The first two weeks in October our yoga sessions were dedicated to Ajna Chakra, also referred to as the third eye or the perception centre. This chakra is located at the forehead between the eyebrows, directly in line with the pineal gland, which is buried in the centre our brain. Western philosophy refers to the pineal gland as being the centre of our 6th sense. However, in our current society we place more importance on rationalization and ‘googling’ for information than drawing our senses inwards to find and trust the answers we sense through our intuition (inner tutor).
Ajna chakra allows us to feel connected to what yogis call ‘the universal truth’, but this chakra also plays a big role in developing our creativity through imagination, dreaming and visualization.
Developing Ajna chakra leads to a profound insight into our own personal development and spiritual growth. It often is a challenge to remain balanced, level-headed or ‘detached’ in confronting situations. Inviting our inner observer or inner awareness during our practice allows ajna chakra to flourish.
Nadi Shodana, or alternate nostril breathing, balances our body and mind and is therefore most suited to Ajna chakra, particularly when practiced in combination with Shambavi mudra (gazing towards the eyebrow centre). This mudra was the first ‘non-hand’ mudra we practiced. Remember that mudras work on a neurological level and contribute to our ‘attitude’ in the yoga practice.
Our asana practice became more meditative as we increased our focus and concentration throughout the practice; feeling the poses from the inside out. Our usual yoga nidra at the end of the practice is also a wonderful way to get in touch with our intuition.
Sound: Om
Colour: Indigo blue
Endocrine system: Pineal gland
Deficient: Poor memory and concentration, poor visualization, suffering paranoia.
Excessive: Headaches, hallucinations, nightmares and difficulty concentrating.
Balanced:Calm clear intuitive knowingness. Being able to see the big picture and being open to all possibilities.
Virasana or Hero Pose
Mudra:
Shambavi
mudra,
or eyebrow
gazing
Wisdom relating to Ajna:
‘Instinct is intelligence incapable of self consciousness’
– John Sterling
Ernestine