Why you need to train your throat chakra, and how to do it…

Our physical being is made up of energy – we are energy. When we have a blockage in that flow, or chi, we can struggle, become unwell or feel unusual. Our seven chakras are the points within our body that have been identified as being centres for specific sections of us, each having its own unique frequency and set of themes in terms of suffering or disfunction when blocked or disturbed. When any chakra is off balance we may experience emotional, physical or mental effects which relate to the chakra in question.

To heal our chakras we begin with the root, the sacral, followed by the solar plexus, then the heart. Being the fifth on the list, the throat is further down and may not get as much attention as its predecessors so I wanted to highlight the importance of this chakra and how to train it effectively for optimum intention. This chakra is the basis of our self expression, a border between the heart and the head, mediating thought and emotions. Once the first four chakras are opened up and functioning at their best we can focus on the throat. It is paramount this be the case or else the purpose and authenticity of the throat chakra will be compromised; the throat chakra represents our communication and so if our other chakras are not open and flowing freely this one will not be being used in complete truth and therefore not to its potential.

The importance and value of the throat chakra

The throat chakra is a portal by which we transfer information from within us to the outside world, we use our words as an expression of self and to pass on knowledge, wisdom and truth to those around us; that is, when we are using our language positively and effectively. The gift of speech is one thing but being able to correlate the right words to match the intention is a challenge we all face. The words we release build a framework of a world around us. Our words require authenticity, intention, to be doubt-free and present in order to manifest the intended outcome. The truth of our words should directly relate to the truth within us in order for our lives to have purposeful meaning and value. To reflect our inner truth with accuracy via language is not always as easy as thinking something and then releasing it in words. Contradictions often arise accidentally, or intentionally, making life unnecessarily complicated. Trust is one of the major effects circulating our words, if we can believe in the words of others then we can trust them. We also have to trust ourselves, that we are conveying the message we intended. To combat these difficulties there are ways we can exercise and heal our throat chakra (again, once our first four chakras are balanced) in order to move away from misunderstanding, contradiction and complication and shift towards clarity, being present and truthful and working towards effective communication.

These four simple exercises can help us achieve this

ACCURACY: When we speak we need to do so with precision, blurting out thoughtless phrases can carry a weight that was never intended. Confusion and misunderstanding run rife when we neglect to put thought and accuracy into covering thoughts into words. If under pressure we can often say something we mean but phrased wrongly and it sounds as though we mean something completely different. Those words are not retractable as they have planted in another’s mind and whether correct or not, they now exist. This is why it is essential that we think, ruminate and prepare our words to sound and be heard as they are intended. It can help us find clarity by writing a diary or putting thoughts and ideas onto paper prior to releasing them verbally. This way we can assess their value and accuracy first to be sure we have things clear and correct.

FORGIVENESS: Practicing forgiveness is essential for our own clarity. Sit in a comfortable position and imagine you are sitting with any aged version of yourself facing you. Close your eyes and focus on you. Tell yourself the following things and allow the words to flow within you. Allow your intentions to be realised and open up to your own forgiveness:       

Tell yourself; I forgive you. Thank you. I am sorry. Please forgive me.

You can repeat this as many times as you feel necessary. Once complete turn your intention towards a parent or close family member and repeat the words in sequence once again as many times as you prefer. After this choose a friend or person with whom you feel there was wrongdoing towards you. Allow the words to now flow to them. It is your choice as to whom you direct these sentiments and how many people you direct them at, but once complete, try to look at yourself in the mirror, eyes open, and once more say them to yourself. Alternatively try any or more of the following forgiveness mantras* to repeat daily to yourself or in times of need:

1. I grow stronger and better as I forgive myself and move on.
2. The past is gone. I live only in the present.
3. I melt into an ocean of love and forgiveness.
4. I live in the now and design my own future. The past has no effect on my present.
5. I forgive others as I forgive myself: with ease, sincerity and loving compassion.
6. I follow the principle of live and let live.
7. I set my past free and forgive my participation in it.
8. As I forgive myself, it becomes easier to forgive others.
9. I release the past so I can step into the future with pure intentions.

*cited from Boho Berry, by Kara.

INTENTION: First we need to discover what our intentions are, before we know and can be sure of what we are going to pass on we must find our own awareness. What is it we wish to do, to create, what effect do we want to have, what do we want? Once we know this then we can further design the way in which we will allow this to manifest and how we will drive that intention outward. For example, we wish to repair a damaged relationship. We need to think how to support the reparation of this. Our thoughts need to be directed towards this support. “I can fix this friendship”, “my intention is to heal the wounds caused in this relationship”, we then need to set about finding forgiveness, rebuilding trust, and finding the right words to express all of this openly. We must then act accordingly. Balancing your intention, your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions allows your throat chakra to express itself with optimum effectivity.

POSITIVITY: Repeat a positive affirmation mantra to yourself and unleash any negative blockage; these mantras* may help you: 

1. I speak my truth freely and openly
2. Being honest will free me from my current situation
3. I willingly release all fears and negativity that block me from speaking my truth
4. I alone am accountable for expressing myself clearly
5. I lovingly speak my truth and allow my Higher Self to speak through me
6. I am safe and trust others to allow me to express myself truthfully
7. My honesty attracts what I deserve
8. I use my words to create beauty in this world

*cited from yogiapproved.com