In 1961, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) published The Sneetches and Other Stories, a book that, on the surface, appeared to be a whimsical children's tale but was, in fact, a profound social commentary on discrimination, division, and the absurdity of exclusion. The world in which Seuss wrote was still reeling from the devastation of World War II, where fascism, racial purity ideologies, and genocide had exposed the ugliest forms of human separation. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was gaining momentum, pushing against segregation and systemic oppression. Globally, the Cold War raged on, dividing nations into strict ideological camps of democracy versus communism.
Seuss, who had been an outspoken critic of racism and anti-Semitism, sought to craft a story that illustrated how arbitrary divisions were and how easy it was for those in power to manipulate identity for profit. Much like humans, the Sneetches clung to external markers to define their worth, and a clever salesman—Sylvester McMonkey McBean—capitalized on their insecurities.
Today, more than sixty years later, The Sneetches remains as relevant as ever. We still live in a world obsessed with labels—racial, gender, political, religious—dividing us into "us" and "them." We still seek external validation, allowing corporations, politicians, and institutions to dictate our worth. We still fall prey to the McBeans of the world, who profit from our divisions. But suppose we trace this journey through the chakras, from fear-based separation to enlightened oneness. In that case, we can move from a dystopian present into a utopian possibility.
Root Chakra – The Illusion of Separation & the to Which We Cling
The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is the foundation of our identity, security, and survival. It is where we first begin to define ourselves—but in doing so, we often fall into the trap of external labels.
In The Sneetches, identity is boiled down to a simple mark: a star or no star. This mirrors how, in our society, we cling to external definitions—what we do for a living, our political affiliation, and our family roles. We introduce ourselves by saying, "I am a teacher," "I am a parent," "I am a (Political Party)," and "I am a (Religion)." We attach our worth to job titles, social status, and affiliations. But what happens when those labels disappear? What happens when we lose a job, a role changes, or a system fails us?
This fear of losing identity is what makes division so powerful. People cling to political parties even when they no longer serve them and fear those who look, love, or believe differently. We fear the unknown if we are not grounded in our intrinsic worth. And when we fear the unknown, we can be easily manipulated.
Sacral Chakra – The Fear of Fluidity & the Allure of McBean
When McBean arrived, he didn't create division; he merely exploited what was already there. This is what happens when people fear fluidity, change, and nuance.
The Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana) governs creativity, adaptability, and the ability to embrace the complexities of life. But humans often resist complexity. We crave certainty, black-and-white answers, and clear rules for who is right and who is wrong.
McBean knew this. He offered the Sneetches an external solution: "Get a star, and you'll belong." When that stopped working, he flipped the narrative: "Remove the star, and now you'll belong." This cycle mirrors what we see in politics, religion, and corporate marketing—always selling the next fix, the next identity, the next answer without ever addressing the real issue.
Many people fear fluidity because too many choices feel overwhelming. If we acknowledge that gender, sexuality, identity, and morality exist in a spectrum, then we must live in the discomfort of ambiguity. We must do the hard work of thinking for ourselves rather than choosing from a pre-packaged set of beliefs. This is why systems seek to funnel us into just two choices—right or left, conservative or liberal, good or evil. It is easier to control a population that sees only two paths. But true freedom lies in the in-between spaces and the ability to hold multiple truths simultaneously.
Solar Plexus Chakra – The Power Struggle & the Needs of the Many
The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is the center of personal power, confidence, and autonomy. When in balance, it allows individuals to stand in their truth without domination or submission. However, the imbalance leads to power struggles—both individual and societal.
McBean profited because the Sneetches had given away their power. Rather than seeing their worth as innate, they allowed an outsider to define it for them. This is what happens when we let politicians, religious leaders, or corporate entities tell us who we are.
Dr. Spock once said, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one." This wisdom speaks to the heart of our social struggle—when power is concentrated in the hands of a few, society suffers. But when individuals reclaim their own autonomy, recognizing their power to create change rather than waiting for someone else to do it, we shift from oppression to empowerment.
Heart Chakra – The Moment We Wake Up
In their desperate pursuit of superiority, the Sneetches blindly followed Sylvester McMonkey McBean, a conman who profited from their insecurities. Yet, eventually, the cycle of manipulation collapsed. McBean took their money and left them standing there, bewildered, staring at one another in the stark realization that they had been deceived. At that moment, they understood the futility of their divisions. They were never truly separate.
This awakening reflects the essence of the Heart Chakra (Anahata)—the moment we open our hearts and recognize our inherent unity. The Heart Chakra is the seat of love, compassion, and connection. It is where we begin to see beyond artificial divisions—whether based on race, class, nationality, or belief systems—and start to recognize each other as equals.
In my vision, I pray that we, as a collective, will wake up from the illusion of separateness. We will cease to be pawns in the games of those who seek to divide us for power or profit. The McBeans of our world—the politicians, corporations, and influencers who exploit our differences—will be seen for what they are, and their grip on society will loosen. And in that moment of awakening, we will finally understand that the walls between us were never real.
Throat Chakra – Reclaiming Our Voices
The Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) governs truth and communication, yet in today's world, truth is often obscured by the overwhelming noise of misinformation. We live in an era where falsehoods travel faster than facts, where people speak without listening, and where conversations become battlegrounds rather than bridges.
Reclaiming our voices is not about shouting louder but about speaking with intention and authenticity. It is about fostering dialogue where words are not weapons (see my recent blog: https://www.customdesignedwellness.com/post/the-power-of-words-and-silence) but tools for understanding. True power does not lie in manipulation or coercion but in the courage to speak truthfully and the humility to listen deeply.
We must resist the temptation to fall into echo chambers where only familiar ideas are reinforced. Instead, we must cultivate the discipline of discernment—to question, to seek clarity, and to engage with perspectives different from our own. Civil discourse is not a weakness; it is a strength. Mediation, collaboration, and the ability to hear each other's stories move society forward. If we fail to do this, we will remain trapped in cycles of division and hostility. But if we choose to use our voices wisely, we can transform the way we relate to one another and reshape our world.
Third Eye Chakra – Seeing Through the Illusion
Even as the Sneetches awakened, surely some would have followed McBean wherever he went, still desperate to cling to the illusion that they were somehow superior. And so it is in our own world. Not everyone is ready for awakening. Some people will resist, refusing to see beyond the illusions that have been carefully constructed around them. They will cling to division because unity feels too unfamiliar and too uncomfortable.
The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) governs perception, intuition, and wisdom. It teaches us to see beyond illusion—to recognize the deeper truths beneath the surface. Just as importantly, it teaches us compassion. Awakening is not a singular event but a process, and not everyone moves through it at the same pace.
There will always be those who fight against unity, not because they are evil, but because they themselves are wounded. Some have built their entire identities around separation and superiority. Accepting unity would mean unraveling everything they believe about themselves and the world. That is not an easy thing to do. But the Third Eye teaches us that while we cannot force anyone to awaken, we can always leave space for their return. We must hold the vision, even for those who cannot yet see it.
Crown Chakra – The Realization of Oneness
In the end, the Sneetches realized that they had been the same all along. This is the ultimate lesson of the Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): the realization that we are all connected, all divine, all part of something greater than ourselves. It is the highest state of consciousness—the understanding that separation is an illusion and that unity is our true nature.
But knowing this truth is not enough. The final challenge is to live it—to embody oneness in our actions, choices, and treatment of one another. It is easy to claim enlightenment while still engaging in division. It is much harder to actively choose unity when the world around us insists on drawing lines between "us" and "them."
Some will never awaken. Some will fight to keep the illusion alive because it serves their interests or soothes their fears. The rest of us have a choice to resist becoming complicit in the movements and systems that seek to divide us and that feed on those divisions. We have the option to rise above the lower vibrational aspects of beliefs that hold us in darkness, fear, and anger. We have the choice to create a whole new way of being that values compassion over indifference, truth over convenience, and connection over separation.
The question is not whether unity is possible—it is. The question is: will we choose it?
Namaste, and thank you for reading!
Lauri
©Lauri Stern - Custom Designed Wellness
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