To celebrate our wonderful Toowoomba studio’s 3rd birthday this month, our featured practice for the month of June is focused on the third eye (also known as the inner eye) chakra, Ajna. Ajna in Sanskrit directly translates to ‘I perceive’, and the third eye is said to provide vision, or perception, found beyond our regular physical sight. It is located on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and is related to our concentration and focus, as well as imagination and intuition.
As a special way to celebrate all things 3 this month, we will be focusing on three practices that balance and open the third eye chakra:
- Eagle Pose (Garudasana)
This pose requires physical balancing, and this act of concentration will balance Ajna. To practice Eagle Pose, begin by standing with feet shoulder-width apart, bending the knees and shifting the weight into the right foot as you lift your left leg and cross it over the right thigh. Your left foot can rest gently on the floor, or hook around your right calf, balancing on your right leg. To practice the matching Eagle arms, extend both arms then reach for opposite sides of the room, with your right arm over left. Bend your elbows and lift your hands skywards, feeling your right elbow rest in the crook of your left. If you can, connect your palms as you lift your elbows, stretching your fingers to the sky and looking through your hands to find your steady balance. - Child’s Pose (Balasana)
For opening and stimulating the third eye chakra, we will be settling into everyone’s favourite resting pose, Balasana. To practice Child’s Pose, kneel and sit back on your feet, with your feet pointed inwards and knees separated. Rest your forehead (your third eye point) on the mat, if that’s comfortable for you, feeling that grounding connection, and stretch your arms out in front of you and relax them as you bring your focus to your breath. - Trataka (to look with a steady gaze)
The word trataka in Sanskrit translates to “to look, or to gaze”, and it is the practice of fixing your gaze on an external point. Trataka as a meditation can be very powerful for your concentration. You can choose to stare at an object, image, symbol or candle flame. At first, your will feel your eyes begin to waver and water, then try to close, then they will relax. Once all your thoughts have drifted away, you can choose to close your eyes and hold the image fixed in your third eye.
We hope you enjoy your practice with us this month xx