THROAT CHAKRA (VISHUDDHA)
Communication is a vital part of one's life, effective communication is what builds strong and long lasting relationships. It is what initially connects us to the world and each other. Without proper communication or lack thereof, the world would be a very chaotic and frightening place. Luckily we are fortunate enough to have languages and other means to effectively communicate with each other. But most of the time, these means aren't enough for effective communication. There are certain barriers that block effective communication, some are totally natural and external while in other instances, they are caused by something that cannot be seen by the naked eye.
The throat chakra, commonly called by Buddhists as the Vishuddha, is the person's communication center. According to a variety of spiritual experts, the throat chakra is responsible for communication, the expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas, a healthy internal dialogue, and striking a balance between speaking and listening, as well as the seeking and sharing of truth, social skills, and personal integrity and honor. It is located obviously by a person's throat, above the Heart chakra or the Anahata. When a person's throat chakra is out of balance or not activated one can feel a few physical symptoms that might include sore throats, tight jaws, stiff neck, and headaches. In some extreme cases, you also might find yourself habitually lying, feeling fear and doubt about the intentions of others, or find yourself stammering or at a loss for words. When the Throat chakra or the Vishuddha is unbalanced, it can really negatively affect everything you do that is done by communicating, from stuttering to muttering untruth words. The colour associated to this 5th chakra of the seven main chakras is the colour blue, which represents the beautiful colour of the still sea, it has waves and currents lodged upon its depths but yet it manages to hold everything in place giving us a still and wonderful view. This colour is very much at par with what energy the Throat chakras amplify.
With a balanced Throat chakra one may feel calmness and tranquility, a person will have a strong sense of self expression and one will have the best communication skill and be the best communicative versions of their best selves. It is believed that Blue gemstones, like amazonite and lapis lazuli, are ideal for helping to open up the Throat chakra as the colour of the gems or crystals are complementary to what colour the Throat chakra radiates. You can wear these helpful gems as jewelry, place them on your throat, or simply display them at home. There are just so much more ways on how to unblock this chakra. Some even suggest eating Plow and Fish for they are said to be great poses to open up your throat chakra. Both help open up the back and front sides of your neck, where the throat chakra resides. And of course, to fully align the seven main chakras, one must really make the positive qualities they amplify as a daily and conventional habit for personal habits such as poor physical alignment or posture, eating unhealthy food, or self-destructive behavior may cause a chakra to be imbalanced, and that goes not only for the Throat chakra but to all seven chakras as well.
Crystals, meditations, exercises, you can perform all these to unblock your chakra but one must keep in mind that the path to enlightenment has a way greater purpose than just the physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of a person. Making the eightfold path a lifestyle will make the world a better place and it starts with you and slowly spreads and amplifies to the people around you. It will be like a stone thrown in the river that creates a ripple effect. Have a kind, nurturing and beautiful life that does not let you give into temptations and you're really really close to achieving nirvana, the sweet sublime enlightenment brings.
