VISHUDDHA
5th Chakra
Expression of Being
Associated body parts: Lungs, vocal cords, bronchials, throat, thyroid, voice, jaw, ears, neck, nape of neck.
Symbol: 16-Petaled lotus.
Color: Blue
Balancing color: Orange
Mantra and tone: Ham, G
Essential oils: Lavender sandalwood, neroli, sage
Gemstone: Aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony
“Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension. Behaving in ways that are in harmony with your personal values. Making choices based on what you believe, and not what others believe.”
-Barbara De Angelis”
5th Chakra (located near base of throat)
The 5th chakra is related to communication and creativity. It is about speaking our truth. In this chakra, feelings and emotions are transformed into expressions such as laughter or crying. It deals with everything related to sound on both the physical and the metaphysical level. It communicates and mediates all emotions, feelings and ideas. It provides space from “self” to enable inner reflection.
In Balance: Ideally this chakra brings us clear communication and creative expression. When it is in balance you are able to speak your personal truth with compassion. You know when to speak and when it is better to remain silent. You are able to listen to your inner voice and trusting your intuition comes more naturally. There is an ease in communicating clearly with yourself and others.
Out of Balance: A blockage or imbalance in this chakra can create the inability to express your needs, cause creative blocks and an inability to hear. Despite much talking, you cannot find expression. You may find that you are fearful of being judged or rejected. Silence is experienced as uncomfortable or there is a fear of silence.
Recommendations for bringing balance to the 5th chakra.
Speak your truth to yourself and others.
Always start with yourself. You cannot be authentic if you are unsure of or in denial about what your truth is. I take time to listen to what my mind, body and spirit are telling me without judgment. I pay attention to my thoughts and ask myself if they are congruent with what I believe and who I want to be. I can tell when what I am thinking or speaking is not in congruence with my truth because I can feel it in my body. It will show up as discomfort, constriction or as a “bad” feeling. Once I know what my truth is, I share it in the most compassionate way possible.
I found the greatest amount of peace and joy from living a life of balance. While there are times for speaking your truth, there are also times for silence. So before I speak I like to use these words of advice from the Indian spiritual master of Shirdi, Sai Baba: “Before you speak, ask yourself: Is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve upon the silence?”
If you have not read Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, The Four Agreements, I highly recommend it. The agreements are simple and if you live by them you will not only keep your 5th chakra clear, you will reap the benefits of a joyful life.
1. Be impeccable with your word.
2. Don’t make assumptions.
3. Don’t take things personally.
4. Always do your best.
While this chakra is about speaking your truth, it is also about allowing others to speak their truth. If this is a difficult one for you, read Pete Johnson’s article, “Right” at all Costs”, on page 17.
Additional Suggestions for Clearing Blocks
Use your voice; sing, chant, choose up lifting affirmations and speak them out loud to yourself.
Express yourself in creative ways; journal, paint or do an interpretive dance.
Speak your truth to yourself and others.
Suggestions for Affirmations
What I have to say is valuable to others.
I am free to speak my truth with compassion.
By expressing my truth, others find the way to their truth.
I delight in expressing myself and appreciate being listened to.
It is safe for me to hear others’ points of view.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.