The Third Eye Chakra: The Gateway to Spiritual Awareness
The third eye chakra, or ajna in Sanskrit, is the sixth chakra, responsible for our connection to the spiritual realm. Located between the eyebrows, it’s associated with our intuition, perception, insight, and spiritual awareness.
What is the Third Eye Chakra?
The third eye chakra is the key to connecting with our inner wisdom, sense of imagination, and spiritual awareness. It opens us up to a world beyond the physical realm, allowing us to feel more in touch with a higher consciousness. Represented by the color indigo and the element of light, the sixth chakra signifies illumination and insight.
A Balanced Third Eye Chakra
When our third eye chakra is balanced and open, we feel more connected to our intuition, experience clarity of thought, and feel a deeper connection between our inner selves and the spiritual realm.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of a healthy, balanced third eye chakra include:
- Restful sleep
- Vivid dreams
- Clear vision
- Balanced nervous system (leading to lowered stress!)
Mental Signs
Mental and emotional signs of a healthy, balanced third eye chakra include:
- High sense of self-awareness
- Deep creativity and imagination
- Clarity of thought
- Heightened intuition
An Unbalanced Third Eye Chakra
Blockages or imbalances in the third eye chakra can lead to difficulties in decision-making, a general lack of clarity, or feeling disconnected from our intuition.
Physical Signs
Physical symptoms of a blocked or unbalanced third eye chakra include:
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Hormone imbalances
- Stress
Mental Signs
Mental and emotional symptoms of a blocked or unbalanced third eye chakra include:
- Lack of self-awareness
- General confusion
- Increased skepticism
- Unhealthy escapism
- Close-mindedness
How to Unblock the Third Eye Chakra
Balanced, open chakras are the key to living our most joyful, peaceful, and authentic life. A third eye chakra healing practice can help us tap into our intuition and experience a deeper connection between our inner selves and higher guidance.
There are a number of practices that can help balance the third eye chakra, including:
- Yoga postures to relax the mind and create more flow within the body. Try this third eye chakra yoga sequence
- Breathwork to increase energy flow
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Affirmations
- Physical exercise (to “shake up” your energy!)
- Avoiding processed foods and sugar
- Eating foods that support the pineal gland, including dark leafy greens, berries, and raw cacao
- Prioritizing getting a good night’s sleep
Third Eye Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations are a great way to shift our energy into a more positive, open state. They serve as suggestions for our subconscious, which over time, will also become ingrained in our conscious mind.
To maintain a healthy, balanced third eye chakra, try repeating one or more of the following third eye chakra affirmations daily:
- I am wise, intuitive, and connected to my inner guidance.
- I trust my intuition, always.
- I see clearly and trust the vision of my higher self.
- I possess a deep inner wisdom.
- I seek to understand and learn from my life experiences.
- My mind is open to new possibilities and perspectives.
- I am connected to my higher power.
- Every situation is an opportunity for growth.
- I am in tune with my inner guidance and trust my decisions.
- I am able to see and act in alignment with my divine purpose.
- I trust the process of my spiritual journey.
- I nurture my spirit and am in tune with its needs.
- I open myself to new energy and experience.
- I am a present observer in my life.
- I am aligned with my purpose and path in life.
- I am the source of my truth.
Third Eye Chakra Meditations
Meditation is a powerful tool for opening and balancing the third eye chakra.
How to begin your third eye chakra meditation practice:
- Sit in a relaxed position, either on the floor with crossed legs or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Maintain a straight – but relaxed – spine.
- Place your hands on your knees, with your palms facing the sky.
- Close your eyes, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
- As you breathe, focus on the space between your eyebrows, envisioning a deep blue pulsating light. Imagine this light growing in size with each inhale, filling the space with positive energy. With each exhale, imagine all blockages being released.
- Try to hold this intention for 5-10 minutes to start, or simply end the practice when you feel complete.
You can also try a guided meditation like this one:
