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“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” ~ George Orwell

Throat chakra concerns: communication, creativity, voice, expression, consumption, purification

5th chakra essential questions:

How do I express my unique creativity?

What healthy/unhealthy [foods/drinks/information/ideas] am I consuming?

How can I communicate my ideas, needs and wants clearly and compassionately?

What are the qualities of my voice?

5th chakra thoughts:

Open communication is the essential foundation of every relationship. Total honesty provides the necessary foundation for trust, love, respect and mutual growth. We first must be honest with ourselves in order to be open, trusting and compassionate with others. Like yoga, total honesty takes practice. I graduated from the College of Communication (at UT-Austin) and like to joke that I know it all. Obviously, communication affects every aspect of life, and it is an ongoing challenge to stay aware, be candid — and know when to shut up.

5th chakra poem:

Ode to Amanda
You are loyal like the sun
Growth is where we overlap
Sprout with giggles
Fail with intensity
We are content to sit
In a jade pool
Water rushing over our legs forever
Abandoning petty stresses
Inhaling presence
We sit
And then move
Toward no destination
At all times

Practice suggestions:

1. The element of vishuddha chakra is SOUND, so chanting (e.g. “OM”, “Sat Nam”, “Om mani padme hum”) can help balance and heal this chakra.
2. Gentle neck stretches and shoulder openers
3. Inversions Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) and Halasana (Plow Pose), followed by Fish (Matsyasana)
4. Practicing to healing sounds like Tibetan singing bowls, African drums, ocean waves, etc.
5. Peaceful mantra meditation

Vishuddha music:

Communication Breakdown by Led Zeppelin
Hello Goodbye by The Beatles
People Gonna Talk by James Hunter
Rehab by Amy Winehouse
Express Yourself by Madonna

Throat chakra literature:

Right Speech: How Workable Is It? –Tricycle Magazine
Tracking Wonder blog by Jeffrey Davis
7 Simple Tips to Deal with Negative People by Celestine Chua
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E. B. White
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Freedom by Jonathan Franzen