by Julee LePera 

I know in advance when I am sick. I think everyone does on some level. I might not realize it at first, but I feel run-down, and I am not interested in doing the activities that enjoy such bike riding or even the most mundane tasks like sorting out my emails. Then I begin to sleep more, and I start to feel achy. Finally, I succumb to chills, fever and full-blown sickness. The steps can be quick or are drawn out, but the end result is basically the same.  

Similarly, the emotional system takes on similar attributes. A trauma occurs in life such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. These events change a person’s aura or electromagnetic energy fields that surround the body at all times. Kirlian Photography has been able to capture on film the body’s “field” of energy and even designates which colors this field will emits to specific characteristics and qualities. 

 It is thought that a reaction to trauma will create energy waves and move into physical patterns outside of the body but inside of the aura. From the aura, it then moves into the body through energy centers located all over the physical body. These energy centers or “chakras” have specific qualities and are affected by the trauma.  As the energy states of the trauma persist, other chakras become affected.    

 Much like with I am sick, the first way the chakras respond are through emotions and attitude. Have you ever noticed that if you are in a wonderful mood, negative incidents seem to be less of an issue than if you are in an angry or frustrated mood? If you are in a state of anger, a constructive criticism might even cause you to become hostile, whereas a positive attitude could mitigate the emotional reaction or outburst. 

 If on the other hand, you internalize the criticism, you might find changes in the body itself. The anger could upset your stomach or make your neck and shoulders feel tense. You might not be able to sleep because of the pain and discomfort which could then spiral you into more negative physical side-effects.  

Your body might also start to round its shoulders, cave in the chest, and lower your head. Perhaps your back will ache which can throw off your hips, then you start to ache all over, as even the smallest movements begin to feel cumbersome. Now with these blockages, your tissues, blood vessels and nerves tighten, and your skin loses its suppleness and luster.  

 In essence, the unconscious in the body is where an emotional imbalance exists due to trauma. The way the unconscious handles these interactions is how you will find them in the body (e.g. pain, discomfort). One way to overt spiraling emotions is to approach the situation from a standpoint of asking yourself, “What can situation show me? What can I learn from this without having a ‘knee jerk’ reaction?”  

The event will be what you make of it and, in turn, how far down the path you allow it take you on both the emotional ride and physical ride. Meditation is an excellent way to become more centered in the mind and body. Even taking 15 minutes each day to center yourself will help with emotions gone wild. Exercise, nutrition and preventative measures like massage or energy work can do wonders too.