Creative Lives: Advancing Whole-Child Education through Chakra-Based Frameworks

Creative Lives, under the leadership of its founder, Maureen Burford, has introduced an innovative approach to education grounded in the human energy, or chakra, system. This pioneering methodology, based on the insights of author and educator Ellen Tadd, aims to redefine how children and adults navigate learning, emotional well-being, and personal development.

At its core, Creative Lives teaches parents, educators, counselors, and other child-focused professionals how to use the chakra system to support children’s holistic development. The methodology integrates practical tools and strategies tailored to each of the seven primary chakras, which Tadd’s research associates with specific human capacities such as wisdom, focus, emotional stability, and physical well-being.

The approach has garnered widespread acclaim for its transformative impact on children. Ninety-four percent of adults trained in this framework report improved abilities to help children access their innate decision-making skills, while 87% say they feel better equipped to mitigate anxiety and inspire joy in young learners.

Ellen Tadd’s framework begins with a recognition of the chakra system as a universal and ancient concept observed across cultures. Her research links each of the seven primary energy centers to fundamental human characteristics. For instance, the crown chakra, located at the top of the head, is associated with inspiration, devotion, and joy.

When this chakra is diminished, individuals may experience discouragement and isolation. By teaching adults how to nurture these energy centers, Creative Lives offers a comprehensive way to support children’s intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.

This training does not require children to learn the theory of chakras but equips adults with tools to foster optimal energy flow in young learners. These strategies can be seamlessly integrated into home, school, or therapeutic settings. For example, tools focused on the third eye chakra, which governs focus and discernment, help children see the broader context of their actions, dissipate fear, and make wiser decisions.

One third grader practicing the “Tadd technique” for balancing emotions and wisdom remarked on its impact: “When I was focused in my belly, I felt a boiling cauldron of anger at what people are doing to each other and the natural world. But when I moved to my Wise view [the third eye chakra], it felt like I was on an island of clarity. I realized all I need to do is play my part.”

The framework is credited with remarkable success stories. A mother shared how her daughter, who had suffered severe anxiety and been pulled from second grade, returned to school the following year using techniques learned from Creative Lives’ training. The child now attends classes happily and manages her fears effectively.

Similarly, a Dartmouth College student who struggled for months with a complex math problem reported finding clarity through a chakra-focused exercise: “I became very calm, and the solution just appeared in front of me.”

Educators have also praised the framework for its practical and profound effects in classrooms. One teacher described how the methodology transformed a challenging group of seventh graders into an “energized, passionate learning community,” attributing the success entirely to Creative Lives’ training. Another educator noted that the system’s emphasis on fostering emotional steadiness, clarity, and inspiration brought unprecedented harmony and focus to her students.

The Creative Lives methodology emphasizes the integration of discernment, intellect, and emotional insight. Through the third eye chakra, for instance, learners develop a capacity for both micro-level focus and big-picture understanding. This duality allows students to approach challenges with balanced perception, reducing fear and enabling thoughtful, constructive action.

Creative Lives’ exclusivity as the only U.S. program licensed to share Tadd’s framework further sets it apart. Its comprehensive approach addresses multiple dimensions of human development, ensuring that children cultivate not only intellectual abilities but also character, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The emphasis on nurturing the “higher self,” or what some may call innate goodness or spiritual nature, reinforces the importance of helping children feel connected to something larger than themselves.

Participants often highlight the framework’s alignment with both modern educational needs and timeless principles of human growth. One educator described it as “the most powerful and meaningful framework for approaching education” she had ever encountered. Another expressed hope that the approach “catches on like wildfire,” recognizing its potential to revolutionize how we understand and support children’s learning journeys.

Creative Lives has also received positive feedback from parents, students, and educators for its accessible tools and practical applications. The organization’s website, Creative Lives Inc, offers further insights into the methodology, including discussions of the Tadd technique and real-world examples of its impact.

As interest grows, Creative Lives continues to inspire a new vision of education—one that integrates ancient wisdom with modern strategies to nurture every child’s unique potential. For updates and resources, follow Creative Lives on Facebook and YouTube.