In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in a constant cycle of doing. Continuously moving from one task to another we are, more often than not, on autopilot. Sadly, this lack of awareness is having a huge negative impact on an individual and global level.
When we don’t make space to feel, reflect or tune in to our inner landscape, we become numb to our emotions and can’t deal with them appropriately when they arise, we become disconnected from our inner wisdom and insight and, tend to focus only on what is in front of us, failing to see the bigger picture.
I share below how you can move from doing to being so that you can activate your third eye, experience the vastness of life and bring your deepest desires to fruition.
But before we jump in, grab yourself a cup of tea and journey with me through the first five chakras.
Understanding the lower chakras will deepen your relationship with yourself, and ensure you have the practical strategies you need to help bring your whole being into alignment.
Now you’re up to speed, let’s dive into the sixth chakra, sometimes referred to as ajna chakra or your third eye chakra.
The third eye chakra is located between the eyebrows and is indigo in colour. The element associated with this chakra is light and is the source of insight, intuition and psychic ability.
It also has a more tangible impact on the health of your brain, ears, eyes and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small part of your brain which controls certain metabolic and neurological processes and works with the pituitary gland to secrete and regulate a number of hormones.
When the third eye chakra is activated and working to its full potential, you:
- lead well, make sound decisions and take responsibility
- are able to stay calm under pressure
- see the bigger picture
- are able to utilise both left brain (intellect) and right brain (imagination) thinking in order to come up with solutions to complex problems
- are self-aware and self-reflective
- listen to and act on your intuition
- are able to visualise the life you want and use the power of intention and manifestation to bring it to life
- vibrate at a high-frequency meaning that you are more able to love, forgive, be compassionate and feel peace.
And, as if that wasn’t enough…
You may also experience psychic abilities, such as the ability to perceive energy and communicate with beings across different realms and dimensions but don’t be disheartened if this isn’t your experience. We are all intuitive beings and it is a skill we can develop.
When the third eye chakra is not working to its full potential, you may find that you:
- have trouble concentrating, being present or thinking coherently
- get caught up in everyday life and feel unable to see beyond what’s right in front of you
- aren’t in touch with your intuition, or you ignore the intuitive nudges that come your way
- are often ‘in your head’ and tend to rely exclusively on rational and analytical thinking to make decisions
- feel disconnected from ‘something bigger’
- experience health challenges like headaches, dizziness, poor eyesight, depression and addictive behaviours.
Although there are many ways to balance the third eye chakra, one thing I strongly suggest is that you focus on healing your lower chakras first.
The higher chakras function best, and you’ll receive the most benefits from the practices I suggest below when the first five chakras have been nurtured and balanced. In saying that, here are a few very effective ways you can begin to bring harmony to your third eye chakra so that you can begin to see beyond the constraints of the physical world and ignite your relationship with your intuition.
1. Practise yoga with your eyes closed
I’ve worn glasses since I was three; from the moment I get up, to the minute I go to sleep, I’m absolutely dependent on them. But, when I practise yoga, I take my glasses off . Why? Because there’s something powerful about disconnecting from your physical surroundings and going inwards.
The mind settles. The thoughts have less power. External distractions are reduced. You’re able to hear the whispers of your internal world – a world where there is an immense amount of peace to be found.
Many years into my practice, I discovered that the practice of sensory deprivation is known as pratyahara.
Every day we are bombarded by sights, sounds and smells. This constant stimulation can lead to sensory overload, feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. But most of us don’t realise just how overstimulated we are until we remove ourselves from our normal environment and ‘turn down’ the sensory stimulation by doing things like walking in the forest, diving in the ocean, getting off social media or enjoying a quiet weekend away.
The next time you practice yoga, I encourage you to experiment with closing your eyes. Start with poses where you are seated or lying down and, if it feels safe to do so, work towards closing your eyes during standing poses.
Notice how your attention naturally turns inwards.
Notice how you begin to relax and slow down.
Notice how your mind begins to calm.
Notice how your senses become deepened and refined.
Become curious about your body and how it moves.
Trust yourself.
Enjoy the experiment and use it as an opportunity to connect to your deeper self.
2. Practise alternate nostril breathing
The practice of alternate nostril breathing, known as nadi shodana in Sanskrit, has a calming and cooling effect. This breathing technique is an excellent way to prepare for meditation because it brings the left and right hemispheres of the brain into balance and harmonises the masculine and feminine energies.
When your body and your mind are in harmony, true wisdom emerges, enabling you to visualise and create a life you love.
Here’s how to do it:
- Bring the peace fingers (your index and middle finger) on your right hand, to the point between your eyebrows
- Lightly rest the back of your right thumb under your right nostril and the back of your ring finger under your left nostril
- Close your right nostril and INHALE for a count of four through your left nostril
- Then, close your left nostril and EXHALE for a count of four through your right nostril
- INHALE through your right nostril
- Then close your right nostril and EXHALE through the left nostril
That’s one round.
Continue this pattern of breathing for five to ten rounds. When you are finished, keep your eyes closed and let your breath return to its natural rhythm. Notice if you mind has settled and if you feel a sense of peace and calm
3. Meditate with hakini mudra
All of us are intuitive beings (have you ever done something on a hunch?) but some of us are better at tuning into and listening to our intuition. The key to connecting with your intuition is to get still and quiet.
You’ll never hear the inner whispers that are trying to communicate with you if you are constantly surrounded by noise and distractions.
I know that’s easier said than done so I’ve created a guided meditation to get you out of your head and activate the third eye chakra.
You can amplify the effect of your meditation using hakini mudra. Create the mudra by bringing the tips of all five of your fingers together and placing your hands in front of your heart.
4. Try something new
Are you stuck in a rut?
Your third eye chakra relishes new ideas, new possibilities and new ways of looking at the world. So, if you feel like every day is Groundhog Day, try something new. It could be as simple as buying your morning coffee from a different cafe or trying a new exercise class. From little things, big things grow! You’ll be amazed at how much can shift over time when you consistently implement new behaviours and routines.
Ask yourself: What small changes could I make in my daily life to help me begin to experience life differently?
Once you have a list, get started!
5. Use colours and crystals
This chakra is associated with the colour indigo. Use your clothing and/or physical surroundings to surround yourself with this colour.
You can also use crystals like lapis lazuli, aquamarine, amethyst and clear quartz. Place them where you’ll see and connect with them often or buy yourself a piece of jewellery with one of these stones in it so it’s with you all the time.
I’d love for you to implement some of these suggestions and let me know how your experience with balancing your third-eye chakra unfolds.
Do you begin to begin to develop a more intimate relationship with yourself and your inner world?
Does your mind start to slow down, and do you feel calmer?
Do you feel more connected to something bigger?
Are you more able to see beyond the every day and the physical realm?
I’d love to know! Send me an email at georgina@vitalitayoga.com.
– Georgina –
