Human Design Academy By Ra Uru Hu: Part 5 - Conditioning and the Role of the Undefined Centers in Relationships

Part 5: Conditioning and the Role of the Undefined Centers in Relationships

Based on the original teachings of Ra Uru Hu

“Conditioning is when you are living someone else’s energy instead of your own.” — Ra Uru Hu

In Human Design, conditioning refers to the external influences and energies that shape the way we think, feel, and behave. These influences often come from our upbringing, society, education, and the people around us. While some conditioning is positive and supportive, much of it distorts our authentic design, leading to misaligned decisions and conflict in relationships.

The concept of undefined centers is central to understanding how conditioning affects us. These centers are areas in the bodygraph chart that are not consistently defined by fixed energy. They are open and susceptible to the influence of external forces. In relationships, this plays out as mirroring or amplifying the energy of others, often leading to confusion, frustration, and the feeling of being disconnected from your true self.

What Are Undefined Centers?

In Human Design, the centers in your chart represent different aspects of your life: the Mind, Emotions, Willpower, Identity, and so on. Some of these centers are defined, meaning that the energy in these areas is consistent and reliable for you. However, other centers are undefined, meaning that their energy is open to external influences.

When a center is undefined, it is a receptive area. You may feel this as a sense of lack or inconsistency in that part of your life. You are not meant to express the energy of that center in the same consistent way as someone with a defined center. Instead, you are designed to receive, sample, and sometimes mirror the energy of others in those areas.

How Conditioning Affects the Undefined Centers

Each of the undefined centers is vulnerable to conditioning because they do not have a fixed energy pattern. The energy of the undefined center can adapt to the people, places, and environments around you. This means that in relationships, you may absorb the energy of others without even realizing it. The problem arises when the energy of someone else dominates or overpowers your own natural design.

1. Undefined Head Center (Mental Conditioning)

How it works: The Head Center governs inspiration, ideas, and mental pressure. When it is undefined, you may absorb other people’s thoughts or ideas and question your own beliefs.
Impact in relationships: If your partner or friends have strong opinions, you may adopt their thoughts and feel mentally pressured to think a certain way. This can lead to confusion or the feeling that you’re not thinking for yourself.
Solution: The key is to recognize when you’re absorbing someone else’s mental energy and learn to clear your head. Your own thoughts will be more authentic when you are not influenced by others.

2. Undefined Ajna Center (Mental Processing)

How it works: The Ajna Center governs mental processing and conceptualization. If undefined, you may experience mental flexibility — the ability to see multiple perspectives, but also the tendency to feel uncertain about your own ideas or mental clarity.
Impact in relationships: You may feel disconnected from your own beliefs or ideas when engaging with someone who has a defined Ajna. If they are strong in their opinions, you may feel like you need to agree with them, even if it doesn’t reflect your true thoughts.
Solution: Allow yourself to be flexible and open to new perspectives, but avoid the pressure of needing to have a fixed answer. You are designed to process at your own pace.

3. Undefined Throat Center (Communication Conditioning)

How it works: The Throat Center governs communication. If undefined, you may find it difficult to express yourself consistently. You may be influenced by others’ words and may amplify their communication style.
Impact in relationships: You may feel that you can’t speak up or find your own voice when in the presence of a dominant communicator. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration in your ability to express yourself.
Solution: Learn to speak when it feels right for you. Your voice will come out more clearly when you are not under pressure or trying to mimic others’ communication styles.

4. Undefined G Center (Identity Conditioning)

How it works: The G Center governs identity, direction, and love. If undefined, you may experience shifting senses of self. Your identity may change depending on the people you are around.
Impact in relationships: In relationships, the undefined G Center can lead to confusion about who you are. You may feel pulled to be someone you are not to please your partner or others.
Solution: Recognize that your sense of self is fluid and dependent on your environment. You don’t need to have a fixed identity to feel whole.

5. Undefined Will Center (Ego and Willpower Conditioning)

How it works: The Will Center governs willpower, self-worth, and material energy. If undefined, you may absorb the energy of others’ drive and feel inconsistent in your own abilities.
Impact in relationships: You may feel a lack of willpower or a need to prove yourself to others. If your partner has a strong, defined Will Center, you might feel pressured to prove your worthiness or value.
Solution: Honor your own rhythm and remember that you do not need to prove your worth. Your worth comes from being true to yourself, not from external validation.

6. Undefined Solar Plexus (Emotional Conditioning)

How it works: The Solar Plexus governs emotions. When it is undefined, you may amplify the emotions of those around you, experiencing emotional waves that are not your own.
Impact in relationships: The undefined Solar Plexus can lead to emotional turbulence, especially if your partner has a defined Solar Plexus. You may feel overwhelmed by their emotions or find yourself emotionally charged without knowing why.
Solution: Recognize that your emotions are not yours and that you are simply reflecting what you are experiencing in the environment. Give yourself the space to process emotions without becoming attached to them.

7. Undefined Sacral Center (Life Force Conditioning)

How it works: The Sacral Center governs energy and life force. If undefined, you may feel lack of energy or burnout when trying to keep up with others, especially if they have a defined Sacral Center.
Impact in relationships: You may feel like you’re not as energetic or productive as your partner, leading to frustration or self-doubt. You may find yourself following others’ energy instead of your own.
Solution: It’s important to honor your own energy and take breaks when needed. You are not designed to work constantly — trust that your energy will come when you’re responding to the right opportunities.

8. Undefined Root Center (Stress and Pressure Conditioning)

How it works: The Root Center governs pressure and stress. If undefined, you may feel the need to hurry or rush to meet deadlines or expectations set by others.
Impact in relationships: You may feel pressure to perform or achieve according to someone else’s timeline. This can lead to anxiety, stress, or burnout.
Solution: Recognize that you are not designed to handle pressure in the same way as those with a defined Root. Take your time, and do not rush.

How Conditioning Affects Relationships

Ra Uru Hu taught that the key to overcoming conditioning is awareness. When we are aware of how external energy is influencing us, we can step back and reclaim our true power. In relationships, understanding how we are conditioned by others helps us to release false beliefs and act in alignment with our design.

The process of de-conditioning takes time. It involves recognizing the moments when you are not aligned with your design and choosing to release the pressure of other people’s energy. By doing this, you will experience greater clarity, empowerment, and a deeper connection with others.

Final Insight from Ra:

“You are not the energy you are conditioned by. You are the energy you are designed to live. Understand the mechanics of your centers, and you will step into a life of true authenticity.”