Vishuddhi - Throat chakra
The fifth chakra, Vishuddha, is the first of the three spiritual chakras. In the area of the throat, it governs the anatomical regions of the thyroid, parathyroid, jaw, neck, mouth, tongue, and larynx.
The Sanskrit word translates as "especially pure". As one would expect, this chakra is connected to our ability to communicate verbally. Are you speaking your truth? To be open and aligned in the fifth chakra is to speak, listen, and express yourself from a higher form of communication.
One would think, "oh that is easy." I say what I think, but do you always do it? Sometimes we need to be diplomatic, sensitive, tactful and we have to think how we express our thoughts. There is a fine line being honest and being mindful of how you say things.
Other times we fear to say our thoughts because we are afraid what the others will think of us. When you work on your lower chakras this problem can be solved from the root up, because fear comes from a place of not being grounded and sure of our place on this earth.
Listening is another aspect of the fifth chakra. The highest form of listening includes giving the other person your full attention. This means putting away electronic devices or turning them off and waiting to hear the other person completely before responding.
How would you work on your communication and listening skills?
I love this check list by Dr. David Simon who often refers to the following ancient wisdom. He says that there are three gateways you should cross before speaking.
First, ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say true?”
If so, proceed to the second gateway and ask, “Is what I am about to say necessary?”
If the answer is yes, go to the third gateway and ask yourself, “Is what I am about to say kind?”
Speaking your highest truth doesn’t mean you’re allowed to be hurtful or critical. The truth from your spiritual essence will come across as kind and compassionate.
Meditate- Whether you focus your attention :
to the middle of your throat, where Vishuddha resides.
focusing on your sense of hearing /sound. Close your eyes and listen in what can you hear?
Reflect. I believe in the power of reflecting on our thoughts. Maybe take a few minutes of meditation/ breathwork and channel your attention to a few questions:
Am I expressing myself kindly and truthfully?
Finally you may repeat mantras to yourself to bring balance and change: "I express myself in a free and honest way. I am authentic and I say my truth. I listen to my feelings and express them in a healthy way"
or repeat the bijou sound of the chakra: HAM (just like you would do OM)
If you want to work on Vishhudhi then practice asanas like fish(Matsyasana), reverse plank(Purvottanasana)
Find your voice, observe what you say.
Jai, Melinda