Ajna Chakra

Ajna chakra, or our “third eye,” is the lens through which we make sense of the world around us. We use our eyes to perceive the world around us, and our “third eye” interprets what we see. Imbalances at the level of the 6th chakra can manifest as vision problems, nightmares, headaches, or as disorders such as MS or Alzheimer's. Psychologically, when Ajna chakra is blocked, we may get stuck in our own belief systems, or believe that we are always right and change is not possible. There may be a sense that one is disconnected from others or self. However, when Ajna chakra is balanced we are able to see things clearly and experience Unity with our higher self. One way we can balance our 6th chakra is through meditation. Try the following exercise. Sitting in Sukhasana (Easy Pose - you could also do this seated in a chair), with hands in Anjali mudra (palms together at the heart center, with shoulders and elbows relaxed). Practice several rounds of psychic alternate nostril breathing. In other words, without using your fingers to block one nostril. Simply bring awareness to the nose. Breathe in through the left nostril. Breathe out through the right nostril. Breathe in through the right. Breathe out through the left. Continue like this for 6-10 rounds. Pause. Close your eyes or gaze down, bringing your vision inwards - to your inner self. Bring your awareness to the 3rd eye, the center of the brow, just above the eyes. Bring the tips of your thumbs to touch your pinky fingers, extending the other three fingers in a Trident. This is Trishula mudra. Rest the backs of your hands on your thighs. Recite the affirmation "I am one with the Universe and all beings" 3 times out loud and then 3 times to yourself silently. Imagine breathing in and out from the 3rd eye. Breathing into the 3rd eye to the mid-brain. Breathing out from the mid-brain through the 3rd eye. If this visualization is difficult for you, close your eyes and imagine a candle flame at the center of the forehead. Gazing at the flame, take several breaths. If you like, you can chant the sound of "Aum" or listen to a recording of the sound. Remain here for as long as you like. To return, bring your awareness to your heart center. Take a few breaths feeling the rise and fall of your chest. Feel the temperature of the air around you and hear the sounds in the room. Gently release the mudra, placing your hands palms face down onto your legs. Gently open your eyes. Notice how you feel. Make note of any sensations that come up for you in your journal. You could also repeat this practice daily for a week and make note of any changes in your feeling of connection to others, or your interactions with others in your daily life in your journal. If you are interested in learning more techniques for exploring and balancing Ajna chakra, join me at The Personal Wellness Center on Saturday, July 14 for a workshop using all the techniques of yoga to balance this chakra. Details for registration can be found here: https://thepersonalwellnesscenter.com/services/lotus-yoga-studio/