THE CHAKRATIC METHOD
Imagined & Developed by:
Dr. Mella Ninja, J.D.
For Caretakers:
The Chakratic Method is a holistic approach to youth reasoning that integrates chakra-based self-awareness with Socratic questioning. Designed for ages 7-15, the Method helps young people connect with their inner wisdom, analyze their thoughts and emotions, and make empowered, well-reasoned choices during instances of peer pressure, bullying, complex emotions or uncertainty.
For Youth:
The Chakratic Method is an option for you to use instead of jumping to conclusions, or getting hyped for no reason. Really, sit down, scan your body, and think out the circumstances at hand. You deserve to take this time for YOU to make a balanced decision when things get heavy.
Chakratic Method: Core Pillars & Purpose ☺️
Integrates
the Full Self
A holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of human consciousness.
Strengthens
Critical
Thinking
Encourages youth to question assumptions, analyze information, and develop well-reasoned conclusions.
Builds
Confident
Identity
Fosters self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-expression to build confidence.
Initiates
Agency and
Action
Empowers youth to identify problems, generate solutions, and take action.
Learning With Lincoln participants will learn the Chakratic Method in detail and be able to utilize this option instead of rushing to judgement. Here's a sample scenario to break down and apply the Method:
[Setting: Bedroom. Lincoln's teenage neighbor named Kai is on her couch, scrolling her phone before bed. Group chat lights up with memes and a picture of a classmate, Sam, that was screenshotted and edited to be embarrassing.]
Kai is being pressured in a group chat to post an embarrassing screenshot of a classmate. Follow the step-by-step Chakratic breakdown of Kai's inner journey, including chakra focus, internal dialogue, and Socratic inquiry:
Root Chakra
(Safety & Grounding)
Focus: Physical awareness, sense of stability and safety
Kai notices: Heart racing, muscles tense
Socratic Questions:
- Where am I right now?
-Am I physically safe, or is this just emotional pressure?
Inner Wisdom: I'm safe. This is stress, not danger.
I can breathe. I'm not trapped.
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Sacral Chakra
(Emotions & Empathy)
Focus: Emotional honesty, compassion, relational awareness
Kai notices: Feeling anxious, uncomfortable, guilty. Recalls seeing Sam alone at lunch after being teased.
Socratic Questions:
- What am I feeling right now, and why?
- How would I feel if I were Sam?
- Am I trying to numb this feeling or face it?
Inner Wisdom: This makes me feel wrong inside. If this were about me, I'd feel humiliated. I wouldn't want this done to me.
Solar Plexus Chakra
(Willpower & Choice)
Focus: Personal power, decision-making, courage
Kai notices: Peer pressure: "Do it" "You're the bold one."
Also notices her own strength building.
Socratic Questions:
- What power do I have right now?
- Am I choosing from fear or clarity?
- What outcome am I responsible for?
Inner Wisdom: I can say no. I don't have to go along to get along. I'm stronger than I thought.
Heart Chakra
(Values & Integrity)
Focus: Compassion, honesty, alignment with personal values
Kai notices: She is built different; values kindness, fairness. Sees Sam as a human, not a meme.
Socratic Questions:
- What choice aligns with who I want to be?
- Would I do this if I knew Sam was watching?
- What would I want someone to do for me?
Inner Wisdom: I care more about people than being funny or liked. This isn't who I want to be.
Throat Chakra
(Voice & Truth)
Focus: Speaking up, expressing boundaries, communicating honestly
Kai decides: To text the group and say that idea was not ok.
Socratic Questions:
- What do I really want to say?
- Can I say it respectfully and clearly?
- What if my voice helps others find theirs?
Inner Wisdom: I'll just say the truth. Someone needs to.
Kai acts by text: "Hey...I don't think this is cool. Let's not post it."
Third Eye Chakra
(Insight & Perspective)
Focus: Seeing the bigger picture, long-term thinking
Kai reflects: On possible consequences and long-term impact.
Socratic Questions:
- Will I be proud of this later?
- Is this choice wise, or reactive?
- What future self am I building?
Inner Wisdom: Hurting someone for laughs? Not worth it. This moment matters more than it looks.
Crown Chakra
(Identity & Higher Self)
Focus: Connection to purpose, self-respect, integrity
Kai connects to their deeper self: Wants to be courageous, kind and true.
Socratic Questions:
- Who am I becoming?
- What does my best self want me to do right now?
- What kind of energy do I want to put into the world?
Inner Wisdom: I am someone who protects others, not someone who hurts folks for laughs. This is who I am.
Following the steps above, Kai used the Chakratic Method to reason through fear, feel her emotions, access empathy, and claim her power. Kai made the choice to be herself, and not hurt a classmate for giggles or to be liked in the moment. The process takes a few minutes once you get it down. Consider the Method a free gift from your wiser self to your younger self, and use it as a light to guide you way.
What are other scenarios you can think of in which to use the Chakratic Method? Print out this FREE mini Workbook and reflect on the real-life decisions you would make in tough situations.
Have you seen the sneakers Lincoln designed with the same name? What shoe size are YOU?!