How do you manifest and express yourself in the world? Does this manifestation and expression align with your True Nature, your True Self or Soul?

Wisdom suggests that we seek balance throughout our energy system which includes our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual self. The chakra system, taught in yoga and meditation, helps us to understand how energy flows and localizes in the physical body. Balance in the flow of energy is key to the attainment of wholeness, well-being, and higher awareness.

The fifth chakra, at the base of the throat and back of the neck, is the focal point of the energy of self-expression or how we manifest ourselves in the world. The more balanced we are, the more clearly we can manifest True Self. One of Shakespeare's characters declared "The truth will out!" Oh yes, it will. Most of us know that we put on our best behavior when we first meet someone or take a new job. Maintaining that behavior for more than about 8 weeks is rare and totally...

In my studies of Native American spirituality and customs, I discovered a simple, yet profound, motivation for becoming fully myself. At the time I was examining what parts of me felt real as opposed to those parts that had developed in order to please others. I am not an expert on Native American philosophy but I know what came to me as a gift and what opened my understanding and allowed healing.

This particular teaching had to do with allowing each individual to follow their path and develop whatever gifts they had been endowed with by the Creator. The underlying belief is that the greatest gift we bring to our family, our tribe, our nation is to be most truly who we are. The only way to know who we are is to make our journey of discovery and enlightenment. Allowing a child to reveal their personality and their talents rather than telling them how to be and what to be is a profound gift.

Few of us have experienced this gift so we must "find ourselves" as adults. Our culture is...