Multi-disciplinary research Part 2, THE CHAKRA SYSTEM
AIP1 Session 5, Part 2/3
This multi-disciplinary research is a means to make sense and support the creative process of Session 1-4, which includes, among others, drip painting, action painting, motoric drawing, and ink exploration.
Expressionism is about getting in touch with your inner self, including raw energies, raw emotions and implicit meanings, before pouring the results on canvas. Therefore, it is important to keep in touch with oneself, both physically and emotionally, to achieve the best results.
According to Natalia Southgate, founder and regular practicioner of the Chakradance, the chakra system helps regulate the human energy field, or the aura. The aura is a dynamic energy matrix which affects the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
According to Southgate, the Chakradance consists of free-flowing movements in the influence of particular frequencies of sound which helps to release the energy in your body. This relationship between rhythm and movement is what originally interested me in the Chakradance, as I found the principles similar to what I experienced during my first four sessions---how sounds can greatly influence one's energies.
If the Chaos Theory is about rationalising my observations, this is about exploring the emotional and primal aspects.
The following includes a description of the chakras and their collaboration to one's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health:
MULADHARA - Root/Base Chakra
The Dance of Instincts
The Muladhara is related to instinct, security, survival, stability, sensuality and sexuality, as well as human potential. It's related to the sense of smell. The Muladhara is a raw chakra, it's manifested in tribal dancing, and in the Chakradance it draws inspiration from animal movements. It's deeply linked to our roots. This chakra occurs at the base of the spine.
SVADHISHTHINA - Sacral/Splenic Chakra
The Dance of Sexuality
It is usually symbolised by a crescent moon within a white lotus. The moon, in astrology, is linked to dreams, the unconscious, and the inner emotions. This chakra corresponds to the testes of ovaries which produce sex hormones responsible for the reproductive cycle. Thus, it governs basic emotional needs, reproduction, pleasure, creativity and enthusiasm. In the Chakradance, it is a sensual dance, symbolised with fluid movements of the hips and belly, and awakes the force of Eros.
MANIPURA - Solar Plexus Chakra
The Dance of Power
It is related to the metabolic/digestive systems. Digestion is the conversion of food matter into energy for the body, and thus in the Chakradance it is considered a war dance, incorporating warrior movements, meant to awaken fighting instincts before a battle. It is masculine, powerful, athletic and virile.
ANAHATA - Heart Chakra
The Dance of Love
The symbol is called the "heartmind", and it stands for the union between male and female. Located in the chest, it is related to the thymus which is an organ of the immune system, which fends off disease and holds back stress. Unlike the Svadhishthina, which is about passion, the Anahata is about joy, compassion, tenderness, and unconditional love. It is to move with lightness, and the dance incorporates exaggerated arm movements, which display deep states of joyful harmonu, and the Union of Heaven and Earth.
VISHUDDHA - Throat Chakra
The Dance of Expression
Related to communication and growth through expression. It is connected to the thyroid, which produces hormones responsible for growth and maturation. The chakra governs communication, independence, fluid thought, and sense of security. The Chakradance mixes vocals with dance movements, also called a "mantra dance". The dance originates from ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians dance while reciting poetry, the Hawaiians while chanting, and the Tibetans accompany it with instruments such as gongs. It is the harmonious relationship between sound and movement = rhythm.
AJNA - Third Eye Chakra
The Dance of Intuition
It is connected to the pineal gland which produces a hormone (melatonin) that regulates sleep and waking up. Thus, Ajna is about balancing the higher and lower selves, the physical and the spiritual. In the Chakradance, it is a "trance dance", which incorporates simple and repetitive movements to blur the line between reality and intuition.
SAHASRARA - Crown Chakra
The Dance of the Soul
It is considered to be the state of pure consciousness. It relates physical action with meditation, mental action with universal consciousness. It's related to the central nervous system and the hypothalamus. This chakra is equivalent to nirvana, a rebirth in the Pure Land. The Chakradance embraces the religious and the spiritual, and spans from Shamanic practices to Celtic traditions. It is a dancing prayer.