Principles for Working with Your Chakras

As I said in my Introduction to the Chakras, you don’t even have to “believe” in these energy fields to work with them. All it takes is a solid amount of blind faith that you’ll get something positive from your exploration and you most certainly will. In the end, the chakras are another (I’d argue incredible) framework for exploring the connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual self. I used the word “work” above, but I don’t want you to take this in the wrong way. The work here is about being open and exploring, not in forcing anything to happen or trying to “fix” yourself. It’s about cultivating awareness, acceptance, and balance.

Here are some key principles that have helped me while exploring my chakras and helping others raise awareness of theirs.

Look Inward When Problems Arise

The most important principle, which is why it’s the first, when working with your chakras is to resist, fight, fumigate the urge to bend the world to your will when a problem or challenge arises. Instead, turn a gentle eye inward. If it seems like things or people are in your way and you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or misaligned, create the habit of examining your own thoughts, emotions and energy. This is an inside-out approach, which flips our instincts - to blame the world - on its head. Sure, this approach might make everything seem like your fault, but it puts “control” back to controllable things, like your energy and how you choose to use it.  This is, in the end, empowering, and our chakras offer a map for understanding and addressing these inner imbalances. 

Be an Observer, Not a Fixer

This is a tough one for me because I’m built to fix problems. When something needs a fixin’ that’s when I’m in my zone. So to sit back and observe, and trust that it’s all gonna do what it needs to do is really quite the stretch for me. What helps me with observing is to have something to do so it doesn’t seem like I’m doing nothing.  The ideas is to simply notice any sensations, emotions, or images that arise. Do this without judgement or interpretation. This “observer” level of awareness, as it’s often called, is essential for doing any meaningful work with the chakras. It’s the part of you that notices without getting involved - the awareness behind your thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

This place inside of us is not the thoughts, because it is the one aware of the thoughts. It’s not the body, because it’s the one aware of the body’s sensations and movements. And it’s not the emotions, because it witnesses them as they come and gol. The observer is the quiet presence that remains unchanged. Even as your thoughts race, your body bleeds, and your emotions flutter, the observer remains unentangled but aware.

This observer state might require some cultivation on your part, but it’s worth the effort because it allows you to approach chakra work with curiosity and neutrality. It’s the difference between being swept away by your emotions or simply noticing them arise. From this place of calm, you can tune into the subtle frequencies of your chakras without over-analyzing. This detached and deeply present awareness is where healing and insight begin. Simply observing creates space for natural shifts to occur without force or manipulation. 

Work from the Ground Up

The base - in this case the Root Chakra - is the stable (or not so stable) understructure from which we can explore the higher structures. I’d recommend working through from Root to Crown in order. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t jump around and explore the connections between them all. In fact. This can be very enlightening when working on one chakra, to look at how it influences the others. I will often, say I’m working on my sacral chakra, work with a singing bowl for both the sacral and the crown (or choose any other one you’d like). But just exploring higher chakras, like the Third Eye or Crown without a solid foundation in the first three chakras can lead to a feeling of being untethered. Work Root first, then Sacral, then Solar Plexus, and so on. But feel free to bounce around from the base chakra you’re working on, just keep the chakra you’re working on as your focus. 

Balance Over Perfection

The goal isn’t to keep all your chakras perfectly open and aligned at all times—that’s unrealistic and unnecessary. Life ebbs and flows, and so does your energy. Instead, aim for balance. Some chakras may naturally feel more active or open, while others might need attention. That’s okay. Trust the process and work gently toward harmony.

Engage the Body

Your chakras are closely tied to your physical body, so tuning into your body is essential. Movement, breathwork, and touch can all help bring awareness to specific energy centers. Practices like yoga, sound meditation, or even simply placing your hand over a chakra center as you breathe can deepen your connection to your energy.

Use Visualization and Intention

Your mind is a powerful tool for working with your chakras. Visualize the energy center you’re focusing on as a spinning wheel or a glowing light. Imagine it becoming balanced, clear, and vibrant. Pair this visualization with a positive intention, like feeling grounded or expressing yourself more freely.

Be Patient and Consistent

Chakra work is not a quick fix. It’s a practice that unfolds over time. Consistency is more important than intensity. Even a few minutes a day spent focusing on your chakras can lead to profound shifts over weeks and months. Be patient with yourself and trust the journey.

Respect Your Unique Energy System

Your experience with chakras will be uniquely yours. Avoid comparing your journey to others or expecting specific results. Your body and energy will guide you to what needs attention in its own time and way. Honor this individuality, and approach chakra work with curiosity and self-compassion.

Embrace the Messiness of Growth

Energy work, like life, can be messy. When you begin exploring your chakras, you might uncover emotions, memories, or sensations that feel uncomfortable. This is a natural part of the process. Growth often comes from sitting with discomfort and allowing it to teach you, rather than trying to avoid or suppress it.

Trust the Energy to Guide You

Finally, trust that your energy system knows what it needs. Chakra work isn’t about controlling or forcing results. When you bring awareness to your energy centers, your body and subconscious will naturally guide you toward balance and healing. Your job is to listen, trust, and follow where the energy leads.

By embracing these principles, you can build a deeper connection to your chakras and begin to experience the profound wisdom they offer. Remember, this is a practice of self-discovery, not self-correction, and every step you take is a step toward greater awareness and wholeness.