The Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra

Ajna, or the third eye chakra, is the sixth of the main chakras that run along the body's core from the base of the spine to the crown. Also referred to as the brow chakra, as it's considered part of the brain, it signifies the subconscious mind and is directly linked to intuition and psychic perception.

Just as any muscle can be developed and strengthened, the Ajna can become more powerful through meditation and spiritual practices. While our two physical eyes see the living world, the third eye transcends time and can see past, present, and future. It also sees our inner world and helps us navigate the outside world.

Living life through the third eye causes us to examine self-defeating thinking and concepts and develop wisdom. We see a deeper meaning in life beyond the concepts of good or bad, right or wrong. The third eye is both the seat of knowledge and our soul's torch that activates the conscience.

Representation

The third eye is represented by the color indigo, in the shape of a five-pointed star with two lotus petals. It embraces all elements, and its prime function is to see. As a result, it's physically associated with the eyes, brow, lower skull, and pituitary gland. Focus is on the mind, and it affects intuition and imagination.

Indigo has long been associated with wisdom, depth of knowledge, and spirituality beyond the physical plane. It's also the color of the night sky. All creatures of the night, like owls, for example, have strongly developed senses that they use for survival. Similarly, the Ajna encourages us to develop all our senses, including our sixth sense, and use them in collaboration as we walk through the world.

Also called royal blue, indigo resonates with higher spiritual vibrations than the lower chakras. It's the bridge between the upper and lower chakras, which helps their energy access higher realms. Many regard indigo as the color of transition from life to death and rebirth, and that's why we tend to refer to passed loved ones as stars shining bright against the deep blue background of the night sky.

Balance and Imbalance

When the third eye is in balance, both hemispheres of the brain are aligned, our thinking is clear, self-reflection comes naturally, and we contemplate things objectively. As its Sanskrit name implies, Ajna (to perceive) gives us access to inner guidance from our higher self and the world beyond. A healthy Ajna is our observer-self, mindfully viewing things from a detached perspective in the present moment.

Once the third eye is balanced, dreamwork, intuition, good memory, and clarity of mind come naturally.

Imbalance manifests as living through the ego, being over-attached to the external world, and focused on material things. Imagination can turn into self-deception and suspicion, which, in turn, can lead to becoming cynical of others and life itself. Nightmares or insomnia can become the norm, as well as forgetfulness or a tendency to twist the facts. When the Ajna is out of balance, we cannot balance the body, mind, and soul.

Working with the Chakras

Many people want to start work on their third eye chakra when they begin their spiritual journey because they want to develop their intuition and connect to the divine. Although it's not an impossible place to begin, it's usually not the right place to start.

Just like we need to balance body, mind, and soul to achieve optimal well-being, the seven chakras are all interlinked. Unless we're grounded and living in reality, confident in ourselves, and can live with love and empathy, it's unlikely we'll develop our intuition, and the ego will block any connection with worlds beyond. Instead of developing our observer-self, we could end up trying to control and predict outcomes as we try to coerce life to go our way.

We first have to sort out our earth-related issues and understand and accept the natural flow of things before detaching and allowing life to happen on its own terms. The natural flow of things can often be very painful but equally joyous and abundant. For every peak, there's a valley! When we don't understand that, we start wanting to control and develop almost debilitating fears that can lead to anxiety and depression.

Another consequence of developing the Ajna at the expense of other chakras is that you can become detached from reality and start living in a world of illusion.

It's best to begin working with the root chakra and gradually move your way up to the crown, spending time on unbalanced areas and that manifest as problems in your life. Balancing the chakras requires patience, mindfulness, and awareness, and once you get into it, it becomes a lifelong practice.

How to Open the Ajna

Despite its relevance, opening the Ajna is relatively straightforward. It seeks peace, away from a racing mind and fast-paced and competitive world. Groundedness is essential, and to be grounded, the root chakra must be in balance. Although the Ajna can be opened through meditation, calming the mind enough to let go can be difficult if you're ungrounded and insecure.

You can open the third eye by developing awareness and mindfulness. Spend time in nature or create a sanctuary within your home where you can be at peace. Incense, candles, soothing music, and plants or flowers can help you relax. Spend time in quiet contemplation and write in a journal, paint, draw, or do some other creative craft while your mind relaxes.

Learn the basics as well as deep breathing practices. If you're physically fit, take up yoga, walking, or jogging without putting any pressure on yourself to achieve or compete. Do it for the sake of enjoyment!

As you become more accustomed to being at peace, you can begin spending time in self-reflection, detaching yourself from daily situations and viewing them as an observer only. Once your spiritual mind starts to develop, you can spend time in silence, focusing on your brow and channeling energy without expectation.

The more your mind relaxes and you let go of the concept of past, present, and future, allowing yourself to experience the moment, you'll become aware of your Ajna opening up and your intuition developing.