From Karma Gaia:
Balancing The Third Eye
Your third eye chakra is known by the Sanskrit term Ajna. It is a spot on your brow between your eyes and is connected to intuition, insight, and inspiration. We have a profound grasp of both our inner and outside worlds when ajna is in harmony.
While our physical eyes are associated with the past and the present experience as it unfolds, it’s said that ajna looks to the future. We can envision our next moves with confidence and clarity when we are not distracted by uncertainty and confusion.
Most often, when our ajna is underactive, we lose touch with our own inner wisdom. The good news is that you can do a lot to help ajna grow, thrive, and be in balance.
1. Using a Bija Mantra
The ajna's bija mantra, or seed syllable, is "om" or "aum." The best technique to connect with your insight and intuition is to chant om while closing your eyes and concentrating on the brow point. Setting your purpose can be especially effective in the morning or at the beginning of an ajna-centered yoga practise.
2. Working with Hakini Mudra
The hakini mudra is connected to ajna and is believed to encourage awareness and focus, which improve insight and intuition. When reflecting intently, many people will naturally adopt this mudra; perhaps they sense its value in aiding in the connection with knowledge and insight.
3. Ajna Balancing Asanas
The stance most frequently connected with ajna is Asanas Balasana, also known as the child's pose. There are two basic causes for this. First, the forehead can touch the mat to physically ground and link the brow point to earth.
This area can benefit from additional massage provided by gently swaying the head from side to side. Secondly, child’s pose is a gentle and supported forward fold. Forward folds can aid in fostering self-reflection and research.
Uttanasana (standing forward fold) and prasarita padottanasana (wide-legged standing forward fold) are other front folds that can aid in balancing ajna. A block or bolster positioned beneath the forehead will increase stimulation.
4. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama
Nadi shodhana pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, is already well-known for its balancing properties as a separate practise. This variation can improve its impact on ajna:
To keep your attention on ajna, place your right hand's index and middle fingers on the brow point.
Using your right thumb to cover your right nostril, take a four-count breath through your left nostril.
Exhale for four counts via the right nostril while closing the left nostril with the left ring finger.
For a count of four, inhale through your right nostril while keeping your left nostril shut.
Thumb-shut the right nostril, then open the left and exhale for four counts.
For several minutes, repeat steps 2 through 5, possibly extending the count to 6 or 8 to further relax and centre the mind.
After you've finished the breathing exercise, give yourself a minute to settle back into your regular breathing pattern and focus your awareness on the moment.
From Karma Gaia
Unlocking the Path to Your Higher Self: Essential Questions to Ask
Connecting with your higher self is a transformative journey that deepens your understanding of purpose, intuition, and spiritual growth. Asking the right questions is a powerful way to bridge the gap between your current self and the higher self—a state of consciousness aligned with your true essence. Here are some essential questions to guide your connection:
1. Who Am I Beyond My Current Identity?
This question encourages self-reflection on your spiritual essence beyond societal labels and roles. It helps strip away the layers of ego and external expectations, fostering a deeper understanding of your true nature.
2. What Is My Soul's Purpose?
Exploring your soul’s purpose aligns you with the missions and passions that resonate deeply with your higher self. This question can illuminate paths for fulfillment and joy that you might have overlooked.
3. What Am I Grateful For?
Gratitude is a gateway to higher vibrations. By reflecting on what you appreciate, you create a positive energy field that strengthens your connection to your higher self and the universe.
4. What Lessons Am I Meant to Learn Right Now?
Challenges often carry lessons that catalyze spiritual growth. Asking this question helps you shift perspective, viewing obstacles as opportunities for personal and spiritual development.
5. How Can I Serve Others?
Your higher self thrives in a space of love and service. Understanding how your unique gifts can uplift others not only enriches your life but also strengthens your spiritual alignment.
6. What Fears or Beliefs Are Holding Me Back?
Self-limiting beliefs and unresolved fears can create barriers to spiritual growth. By identifying and confronting these, you free yourself to embrace the full potential of your higher self.
7. What Do I Truly Want to Manifest?
Clarity on your desires helps align your energy with your goals. This question allows you to focus your intentions, making manifestation more effective and spiritually aligned.
8. How Can I Nurture My Mind, Body, and Spirit?
Your higher self thrives in a harmonious environment. By nurturing your mental, physical, and spiritual health, you create the conditions needed to sustain a deeper connection.
9. What Is My Next Step?
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the big picture, ask your higher self for guidance on the next step. Trust that clarity will come, leading you forward on your journey.
10. How Can I Deepen My Connection With the Divine?
This question invites spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or journaling into your daily routine, fostering a more profound relationship with the universe and your higher self.
By regularly asking these questions, you cultivate self-awareness and spiritual alignment, paving the way for a more meaningful and enlightened existence. Listen deeply to the answers, as they often arise in quiet moments of reflection, intuition, or synchronicity.