To understand the emotions is far better to seem through the lens
of chakras rather than trying to figure out the many different models
provided by various psychological schools of thought. Often
these models are tailored to a specific form of theory and are not
designed to view the overall picture of all the emotions.
Feelings and emotions are related but different. Emotions are
automatic reactions to events or thoughts, like fear or joy, and are
short-lived, physical, and subconscious. Feelings are how we interpret
and experience those emotions consciously, shaped by our thoughts,
memories, and beliefs, and they last longer. For example, avoiding a
car accident might cause fear as an emotion, but later, you might feel
gratitude or anger as you reflect on it. Recognizing this difference
helps us better understand and manage our emotional experiences.
Generally speaking we have the lower and higher emotions. The
higher emotions are associated with the free flow of energy.
Lower emotions are associated with blocked energy. People who
have all their chakras blocked can be severely depressed. There are
two groups of chemicals generated by either the sympathetic or the
parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system
allows us to relax, and the parasympathetic nervous system gets us
ready to fight, run or hide. The lower and higher emotions of
each chakra have their own set of chemicals. Sometimes the
chemical cause the emotion on their own, and sometimes the emotions
trigger the emotions. The chemicals are in the physical world and the
emotions are in the conscious world we feel.
Sadness
Sadness and grief often relates to the lower
states of Heart Chakra (Anahata) when someone stops loving us due to
death or some other cause.
A form of sadness is the feeling of emptiness were the
emotional energy is low.
Sadness from disconnection (spiritual or
emotional isolation) may involve the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
or the Root Chakra (Muladhara), as these chakras
influence our sense of belonging and purpose.
Prolonged sadness or depression can also
involve the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura), as
feelings of low self-esteem and helplessness contribute to this
emotional state.
Addiction
Addiction occurs when a person has limited spirituality while
engaging in a single interest. It
could be addiction to sex, eating, drugs, being in love, and need of
entertainment. To combat this is to
find many things in life that have meaning and pleasure.
Sex
Fundamentally sex is the urge to unite with another person in an
intimate way. This energy is a wave that comes and goes.
During sex, the frontal lobes are inhibited and so if there is too
much focus on sex, a personal may make wrong decisions. The whole goal
is to have a climax. After the climax, or several climaxes a person
regains use of their whole brain and may feel that what they did was
wrong, and may feel ashamed. This occurs more often when an attractive
partner is not available. In this case, the imagination becomes
important and kinkily sex may happen and this may produce guilt and
feeling even more ashamed. The best plan is to make sex more of
short time affair and not try to make it last all the time. One
needs to know that while having sex, one may not have as much common
sense and the person could be placed in danger. Sex is better
when it is private as others are involved, but not involved they often
look down on sexual activity. Some sex is mechanical and other forms
are preferred that involve love and tenderness.
From Michael Singer's perspective, emotions are not merely
psychological responses but are deeply tied to the flow of energy
within us. They represent patterns of energy that move through our
system in response to life’s experiences. When emotions like fear,
anger, or joy arise, they reflect our inner reactions to external
events, shaped by past impressions and unresolved energies. Singer
emphasizes that emotions are not who we are but rather phenomena we
experience, arising and falling like waves. By observing them without
clinging or resistance, we can allow their energy to flow freely and
avoid creating blockages that disrupt our inner balance.
From a scientific viewpoint, emotions are closely linked to the
brain’s limbic system, particularly structures like the amygdala,
which processes emotional responses. They also involve the autonomic
nervous system, which triggers physiological reactions such as
increased heart rate during fear or relaxation during joy. Emotions
can be seen as a bridge between the mind and body, influencing both
our thoughts and physical state. For example, stress-related emotions
can cause tension and fatigue, while positive emotions like gratitude
or love promote relaxation and vitality.
Singer would argue that emotions, though natural, often become
amplified by our attachment to mental narratives. When we resist or
cling to emotions, their energy becomes trapped, forming blockages
that hinder our ability to experience life fully. Science supports
this by showing how chronic stress and unresolved emotions can lead to
physical and psychological imbalances. To free ourselves, Singer
advocates stepping back into the role of the observer, watching
emotions arise without judgment or reaction. This practice not only
aligns with mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches but also helps
restore the natural flow of energy, promoting harmony within both the
mind and body. By understanding emotions as temporary energy patterns
rather than fixed aspects of our identity, we can embrace a deeper
sense of inner freedom and peace.
The Spectrum of Feeling
In the quiet town of Emotionvale, there lived a man named Greg.
Greg was a practical man with a straightforward view of life. He had
two emotions, which he named simply "Okay" and "Bad." To him, life was
either tolerable or unpleasant, and he saw no reason to complicate
things.
One day, Greg met Lila, a woman whose world was a kaleidoscope of
emotions. Lila had spent years exploring the depths and nuances of her
feelings. She had names for emotions Greg had never even considered.
When they met at a community event, Lila noticed Greg sitting alone,
sipping tea with a blank expression.
“You seem like someone who’s feeling... neutral,” Lila said with a
curious smile, sitting beside him.
Greg glanced at her. “I’m okay. What else is there to feel?”
Lila laughed gently. “Oh, there’s so much more! Affection, for
instance. Like the warmth I feel sitting here next to you. Or
agitation, when my mind buzzes with too many thoughts.”
Greg frowned. “Sounds complicated. Why bother?”
“It’s not a bother,” Lila said, her eyes lighting up. “It’s like
living with a rainbow instead of just black and white. Take ardor, for
instance—that fiery passion when you’re deeply in love with an idea or
a person. Or ecstasy, that fleeting yet overwhelming joy when
something wonderful happens.”
Greg shrugged. “Sounds exhausting. I prefer to keep it simple. I
feel okay, or I feel bad. That’s it.”
Lila tilted her head, intrigued. “What about endurance? The quiet
strength when you face something tough but don’t give up? Or verve,
the lively energy when you’re inspired?”
Greg blinked. “I guess I’ve felt... something like that. But I just
call it getting through the day.”
“Ah, but naming it gives it power,” Lila said. “Like when I feel
pathos, a deep sense of compassion for someone’s struggle. Or when a
flurry of excitement bubbles up, and I call it flutter. Or even when
life feels chaotic, and I call it hectic. Naming these emotions helps
me understand and embrace them.”
Greg sipped his tea, trying to process her words. “But doesn’t it
get messy? All those names?”
“Life is messy,” Lila said with a grin. “But it’s beautiful. Even
the hard feelings, like stew—that boiling mix of confusion and
frustration—or furor, when anger surges unexpectedly. Giving them
names helps me navigate through them. Like unction, the soothing balm
of peace, or seal, that unwavering conviction when I know I’m doing
what’s right.”
Greg stared at her, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his
stoicism. “So you’re saying these emotions help you... live better?”
“They help me live fully,” Lila said. “What about you? What do you
feel right now?”
Greg hesitated, then said, “Maybe... a little curious.”
Lila laughed. “That’s a start! Maybe it’s wonder, or even a touch
of connection. See? You’re already more than ‘okay.’”
Greg couldn’t help but smile. For the first time, he wondered if
maybe, just maybe, there was more to feeling than he had ever
imagined. And as Lila began to share her stories of affection, ardor,
and ecstasy, Greg found himself listening closely, stepping
tentatively into a world far more colorful than he had ever known.
