Represented by a pale blue color and associated with creativity and communication, the fifth chakra stands as a profound representation of our authentic nature, in a way more intimate than the preceding chakras. Whereas a cultivation and understanding of the lower chakras enables us to better know ourselves, it is through the throat chakra that we are able to communicate with the world surrounding us. With unwavering confidence and compassion, we can speak clearly with others – stating our needs, hopes, fears and desires. With eloquence, we share what is on our hearts and what erratic thoughts are inundating our minds. With similar strength, a balanced throat chakra enables us to better hear and to trust, the wise woman (man) within. From this place, we can better ascertain and ultimately trust our intuition, stepping into scenarios that “feel” right and resonate with our higher truth. This is the balance we hope to attain.
In reality, with or without a dedicated yoga practice, it is painfully easy to swallow our words. Out of fear and insecurity, perhaps we speak the words others expect us to say or speak a truth that is not our own. Perhaps we try tirelessly to please our spouses, friends and bosses, all too aware of the lump slowly forming in our throats. Perhaps we proclaim to believe one thing, but lack integrity in our actions, behaving in a way that is dissonant and disjointed. Perhaps some of us are not even aware of the reasons why we sometimes choose to speak or truth, while other times,swallow our heartfelt words. In doing so, in choosing not to honor, acknowledge and speak our truth, we lose the greatest gift of all: authentic expression of our divine nature. The spiritual practice and belief system of yoga suggests that physical imbalances of the thyroid are predominately malfunctioning fifth chakras. It is ironic that we live in a time during which thyroid disorders of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have become the norm. Perhaps there is an energetic imbalance that could be remedied by some dedicated time on our yoga mats. Perhaps.
We have each been divinely created as a manifestation of the universe – of Mother Nature. It is one thing to know ourselves and yet the greatest strength is seen in those who step boldly into the world, and speak their truth. From a visceral perspective, we can begin cultivating awareness and openness in our throat chakra by safely practicing postures such as shoulder stand and plow. We can also choose to use our voices more often, through chanting, singing or breathing exercises. Perhaps we might even choose to wear a blue scarf around our neck. With these insights, I ask you to inquire about your truth – taking time to identify and honor the values, ideas, passions and dreams that you hold most dear. And then, with confidence, share them with the world.
People in my family used to practise the visuddha. I come from a multi faith family. The person in my family who was a Buddhist practised this with my mother but he also did silencing rituals and burn’t letters through a candle. I’m trying to reverse the process of siilencing rituals.