Vibration, purity, originality and essence.
Find your voice. Speak your truth. See with clarity. Be authentic. Hear and be heard by others. Breath, and vibration form the words we use to express ourselves. When this is done in the spirit of purity and honesty the mind, body, and spirit come together in very powerful ways. Vishuddha is where your truth is expressed. It is what bridges the spirit and the heart. When Vishuddha is in balance, you are unstoppable. You expand beyond yourself. You are vulnerable. You manifest your dreams.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
― Carl Gustav Jung
SPEAK YOUR TRUTH
As we venture higher and higher up the energetic body the more the individual fades away. The less concrete and grounded our focus becomes as the ethereal comes more and more into play. Just as Anahata, the heart chakra, is an important bridge between the body and the mind, Vishuddha, the throat chakra is a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. Vishuddha bridges the gap between the individual and the universal.
The word Vishuddha is Sanskrit for purity. Vishuddha is where our most essential nature and deepest spiritual truths are realized. This is where we express our originality and realize our true purpose. This is not about what you think you should do, or what others tell you you need to be doing. Vishuddha is about our truth, mind, body, and spirit. When we have clarity in ourselves and our purpose we have confidence in expressing, and thus manifesting what we truly need.
Vishuddha is located in the center of the throat. It governs the body from the shoulders, up the neck to the chin. Along the spine the throat chakra rules the cervical vertebrae up to the base of the skull. It also rules over the mouth and the ears. Makes sense as the seat of communication. Vishuddha also governs the thyroid gland. This in turn means it rules over our adrenal system.
The color associated with Vishuddha is indigo. Indigo is three-quarters blue and one-quarter purple so it sits halfway between violet and blue. Indigo also represents wisdom, devotion, and justice. All of these attributes are contained in the throat chakra.
Ether, or space is the element that rules Vishuddha. As I mentioned above, the throat chakra is where we really start getting into the universal/ ethereal realm. This has some abstract more spiritual elements, but it also has very practical elements. What you communicate lives beyond you. Our words carry out into the world and have effects that extend further than just ourselves. Especially in our digital age our words have a much further reach than ever before.
The throat chakra is related to communication. Specifically, the expression of yourself through truth, purpose, creativity and individuality. This is being authentic. You have clarity in your purpose, and will align what you need to accomplish your goals to make them reality. Not only are you creative,your ideas come to fruition. You have confidence in what you are doing and can speak up for yourself with confidence and certainty. People with a healthy Vishuddha thrive expressing their originality. They understand their uniqueness in the world and are not afraid to express it
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
― Brené Brown,
Signs of Balance
When Vishuddha is balanced you have a strong sense of personal integrity. Being authentic requires complete honesty. Honesty with yourself, and with others. You are not out to fool anyone, least of all yourself. I, for one, am very good at fooling myself. Being completely honest requires vulnerability, and that’s really hard to do. Once you are honest with yourself your strengths and weaknesses become very clear. With this level of vulnerability, a world of connection and meaning opens up.
Vishuddha is our center of communication. Communication is not a one way street. Vishuddha is about speaking up and expressing your most sacred truth, yet it is also about hearing others and being heard. Meaningful communication within ourselves and others is important in realizing our true purpose. When Vishuddha is balanced, deep, meaningful relationships are abundant in your life. You not only have the satisfaction of your truth being heard by others, those close to you know they in turn are being heard.
The sacral chakra and Vishuddha share a very important link. Creativity and inspiration come from the sacral chakra, and find expression through the throat chakra. Vishuddha is where the creative ideas come to fruition. Vishuddha is vital in manifestation. Our most important goals will never be realized if we don’t communicate what they are. When Vishuddha is in balance you are also comfortable asking for what you need to manifest the world in which you wish to live. You are also able to be receptive to what others need to manifest the world they wish for.
What Can Cause an Imbalance?
“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”
― Fyodor Dostoevsky,
Lies
Being dishonest with yourself and to others causes imbalance in the Vishuddha chakra. Honesty is vital to the throat chakra. Vishuddha means purity. We lie to ourselves all the time. I know I’m good at telling myself I can’t do something, or that terrible things will happen if I take a risk and try something new. Many of us tell ourselves we’re not good enough each day. Part of understanding your authentic nature is understanding your worth. Anything you tell yourself that doesn't live up to your true nature is a lie. It will kill your confidence, self worth, and your voice. Stop it.
Media is the biggest liar of them all. Movies, TV shows, and magazines do a good job telling us why we’re inadequate and what we need to buy to be fulfilled. That is their job after all. Social media has risen up as an even more toxic version. Social media is a wonderful way to connect and keep in touch with people. It is also an excellent venue for gaslighting. There is so much toxic and dishonest representation happening in the digital world. Social media brings us unbridled reach, and also unbridled responsibility. Unfortunately, society has not stepped up to the challenge. Luckily, the pendulum had begun swinging in the other direction. More and more people are realizing that what the majority of people post is a lie.
I have done makeup and hair for theater and film for over two decades. I’ve always told my son that we live on the other side of the smoke and mirrors. We are illusionists. We are the one setting up the trickery. It has been both interesting and appalling seeing the amount of tricks used every day on instagram and youtube. The amount of production that goes into videos represented as being an every day, nonchalant occurrence is . . impressive. I can appreciate the production value. What I HATE is the idea that these photos and videos are being presented as a casual shoot. It is not. I have been involved with some of these shoots, and not only are there a number of tricks that go into the photos, there are a number of professionals you will never know about involved in pulling it off. We all know this. It is not news. The implications, however, go further than most people consider.
These representations show you that you are not worthy of a voice. You are so uninteresting, you could never be worthy of news. You are not pretty enough, successful enough, skinny enough, talented enough, or worthy enough to have a voice. This is the biggest lie of modern times. If given the same team of production professionals, anyone would come off as the most interesting person in the world. Influencers pay a lot of money to be that. It costs a lot of time and money to be the casual girl next door on social media. The truth however, is that you are more authentic, rich, interesting, and original than the most influential influencer out there.
Social Conditioning
Being told that your voice doesn't matter kills the throat chakra. Parents, pay attention. It’s hard to pay attention to your toddlers' natterings sometimes. What they are saying is important to them. I know more about the backstories of many Marvel and Star Wars characters than I should. That stuff is cool, but not really important to me. When I was burnt out or tired these stories were hard to listen to, but they were important to my son. If I were to not give him the time I would show him his voice isn’t important. Classmates pay attention. Treating a fellow student like they’re asking a stupid question in class teaches them their voice doesn’t matter. Shaming people for what they say teaches others that their voice shouldn’t be heard. People’s voices matter.
Stress
Stress has an adverse effect on every chakra. As the ruler of the thyroid, stress has a particularly detrimental effect on Vishuddha. Thyroid issues can also be a sign and contribute to an imbalanced throat chakra. A hypo-thyroid presents itself as low energy. A hyper-thyroid puts you in a constant state of fight or flight. This will certainly lead to adrenal fatigue.
In the computer age it is common for people to hold tension in their neck and shoulders. With the enormous amount of information inundating us and the stress of our everyday lives, adrenal fatigue is becoming more and more common. I know I, for one, grind my teeth. Each of these reactions to stress will affect your Vishuddha chakra.
How Imbalance Manifests
Physical Imbalance
At its most basic, physical level, an imbalanced throat chakra can manifest as a sore throat, thyroid issues, neck and shoulder aches, hearing sensitivities, jaw pain or TMJ. Are you ever hoarse, or have a sore throat? Do you have gum disease, or bleeding gums? Your Vishuddha could be to blame. Chronic ear infections, and sinus infections are also a symptom of an imbalanced throat chakra.
Emotional Imbalance
A low self esteem is a sure sign of a Vishuddha imbalance, especially if it manifests in an inability to speak up for yourself. Many of us have a fear of public speaking. This stems from a fear of rejection. We all experience this on some level. When Vishuddha is imbalanced that insecurity is magnified.
While one manifestation of an imbalance in Vishuddha is not being able to speak up. The other side of the coin is also true. The tendency to talk too much or ramble on without a clear point is also indicative of Vishuddha imbalance. You may tend to put your foot in your mouth, use inappropriate language, or make misstatements. If you find yourself interrupting or talking over other people, or needing to have the last word, your Vishuddha could be to blame.
How to balance Vishuddha
Find your voice and Journal
The first step to balancing your throat chakra and finding your voice is finding you, the real deep down, authentic you. What makes you you? What is your truth? What do you uniquely bring to the table? These are hard questions. Get yourself a journal and start writing about it. Make a safe place and answer these hard questions. Free writing is a wonderful way to discover truths about yourself. We also all evolve. Revisit these topics about once a year to see how it changes. No one will ever see what you don’t want them to. Free write how you see yourself and what you most want to accomplish in the world.
Show yourself some love.
This is a wonderful fake it till you make it technique. It will awaken Anahata. Make a commitment to do something, anything for yourself each day. Prioritize making time for yourself and do something that benefits absolutely no one else but you. For me I chose working out. It makes me feel good. I was struggling to find the time. Really, in my own life I couldn’t find a half to full hour to myself each day? Where was all my time going? I called shenanigans and made it happen. Each month I also treat myself to a massage. Doing something nice for myself communicates with action that I’m worth the time and effort. Buy yourself flowers. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. Cook something you love to eat. The point is to go out of your way, make time, and do something just for you. Not only is this fun, the more you do it the more habitualized this self care, love, and respect becomes.
Sing praises for yourself and others
Speaking truths stimulates Vishiddha. If you feel fabulous one day, say so. If you think your neighbor or friend is especially fabulous one day, tell them so. The more you speak truths, especially positive ones, the more Vishuddha will sing. Just for one week make a commitment not to hold compliments back. See if it makes a difference in how you feel and your own confidence level.
Simply Sing
Speaking of singing. Sing. The vibrations in your throat will stimulate Vishuddha. It doesn’t matter if you are on key or not. Sing in the shower, sing in the car, sing to your fur baby, or human baby, or yourself. Using your voice is enough to get the energy flowing. Bonus points if what you sing is affirming, and positive, like a mantra.
Mantras are important in helping any chakra. It is an especially potent tool when we’re dealing with the throat chakra. Vocalize your mantras to get Vishuddha humming.
Unplug Yourself
Cut yourself off from social media. Reconnect with your face to face friends and family. Doing this periodically is becoming increasingly important this day and age. If something comes up that is important your friends and family will be sure to let you know. The fear of missing out is a trap. Give yourself the gift of not falling into it.
Drain the Swamp
Make sure to surround yourself with positive people and words. Clear out your social media accounts. Unfollow those who spread lies and toxicity. Follow people that inspire and motivate you. If you see something on your social media that rubs you the wrong way, stresses you out, or makes you feel negatively about yourself unfollow it. You don’t need that garbage in your life.
Do the same thing in your personal relationships. If there is someone in your life that makes you feel bad, set firm boundaries, and if necessary cut off ties.
Use Your Body to Balance Vishuddha
Good Posture
The computer age has led to a pandemic of bad posture. We spend hours hunched over our technology. This puts extreme pressure on our necks and shoulders. This stresses out Vishuddha and can lead to imbalance. So while you’re cutting back on social media, use the time to improve your posture. Hours of hunching over weakens our back and over exerts our pectoral and anterior shoulder muscles. Stretch out your chest and strengthen your back. Weight exercises such as rows and lat pulls are wonderful back exercises. Head rolls and neck stretches are also wonderful options to help the muscles in the Vishuddha area.
Yoga and Pranayama
Lion’s Breath is a wonderful pranayama to stimulate the throat chakra. To do this, find a comfortable seated position. Extend your tongue all the way out of your mouth. Open your eyes wide, and create an audible sound in your throat as you exhale. You will look like a lion panting. Here is a wonderful guide. Lion’s breath eases stress, soothes the throat, and makes you look a little silly. All these things are wonderful for Vishuddha.
Practicing yoga helps ease stress, stretch your muscles and build strength. Poses that benefit Vishuddha include bridge pose, upward facing dog, plow pose, child’s pose, supported shoulderstand, and supported fish pose.
Diet
As with all chakras, eating foods associated with the color that governs a chakra balances it. In the case of Vishuddha this includes blueberries, blackberries, elderberries, currants, grapes, plums, and even blue corn. All of these foods are high in antioxidants. Foods that soothe the throat are also beneficial for Vishuddha. Hot herbal teas, honey, aloe juice, and lemon are all wonderful for the throat chakra.
Tools for Balancing Vishuddha
Stones
Turquoise
Aquamarine
Amazonite
Lapis Lazuli
Mantras
I can communicate clearly.
I speak my truth freely, openly, and honestly.
I am accountable for expressing myself clearly and truthfully.
My honesty attracts honesty.
By voicing my desires, I am able to receive.
I am authentic, unique, and worthy.
Essential Oils
Rose
Frankincense
Neroli
Jasmine
Ylang Ylang
Peppermint
Vishuddha- Throat Chakra Blend
Peppermint, Niaouli, Lavender, Myrrh
I’m so happy with the Vishuddha blend. This is the first time I’ve included the fabulous peppermint in a product. The result is an invigorating, yet still soothing blend. The intent is purity. The peppermint and niaouli are powerful oils for purification. The lavender and myrrh step in to soften the menthol, add warmth, and help soothe the soul, and ease some stress.
Benefits
Mind- Vishuddha is an invigorating blend that brings about clarity and helps fight mental fatigue. It boosts confidence and fearlessness. This is the blend to use if you are struggling to remain alert.
Body– This blend is highly antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial. Physically this blend is the most purifying blend we make. It is soothing to the respiratory and digestive systems. It helps relieve headaches and sinus congestion and can ease feelings of nausea, and muscle aches.
Spirit– This blend will help focus your intentions. It is all about being present, yet also propels you forward to achieve your goals. This blend is all about discovering your authentic self, filtering out all of the noise that gets in our way.
Vishuddha essential oil blend is an all natural, and organic blend of:
Peppermint- this invigorating oil helps bring focus and clarity. It motivates you to move forward with your goals. Peppermint helps you dig deep and find the root of your feelings and helps enhance creativity.
Niaouli- is a balancing oil. It can invigorate and focus the mind and combat fatigue. This oil will help you find your purpose. It strengthens will and determination.
Lavender- is one of the most used oils for a reason! It is a botanical powerhouse. Calming, it is useful for tension, anxiety, and insomnia. It is the number one oil to promote relaxation.
Myrrh- is a warming oil. It is emotionally balancing, and relieves anxiety and fear. Myrrh helps you release what is holding you back, allowing you to move beyond trauma and heal.
The Vishuddha chakra blend is available as a vegan soap and a pre-diluted essential oil roll-on.
Soap
The Vishuddha soap is our highly nourishing, soap base. The blue tint comes from a combination of kaolin clay and activated charcoal. Both of these additives are soothing to the skin, and act as a gentle astringent. Smoothing the skin out for a flawless finish.
Roll-on
The Vishuddha roll-on is a powerful tool in balancing the throat chakra. It is wonderful to use during meditations, or while you’re singing your heart out. The scent is so refreshing it is wonderful to add in your mask. It can also be used to purify your space or anoint your ritual objects.
Speak Your Truth
The throat chakra is all about communication. These implications run deep. It is about authentic, true communication. Not only with each other, but also with ourselves. Honest communication breeds vulnerability, which in turn brings authenticity. When we communicate what we need clearly and purely we open the way for our own unique light to shine through. Own your originality. Manifest your purpose by speaking your truth. Vishuddha is an important center in our energetic body. It bridges our spirit and body, heart and mind.