Inspired by the writing style of Berkeley classics professor and philosopher Norman O. Brown, I share with you a quick meditation on the seven Chakras through the voices of social reformers, writers, artists, dancers, philosophers and even …a politician.

Chakras form the nadi, or energy channel, that runs from base of the spine up through the crown of the head. They are the main “portals” of subtle energy located at major branchings of the nervous system, each associated with a specific area of the physical body and a sense. Negative or unused energy can build up in the seven chakras, often leading to dis-ease. Freeing that energetic congestion and healing with wellness practices like yoga flow, good nutrition and even a change in negative habits keeps the nadi energy flowing freely allowing a more centered sense of self.

Seven. Crown Chakra, Sahasrara. (Sense of empathy)
Karma, union, pure bliss

Learning sleeps and snores in libraries, but wisdom is everywhere, wide awake, on tiptoe.

- Josh Billings, humorist

Six. Third-eye Chakra, Sahasrara. (ESP)
Intuition, wisdom, guidance, imagination, ability to think and make decisions

Intuition is a spiritual faculty and does not explain but simply points the way.

- Florence Scovel Shinn, artist

Five. Throat Chakra, Vishuddha. (Hearing)
Communication, speaking and living the truth, creativity, self-expression

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.

- Henry Ward Beecher, abolitionist/social reformer

Four. Heart Chakra, Anahata. (Touch)
Love (especially unconditional), joy, inner peace, compassion, equilibrium

Who, being loved, is poor?

- Oscar Wilde, writer

Three. Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura. (Sight)
Confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, fear, and anxiety

If you doubt yourself, then indeed you stand on shaky ground.

- Henrik Ibsen, writer

Two. Sacral Chakra, Swadhisthana. (Taste)
Relationships, abundance, well-being, sexuality, and pleasure

Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.

- Benjamin Disraeli, British Prime Minister

One. The Root Chakra, Muladhara. (Smell)
Foundation, sense of grounding, security, survival, and basic human potentiality

The body never lies.

- the ever-fluid Martha Graham, choreographer