Are You living Your Truth?
Satya (Sanskrit) – Truthfulness
Vishuddha, otherwise known as the Throat Chakra, “communication centre” or “purification centre” is the fifth chakra according to Hindu religion (and yogic philosophy) and is located in the base of the throat. I will be switching things up and writing this article in a different format to the previous chakra posts. Given recent socio-political events and the fact that this chakra is associated with communication – specifically our ability to listen and speak truthfully – I’m going to touch on how important it is for us to honour our truth and how powerful it can be to utilize the strengths of Vishuddha in this way.
Speaking (with kindness) and living authentically – in a manner which aligns with who you truly are – is an excellent way to naturally work on your throat chakra. Are you living an authentic life? Do you speak truthfully? Do you express your thoughts, feelings and ideas honestly?
“ ...and the truth shall set you free.”= The Bible, John 8:32
Ideas Become Reality
An important attribute of Vishudda is that it facilitates in projecting our thoughts and ideas into reality. Often time these thoughts are generated from feelings (heart chakra). Powerful cries for change are being heard.
“Thoughts become things...”
A lot has happened since I wrote my last chakra-series blog entry. This year alone, a considerable number of names have been added to the (ever growing) long list of black people who have been violently killed at the hands of the United States of America’s law enforcement; including Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd – who’s killing acted as the final spark that ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. These acts of targeted violence and racism are not unique to the US and are occurring globally, every single day. If these events do not move you or inspire to look inward at the way you have been living your own life, it should. As I’m writing this, thousands of youth in Nigeria (the country where my family originates from) are courageously spearheading the #ENDSARS movement against a corrupt government who has been recycling the same leaders since the country’s independence exactly 60 years ago (WTF?!)
This isn’t just about black lives. This is about HUMANITY. These actions are the tip of the iceberg and continue to represent some of the worst attributes of the human character and what we are capable of at our worst. But wherever there is darkness, light follows.
These events are inspiring change. People are speaking up, but more importantly – people are listening. This is not the first time for the marginalised and oppressed are speaking up but it seems like this may be the first time in a long time that people are listening and real change seems like a tangible outcome. All other reforms and changes in legislation have proven to be a plaster, merely covering up a long-festering (and growing) wound. Are we finally creating space to foster real connection and true understanding between each other? This can only be facilitated by effective communication – this is where our throat chakra comes in.
Side Bar.....Speaking of space, the throat chakra represents the element of space or ether, symbolic of the power of our words to similarly create space.
As I write this blog entry on November 7th, Joe Biden has been appointed as the new President-elect of the United States of America. Is this the solution we have been looking for? Probably not, but I believe it’s a step in the right direction.
These social events are even sparking conversation in the yoga community. Draw up a quick search and you might find words or phrases popping up like “cultural appropriation”, “diversity”, “representation” and “inclusivity”. As a teacher who is just beginning my journey, I feel so grateful to have access to platforms where these topics are being discussed openly and without fear. Creating space where those who were previously silenced can speak freely, allows us to foster a mutual understanding, develop empathy and share ideas which leads to growth and learning for everyone involved. In the context of a yoga teacher (and forever student), this allows me to ensure that my teachings remain true to their origins, that I preserve the ancient wisdom and paying respect to those who have contributed to its development.
Associations, Functions & Characteristics
Seed (Bij) Sound: “HAM”
Sense: Sound
Element: Ether/Space
Right:“to speak or be heard”/”to listen”
Key Themes: Self-expression, communication, intuition, projecting ideas into reality, vocation/life-purpose
Physcial Association: throat, neck, ears, jaw
Gland: Thyroid
Stimulation of the Throat Chakra
· Deep conversations
· Chanting/singing
· Bee breath (pranayama)
· Ujayi breath (pranayama)
· Listening to music
· Journaling
Asanas for the Throat Chakra
Some asana that I find very effective for the throat chakra include Ustrasana (camel pose) and Halasana (plough pose):
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.