Anatomy of the Spirit:
The Second Chakra: The Power of Relationships

http://www.myss.com/

1. How do you define creativity? Do you consider yourself a creative person? Do you follow through on your creative ideas?

I define creativity as the ability to see outside of the confines of the ‘box” when searching for solutions. I am an “ideas” person and sometimes my ideas may seem outlandish to people, but I make a point of never discounting any idea.

2. How often do you direct your creative energies into negative paths of expression? Do you exaggerate or embellish “facts” to support your point of view?

These attributes are part of my past.

3. Are you comfortable with your sexuality? If not, are you able to work toward healing your sexual imbalances? Do you use people for sexual pleasure, or have you felt used? Are you strong enough to honor your sexual boundaries?

I am comfortable with myself in every way. Use or usage are also a part of my past. Within the last 2 years I was part of the final experience in not honoring my boundaries. The price was high.

4. Do you keep your word? What is your personal code of honor? Or ethics? Do you negotiate your ethics depending upon your circumstances?

My word is my bond. I attempt to uphold it to the best of my ability. My sense of ethics are also strong.

5. Do you have an impression of God as a force that exerts justice in your life?

As a born-again Christian, I would utter a resounding “YES”.

6. Are you a controlling person? Do you engage in power plays in your relationships? Are you able to see yourself clearly in circumstances related to power and money?

I remove myself from these situations whenever possible. I see no point. Dealing with fibromyalgia and the myriad of varied symptoms is something that is simply out of the confines of my control. Therefore, control seems futile to me.

7. Does money have authority over you? Do you make compromises that violate your inner self for the sake of financial security?

Money means little to me. I require enough to survive and only slightly more to flourish passionately and richly. I save and invest what I can. It used to exist strongly in my life; making a salary years ago that was too big for my britches, and learning the hard lessons of debt and redemption from it, It no longer has any authority over me.

8. How often do survival fears dictate your choices?

Survival fears occasionally enter my peripheral, but they are usually extinguished by my trust that God and the universe will provide.

9. Are you strong enough to master your fears concerning finances and physical survival, or do they control you and your attitudes?

YES.

10. What goals do you have for yourself that you have yet to pursue? What stands in the way of your acting upon those goals?

I am pursuing all of my goals, living for each moment. Every morning is fruitful and blossoming with possibility. Life is a glorious adventure.

Anatomy of the Spirit:
The First Chakra: Tribal Power

http://www.myss.com/

1. What belief patterns did you inherit from your family?

Most of the belief patterns I inherited from my family revolve around diet: dairy is the only source of calcium, and meat is the only source of protein. Hot dogs in white buns constitute a reasonable lunch, and fluoride is NOT a poison. I thought that Taco Bell was a fancy dinner; imagine that! Religion was another inherited (taught, force fed, indoctrinated) belief pattern, but I rebelled against my Catholic upbringing fairly early.

2. Which of those belief patterns that still have authority in your thinking can you acknowledge are no longer valid?

None of the belief patterns from my childhood persist in validity.

3. What superstitions do you have? Which have more authority over you than your own reasoning abilities?

Is faith a superstition? I have become reacquainted with Christ and this relationship has authority over me in many aspects of my life. My reasoning abilities are definitely affected by my faith, but they are certainly not adversely affected by it.

4. Do you have a personal code of honor? What is it?

My personal code of honor is strong. I believe in:

• Christ
• Not wasting
• Frugal living
• Having gratitude
• Health
• Peace
• Love

5. Have you ever compromised your sense of honor? If so, have you taken steps to heal it?

It was exceptionally compromised in the past, but certain occurrences and events of my life force-healed these elements. If I could define my life in one sentence, it would be “from corruption to conversion” – a sordid tale with a tranquil ending.

6. Do you have any unfinished business with your family members? If so, list the reasons that prevent you from healing your family relationships.

My family relationships have been healed. For awhile, I was at odds with my father, but over time, I have regained his trust and respect, and we have arrived at a mutually beneficial and loving relationship.

7. List all the blessings you feel came from your family.

The greatest blessing in my life is my 93 year old grandmother. Her unwavering faith is a deep inspiration. She has persevered and prevailed; losing babies, her husband, and having to watch the passing of two of her adult children. With 18 great grand-children, she is a matriarch of strength, dedication, and prevailing love.

8. If you are now raising a family of your own, list the qualities that you would like your children to learn from you.

I am not raising biological children, but am involved in the parenting of my partner’s two young boys. Qualities I would like them to learn from me are:

• Strength in the face of adversity
• Frugality and monetary responsibility
• A love of learning
• Treating people with respect
• The dignity of human life

It is not my place to encourage religious practices or a particular faith. This is the task of parents and something they should be in agreement on.

9. What tribal traditions and rituals do you continue for yourself and your family?

We have unintentionally eliminated most traditions. In my young and wealthy days, I made a point of escaping to somewhere exotic for Easter to avoid family gatherings. Christmas is still celebrated; I believe it’s our only remaining tradition. It was always ring bologna and pickled corn for this grandmother, who sadly left us this summer past.

10. Describe the tribal characteristics within yourself that you would like to strengthen and develop.