. Maintaining physical health through proper sleep, nutrition, and hydration further supports this process, as the body’s vitality is intrinsically linked to emotional and mental well-being. Practices like gratitude and visualization can also shift focus from tension to openness, fostering a deeper sense of balance and energy. Through consistent application of these methods, we cultivate a state of openness and vitality that allows energy to flow freely within us.

There are many great authors who have contributed to the process of becoming a person who can be in the presence of God. John C. Robinson speaks of the process in his book Ordinary Enlightenment (2000)

 

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

 

The human nervous system is beautifully designed to balance states of awareness and relaxation, achieved through the interplay of two systems: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system.

 

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

 

Sympathetic system is the driving force behind heightened awareness and alertness. Often referred to as the "fight or flight" system, it prepares the body to respond to stress or challenges. When activated, it increases heart rate, sharpens focus, and boosts energy levels, directing resources to muscles and the brain. This state of heightened readiness allows us to react swiftly and effectively to external stimuli, making us keenly aware of our environment.

 

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), responsible for the "fight or flight" response, uses specific chemicals to communicate and enact changes in the body. These chemicals are primarily neurotransmitters and hormones. Here are the key ones:

1. Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline)

  • Role: Acts as the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Function:
    • Released by sympathetic nerve endings (postganglionic neurons) to target organs.
    • Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.
    • Promotes energy mobilization by stimulating glucose release and fatty acid breakdown.

2. Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

  • Role: A hormone released by the adrenal medulla (part of the adrenal glands).
  • Function:
    • Works alongside norepinephrine to amplify the "fight or flight" response.
    • Increases blood flow to muscles and brain, dilates airways, and boosts alertness.
    • Enhances the release of stored energy, preparing the body for action.

3. Acetylcholine (ACh)

  • Role: A neurotransmitter involved in preganglionic communication within the sympathetic nervous system.
  • Function:
    • Released by preganglionic neurons to stimulate postganglionic neurons.
    • Initiates the cascade that leads to the release of norepinephrine or epinephrine.

4. Cortisol

  • Role: A hormone from the adrenal cortex that supports the SNS during prolonged stress.
  • Function:
    • Enhances the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
    • Helps regulate metabolism to sustain energy availability.

5. Dopamine

  • Role: A precursor to norepinephrine and epinephrine, and also acts as a neurotransmitter in some sympathetic pathways.
  • Function:
    • In specific contexts, dopamine influences vascular tone and kidney function, contributing to the SNS response.

These chemicals collectively drive the body's acute stress response, increasing alertness, redirecting blood flow to essential muscles, and preparing the body to respond to immediate challenges. 

 

Parasympathetic system is the driving force behind relaxation and recovery. Known as the "rest and digest" system, it helps the body unwind after periods of stress or activity. It slows the heart rate, enhances digestion, and supports restorative processes like healing and sleep. By fostering calmness and rejuvenation, this system is essential for maintaining balance and long-term well-being.

Together, these systems work dynamically to help you navigate the world. The sympathetic system heightens your awareness when needed, while the parasympathetic system ensures you can relax, recover, and sustain a state of inner peace. This balance is crucial for both physical and emotional health, supporting a life that is both vibrant and centered.

 

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

 

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), responsible for the "rest and digest" response, uses specific neurotransmitters and chemicals to promote relaxation, restore energy, and support bodily maintenance functions. Here are the key chemicals associated with the parasympathetic system:

1. Acetylcholine (ACh)

  • Primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system.
  • Role: Facilitates communication between nerves and target organs (e.g., heart, lungs, digestive system).
  • Functions:
    • Decreases heart rate and promotes relaxation.
    • Stimulates digestive processes by increasing secretion of enzymes and digestive fluids.
    • Enhances salivation and tear production.
    • Contracts smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract and bladder.

2. Nitric Oxide (NO)

  • Role: A signaling molecule that modulates certain parasympathetic functions.
  • Functions:
    • Promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) to increase blood flow.
    • Helps relax smooth muscles, contributing to processes like digestion and bladder control.

3. Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

  • Role: A neuropeptide co-released with acetylcholine in some parasympathetic pathways.
  • Functions:
    • Stimulates secretion of digestive juices.
    • Relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
    • Enhances blood flow to the digestive organs.

4. Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (GRP)

  • Role: A neurotransmitter in parasympathetic regulation of the digestive system.
  • Functions:
    • Stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid production for digestion.

5. Serotonin (5-HT)

  • Role: While not exclusive to the PNS, serotonin plays a crucial role in the gut, where parasympathetic activity dominates.
  • Functions:
    • Facilitates smooth muscle contraction in the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Regulates bowel movements and digestion.

These chemicals work together to ensure the parasympathetic nervous system can slow down and restore the body after periods of stress or activity. They promote relaxation, energy conservation, and efficient organ function, creating a state of balance essential for health and well-being.