THIRD EYE CHAKRA

WHAT IS THE THIRD EYE CHAKRA?

This week, we are focusing on the sixth chakra, the third eye chakra. Your third eye chakra is located between your eyes and is associated with the color purple. Your third eye is the chakra of intuition, and is related to perception, awareness, and intuition. If your third eye is closed, you may have trouble trusting your inner advisor and connecting to your intuition.

HOW DO I UNBLOCK MY THIRD EYE?

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS

Have you ever noticed the same word, phrase, or image showing up repeatedly in your life? If so, you may be receiving a message from your inner advisor! The next time this happens, write it down and analyze the messages that are being sent to you.

NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA

Also known as alternate nostril breathing, Nadi Shodhana helps purify the channels of the subtle and physical body. Throughout the day, our nostrils take turns being dominant during breathing. This is called the nasal cycle. The dominant nostril has effects on your brain and nervous system, which can affect the clarity of your mind.

Studies have found that nostril dominance relates to brain activity. When the left nostril is the most active, so is the right side of the brain, and vice versa. Left nostril dominance stimulates the parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, while right nostril dominance stimulates the sympathetic (fight-flight-freeze) nervous system.

Hold a finger under your nose, like you’re pretending you have a mustache, and exhale deeply. You should feel which nostril is dominant on your exhale. This is perfectly natural! However, Nadi Shodhana has been shown to balance the breath and the energy flowing through your body.

How to Practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama:

• Find a comfortable seated position. Try sitting with a blanket supporting your sitz bones. 
• With your right hand, fold down your center three fingers so that your pinky and thumb are free (like a hang 10 position). 
• Use your pinky to close your left nostril. Take a breath in through your right nostril, hold it, then close your right nostril with your thumb and exhale through your left nostril. 
• Then, take a breath in through your left nostril, hold it, then close your left nostril and exhale through the right nostril. This is one cycle of breath.
• Repeat this for 5-9 cycles.

SOUND & MUSIC

Each chakra has a unique sound, called a seed sound or mantra. The seed sound for the third eye, om, is probably very familiar if you practice yoga regularly. Try chanting this sound to connect to your third eye chakra. You can also listen to this third eye chakra playlist on Spotify for inspiration.

JOURNALING

Journaling is one of my favorite ways to connect to your intuition and inner voice. Remember, if journaling is uncomfortable, allow these prompts to guide your daily meditation or respond mentally. Don’t edit your inner voice – write what comes naturally to you without censorship.