Finding Balance as A Writer: Chakra Physiology By Keri Kruspe

Let’s welcome back monthly columnist Keri Kruspe as she shares with us “Finding Balance as A Writer: Chakra Physiology.” Enjoy!

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Or: Squirrel! Dealing with shiny objects that demand constant attention

I was inspired to write something a little different this month. The other day I was at a writer’s meeting, (Mid-Michigan RWA Chapter) chatting with a new acquaintance when she noticed a ring I wear on my right middle finger. She exclaimed what an unusual ring it was and wanted to know what it represented. The gal sitting on her other side called out “it’s a chakra (pronounced shah’krah) ring,” which made me smile since that’s exactly what it was.

I wear it for a couple of reasons, (the main one is because it’s pretty!) but also because it’s a constant reminder to keep myself in balance. While I am not a “hard core” practitioner, I do like the idea of keeping oneself in balance.

During our conversation, my new friend confessed she’d never heard about chakras and wondered if I’d write about it and share my search for balance. Besides, maybe the info could be used as a personality trait for a heroine in a paranormal romance novel.

Chakra Physiology

So I did a little research and this is what I’ve come up with:

In a simple definition, Chakra physiology is the connection between the physical body and the metaphysical centers of energy, called chakras, believed to be located throughout the body. A general consensus is there are seven major chakras located along or near the spine from the base of the spinal column to the top of your head.

Each chakra is thought to influence the internal organ or section of the body where it is located, along with the associated endocrine glands and nervous system.

Yogapedia defines Chakra Physiology as:

“When the chakra energy is balanced, it helps keep the body healthy. When it is not balanced, the physical body – as well as your ‘emotional’ body – can be negatively affected.”

The 8 Chakras

The chakras, their associated glands and the effects on the physical body include:

• Root chakra (reproductive glands) – affects sexual development and secretes sex hormones.
  • Color – Red  
  • Element – Earth
• Sacral or spleen chakra (adrenal gland) – controls metabolism and the immune system
  • Color – Orange
  • Element – Water
• Solar plexus chakra (pancreas) – also controls metabolism
  • Color – Yellow
  • Element – Fire
• Heart chakra (thymus gland) – also regulates the immune system
  • Color – Green
  • Element – Air
• Throat chakra (thyroid gland) – regulates both metabolism and body temperature
  • Color – Light Blue
  • Element – Sound
• Third eye chakra (pituitary gland) – produces hormones and controls functioning of the lower five glands
  • Color – Indigo
  • Element – Light
• Crown chakra (pineal gland) – controls biological cycles
  • Color – White or Violet
  • Element – Thought

Chakra Healing and Writing

Hmm…this information may be interesting, but how can I apply this to my everyday life and not just use it as a research assignment? How can I maintain some type of balance in my life as I tend to obsess with my writing all the time?

Here are some thoughts:

1. Meditation is probably the most effective way to balance the chakras. There are many chakra meditations that can be found online, but it is also easy enough to practice on your own. Each chakra is associated with a color that can be used to help you go deeper into your meditation and make it more effective.
2. A regular yoga practice is incredibly effective at balancing the chakras. As with meditation, you can visualize and focus your attention on the different chakras throughout your practice. Visualize the colors that correspond to the chakra you are focusing on as you are doing the postures.
3. The use of breathing techniques not only helps to relax the body, but it also allows you to control the flow of energy throughout your body. There are numerous techniques you can explore that works best for you.
4. Aromatherapy can be used for a variety of different ailments. Plant-derived oils can also be used for chakra balancing as they correspond to different chakras. The oils can be used by simply breathing them in or applying them topically.

It’s easy for us as writers to lose sight of taking care of oneself.

As a coach, Beth Barany keeps the importance of calm and balance uppermost in her training. I appreciate that, because like most writers, I tend to get absorbed in the worlds I create, and I sometimes forget to stop and “smell the roses.”

I’ve been so concerned about launching my third book while marketing the first, creating a reader magnet and making an outline for the next installment while checking on my social media while creating a new ad while….while…anyway, enter my inner squirrel. And just like that, I get lost chasing “shiny” new things.

Not to mention how I work full time, have a forty-year relationship with my husband that needs constant TLC along with trying to be a part of my children and their children’s life.

…and we got a new puppy to nurture…a Jack Russell. The dog should be a redhead – she’s so feisty.

By no means do I think I’m unique.

We all have busy lives, constantly being pulled in a hundred different directions.

Any time I feel overwhelmed, I glimpse at my silver ring and take a deep breath and notice what I’m paying too much attention to.

That way I can “listen” to what my body is telling me, (am I tired, stressed, confused?) and take a step back and know it’s okay to come back to my passion of writing once I’m rejuvenated.

Oooh…look…pop up…snap chat…gotta check…

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keri Kruspe has been an author since the age of twelve and has always been fascinated with otherworldly stories that end in Happily Ever After. Author of Otherworldly Romantic Adventures, Keri’s first series is An Alien Exchange trilogy. An Alien Exchange is the first book in the arousing Alien Exchange sci-fi romance series. If you like sexy aliens, feisty heroines, and fast-paced action, then you’ll love Keri Kruspe’s steamy space adventure.

Keri now resides with her family in the wilds of Northwestern Michigan. An avid reader, Keri enjoys good wine, good food, and watching action/adventure movies. You can find her most days immersed in her fantasy world of writing or traveling with her hubby in their RV, discovering intelligent life here on Earth. For goodies, news of upcoming releases, sign up for her newsletter at www.kerikruspe.com.