Hello everyone!

Similar to last week, I am going to introduce a new chakra to you all, and this week’s chakra just happens to be my favorite one. I would like to introduce to you the third eye chakra, also known as Ajna. This chakra can be found in between the center of your two eyebrows and/or above the nose. For me, when I practice meditating the third eye chakra, I can most times than not feel the energy, which is why I have found a strong gravitation to it. This chakra is all about intuition, spiritual connection, imagination, and insight.

The name Anja, comes from the meaning of “perceive,” “command,” and “wisdom.” This chakra is represented by the color indigo and is associated with light. While I did not mention this last week, chakras can actually be connected to crystals and stones, so for the third eye chakra connections can be made to amethyst and purple sapphire. Overall, this chakra, like the others are all connected to the physical and mental body. The third eye is associated to our physical body through the pineal gland in the brain that controls hormones, melatonin, and our internal clock. Ajna is connected to our mental body through facts, fears, experiences, and memories which allows dualistic thinking between the hemispheres of the brain. On a more emotional level, Ajna can also make-up our emotional bodies which provide us visions, auras, precognition, and out-of-body experiences.

The importance of all of our chakras is to keep them aligned, or recenter them when they become imbalanced. Some signs of an imbalanced third eye chakra are any form of stress (physical or mental), a feeling of overdrive, unwillingness, the fear of acknowledging the truth, fear of criticism, fear of the unknown, confusion, lack of focus/purpose, depression, hallucinations, and dissociations from the physical world.

While there are many signs to having an imbalanced Ajna, the techniques to realign this chakra are very soothing and peaceful, unlike some of the other more difficult practices for realignment. Another reason why I love this chakra so much is because there are unique, individual yoga poses that contribute to finding balance. Below I have attached a video of a yoga practice that reviews some of these poses, but if you do not have time some of the poses include: downward dog, plough pose, lotus pose, child’s pose, or putting your legs up a wall. Personally, I strongly suggest downward dog or the child’s pose, not only for this chakra, but for all chakra practice.

Another method to focusing Ajna is through sound vibrations. This practice is specifically called Chantra mantras, and it includes using a vibrational frequency to focus the third eye. Through sound and breathing, this method can be a powerful way to signify the meaning of Ajna. To practice, you are supposed to breathe in and then breathe out on the vibration sound of “OM.” Below is a video of the OM mediation sound. To complete this practice, you simply sit still, close your eyes, and breathe to the sound.

The last practice that I recommend is the practice of Trataka, which embraces light throughout the practice. Because the third eye chakra is associated to light, picturing lights, orbs, or even using light helps to better center Ajna. The practice of Trataka, focuses on both the physical and internal worlds as it involves a candle flame. In this practice, you ultimately stare at a candle flame without blinking and then you meditate with your eyes closed while still embracing the light of the flame. Traditionally, this practice is done in a dark room, with your body positioned on the floor with the candle about an arm’s length away. Meditation posture is used to relax any tension in the body as you close and open your eyes to observe the flame. Ultimately, this practice is used to improve concentration, balance, memory, focus, and release suppressed thoughts. For more information and specific instructions on this practice visit the sources below.

Overall, the third eye chakra, Ajna, brings harmony to our lives when it is in balance because it is connected to both our physical, emotional, and mental states. An important part of this chakra is earthliness. Some say that spending more time in nature is a great way to connect to Ajna. In the end, Ajna can bring peace, opportunity, and fulfillment if practiced properly, which is how I have found ease in stressful times. As someone who gets a lot of migraines, I found that channeling a focus to my third eye chakra and even physically rubbing between my eyebrows, brings a greater intention to my life as I realize the situation is only temporary as long as I focus to change it.

While I know chakra practice is not for everyone, and some people may not even believe that it has any substantial benefits, I encourage you to keep in mind what I shared in this blog, and just try one practice for even a few minutes. I honestly had no idea about the practice of chakras until I started going to a yoga class with my mom that solely focused on them. Each class the instructor would light the room to the associated colors, scents, and feelings of that week’s chakra. Even you could mimic this if you have any type of LED colored lights and a space to practice some yoga. I wish you all the best of luck, and see you next time!

With peace,

Elizabeth

Sources:

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/practice/third-eye-chakra-ajna-chakra

https://beyogi.com/trataka-love-beauty-third-eye-beholder/

https://www.arhantayoga.org/blog/ajna-chakra-your-third-eye-chakra-awakening/