The sixth chakra, or brow chakra, is the center of insight, intuition, imagination, and perception. The nature of this chakra means this discussion will be a tad more ethereal than the others thus far—so prepare to open your mind and join in!
The sixth chakra helps us navigate through life through “aha” moments, intuition, and dreams. It involves seeing, in a deeper sense of the word. The brow chakra enables us to create dreams for the future while holding our past memories.
The characteristics of a person with a balanced sixth chakra include the ability to look within, wisdom, strong intuition, creative imagination, and a strong personal vision. Symptoms of an out-of-balance sixth chakra include denial, difficulty with concentration and visualization, lack of imagination, and physical manifestations (including frequent headaches). Memories you have suppressed in your unconscious, or an overabundance of fear in your life, may cause a blockage in this area. If you have a clear vision of what your life is now and a future vision of what your life can be in the future, your sixth chakra is in good shape.
The sixth chakra is in the head, behind the eyes, in line with where the eyebrows meet. It is also called the third eye, because of its perceptive nature. The pituitary gland is associated with this chakra. Pituitary hormones control the thyroids, the adrenal glands, and the sex organs.
The pituitary gland is called the master gland. It acts as a light meter for the body. It produces seratonin and melatonin, which affect depression, insomnia, and more than 100 other functions of the body. For those who believe the chakra system is closely related to the glandular system, this chakra holds great importance to our physical and mental health.
Balancing the brow chakra is more complicated than the other chakras. In this realm, the inner workings of the mind are more important than the work of the physical body. Meditation is a primary tool for healing the sixth chakra. Yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques) that I have shared in past articles are important—they prepare the body and mind for meditation.
After I have completed my yoga practice, the child pose is the asana that helps me access this chakra the most. In child pose, your forehead is directly in contact with the earth. Focus your attention on the weight in your forehead. Stay in this pose for as long as you feel comfortable. With each breath, release the body deeper into the mat, then roll your toes under, and with your arms by your side place your palms on the ground. Begin to massage your head on the mat. Start by putting weight on your forehead, temples, and ears, then move up to the crown of your head, massaging back and forth. When completed, roll your body up slowly, one vertebra at a time, and come into hero pose or easy pose. Take deep, full breaths and direct your attention to the part of your forehead you were resting on the mat. Keep your attention focused and your mind silent as you let your being “be.”
Another balancing tool is the practice of “witness consciousness,” which enables you to have a clear vision of your life looking from the outside inwards. The following exercise helps the body and mind to become aware and to prepare for witness consciousness.
• Sit down in a comfortable position in a quiet place and focus on your breathing. Your eyes may be open or closed.
• Observe any sensations you are feeling in your body. Start at the crown of your head and work your way down to your feet. Try to focus your mind and not let outside distractions limit your practice. Keep your attention within.
• Now, include your mind and emotions. Identify what you are experiencing in this moment. For example, “I feel happy,” “I feel anxious,” “I feel at peace.”
• Let go of any “why” and just allow the emotion to settle. Continue to focus on your breathing.
• Slowly include your outside world: the sun shining, the birds singing, your children fighting!
• You are simply observing what is happening around you and within you.
• You may close this exercise at this time or choose to bring it into witness consciousness.
• Look at yourself as a person right where you are at this moment. Engage your mind and ask the “why” questions to make it active. As you spend time in relative silence looking at yourself from afar, sometimes things become more clear. Sometimes they do not. There is no right or wrong, just go with it.
A balanced sixth chakra may result in a clear personal vision for life. The “what is” that we discovered through witness consciousness can be shifted to “what is possible.” Ask yourself these questions: “What is the main vision for my life?” “Am I working for the greater good or personal satisfaction?” “What are the dreams for my life?” “Where do I want to be and what do I want to have accomplished in 20 years?”
The brow chakra involves many other aspects, including work with tones, colors, and dreams, to name just a few. The practice of yoga and meditation, the study of witness consciousness, and creating a personal vision are all helpful in balancing the sixth chakra.
