We all have many identities that we learn to associate with from childhood. According to the chakra system, we have 7 – Each level has a particular identity that emerges as we develop + mature.
Identity gives us meaning. We are constantly in search of meaning, for it tells us how to operate. By identifying these patterns, we find understanding on how to act.
Look at identities as a layer of clothing – you need different outfits for different occasions like working out, swimming, date nights, winter, or comfort. We always change outfits to fit appropriate environments.
In my previous post about the seven chakra rights, we discussed the basic rights we gain with each chakra level. As we establish and reclaim our rights, it’s easier to embrace our seven chakra identities.
Every Identity moves from something innately individual, towards universal. Understanding that we must unify our identities on the lower levels before we can sustain our larger identities, it’s important to know that each has it’s own unique place and purpose.
1ST CHAKRA – PHYSICAL IDENTITY
Our 1st chakra level holds our physical identity. Here we learn to identify with the body and its needs and abilities.
When your body is hungry, “I am hungry” or when your body is in pain, “I am in pain”. If I don’t realize I’m hungry or in pain, I became dissociated from my body and disconnected from the physical world.
Physical identification is necessary in order to live in this physical world, which helps us obtain self-preservation.
2ND CHAKRA – EMOTIONAL IDENTITY
Our 2nd chakra level is the center of our emotional identity, where we feel the sensations of the physical body and transforming them on an unconscious level into value-oriented meaning.
We identify with our emotions by “I am happy” or “I am angry” or in other cultures, “I have happiness” or “I have anger”.
Emotional identity expands the experience of the body, allowing us to develop self-gratification.
3RD CHAKRA – EGO IDENTITY
Our 3rd chakra holds our ego identity. Our autonomous, separate self awakens; Here we learn self-definition, where we realize we are a separate entity with the power to choose our own actions and consequences.
“I am what I do”
When we do something right or gain achievement, we feel good about ourselves. (Unfortunately, the opposite is also true).
4TH CHAKRA – SOCIAL IDENTITY
Our 4th chakra is the center of our social identity, also known as the persona. The persona is the personality we create to interact with others. The seductive lover, entertainer, teacher, pleaser, or nurturer – it’s the identity you see yourself within your relationships and social atmosphere.
As we mature, the identity shifts to include how we perceive our role of service to others, or how we have learned to give and embrace a world beyond the ego identity. This is our basis for self-acceptance.
5TH CHAKRA – CREATIVE IDENTITY
Our 5th chakra level holds our creative identity. Here we develop self-expression by what we say and produce. We identify with our word through the commitments we make.
“I have committed myself in marriage and by that commitment, I am a wife.”
In this, we take responsibility for what we say by embodying it in our actions. Through our creativity, we identify ourselves as artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, mothers, etc. Ultimately, we seek to make a contribution to the world through the creative process.
6TH CHAKRA – ARCHETYPAL IDENTITY
Our 6th chakra is the center of our archetypal identity. This identity is gained through the recognition of images and symbols that appear in our lives through dreams, imagination, art, relationships or situations. Our personal story is now seen as an event in a larger story, just like the hero’s journey. We seek to develop self-reflection within mythology, fairytales, movies, and etc. As we mature, we consciously embrace the evolution of the archetypal symbols that resonate with us.
7TH CHAKRA – UNIVERSAL IDENTITY
Our 7th chakra center holds our universal identity. This is where we identify with all of creation and universal connection by developing self-knowledge.
