How To Open And Tune Your Third Eye
Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecraze, she interned with an advertising firm as a copywriter and as an editorial intern for a luxury fashion magazine.
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There is always some mystery around the concept of the third eye. It is an esoteric concept that refers to a speculative invisible eye that lets you perceive things beyond what the ordinary eye meets. Commonly called as the inner eye, the Hindu texts refer to the third eye as the Ajna (meaning ‘command’ in Sanskrit) or brow chakra. This chakra works in connection with the pineal gland.
The third eye is usually the gate to the inner realm of the higher consciousness. The New Age spirituality relates the third eye to enlightenment. Today, most people associate the third eye with clairvoyance, the ability to study auras, religious visions, and a few out of the body experiences.
The energy pool of this chakra is located just above the eye level. This chakra determines insight, and when it is open, you will not only have an amazing intuition, a sixth sense of sorts, but you will also tend to dream a lot.
Natural Element Of The Third Eye – Light
This chakra identifies itself with the element of light. While you try to open up the chakra, the aim is always to ensure the third eye access to a cosmic vision, such that it illuminates everything without a filter of judgment, the past, or expectations.
The Motive Of The Ajna Chakra
This pool of energy deals with knowledge of the highest degree and also with aspects of intuition and foresight. When you have the right perception of yourself as well as the world, you will only manifest the best in the world. This is what the Ajna chakra aims at correcting – your perception.
The Physical Signs Of Blocked Energy In The Third Eye
If the energy in the third eye chakra is not aligned properly, you could have problems with your vision and even suffer from headaches, dizziness, and migraines.
The Mental Signs Of Blocked Energy In The Third Eye
But if this chakra is not active enough, you will look up to other people to make decisions for you. You will be confused, and will entirely rely on beliefs, which can be misleading.
A Well-Aligned Third Eye Chakra
In the process of opening the third eye you will start looking at things as they are, without judgement or prejudice. You will begin to value yourself and the world more, which will also make you more decisive and composed.
That established, take a look at the routine you must adopt to tune-up and awaken your third eye chakra.
How To Open Your Third Eye?
Here’s a routine to open and align the third eye:
- Do The Awakening Exercise
- Set The Intention
- Do The Dolphin Plank
- Do The Garudasana
- Do The Virabhadrasana III
- Do The Dolphin Pose
- Do The Feathered Peacock Pose
- Do The Balasana
- Do The Third Eye Chant And Meditation
- Do The Shavasana
Do The Awakening Exercise
You must start the routine with an awakening exercise. This is how you can do it.
- Sit on the floor with your legs crossed. Make sure you are comfortable.
- Close your eyes, and fold your hands, bringing your palms together in a ‘namaste’ mudra.
- Now turn your attention to the third eye, the space between your eyebrows.
- Begin rubbing your hands such that you create a good amount of heat between your palms.
- Cup your palms over your eyes and let them absorb all the heat.
- Feel the heat melt away any stress and tension around your eyes.
- Do this three times, with a pause between each rub just to take account of how you feel.
Set The Intention
It is essential to set your goals and make them clear before getting into the routine. It can be anything. While you may have your own set of intentions, these are some suggestions if you are lost.
- Correcting perception
- Unlatching intuition
- Getting connected to everything around you
- Invoking the third eye wisdom to illuminate your path
Remember that you need to feel the intention strongly for it to hold any value for you.
Do The Dolphin Plank
This asana is also called the Makara Adho Mukha Svanasana, and it is an intermediate level yoga pose. A variation of the dolphin pose, this posture tones the abdominal muscles and rejuvenates your mind and body alike. You need to focus your attention on your third eye, and your resolve to concentrate as you do the practice will make you stronger.
How To Do The Dolphin Plank
- Start the asana by coming onto your fours.
- Bend your elbows, placing your forearms on the floor and elbows right under your shoulders.
- Bring your palms together in the Anjali mudra.
- Walk backwards, and straighten your legs behind you.
- Make sure that only your forearms and the balls of the feet are the only two points that are touching the floor.
- As you hold the pose, keep your legs strong and engage your belly as you suck in the ribs in the front and widen your lower back.
- Now imagine an invisible stream between your joined palms and the third eye. This stream is the intention.
- Focus on the stream for up to 10 deep breaths.
- Release the pose, and rest on your belly for a few seconds before you move on to the next asana.
Precautions And Contraindications
- One must avoid this asana in case of any shoulder injuries.
- In case of neck injuries, use a block to support the forehead.
- Pregnant women must do this asana only under the supervision of a yoga instructor.
Do The Garudasana
Garuda is the Sanskrit term for eagle, but it also means devour. This asana is meant to devour fear, ego, and doubt so that you can make way for positive intentions.
How To Do The Garudasana
- Stand erect, gently bend your right knee, and wrap your left leg around your right such that the knees are stacked over each other. Your left foot must touch your right shin.
- Now raise your arms to the shoulder height and wrap your right hand around your left, ensuring that your elbows are bent at 90-degree angles and are also stacked.
- Strike a balance in the pose as you gently bring down your hips. Your knees must move towards the midline, instead of leaning to one side.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe deeply and slowly. Focus on the third eye, and let go of your negative emotions.
- Release the pose, switch the limbs, and repeat the pose.
Precautions And Contraindications
- It is best to avoid this asana if you have had a recent ankle, knee, or elbow injury.
- Pregnant women must seek medical consent before they practice this asana.
Do The Virabhadrasana III
This asana is the third stance that Lord Shiva’s warrior friend takes to complete his task of destroying the enemy. But when you are channeling your third eye, this asana has a very different connotation, in fact, quite on the contrary to the original. This asana is meant to connect with the third eye and establish that the more we connect with our surroundings, the easier it is for use to remain stable and balanced, no matter how difficult the situation is.
How To Do The Virabhadrasana III
- Stand erect with your arms hung beside your body.
- Gently push your pelvis forward, and then swing your left leg up towards the back, such that it is perpendicular to your right leg and parallel to the floor.
- Bend your torso towards the front and extend your spine to the front. Make sure your torso is parallel to the floor.
- Stretch your arms out such that there is a straight line drawn, extending from your left leg to your arms. Firm up your triceps.
- Now widen your back as you lift the lower part of your abdomen, and try and balance yourself.
- Hold the pose for a few seconds as you breathe slowly and deeply.
- Release the pose and repeat on the other leg.
Precautions And Contraindications
- Those suffering from high blood pressure must avoid practicing this asana.
- Pregnant women must consult a doctor and an instructor before they practice this pose.
Do The Dolphin Pose
This asana is meant to calm the mind and prepare you for the meditation that is yet to come. It is very similar to the Adho Mukha Svanasana, and is called the Ardha Pincha Mayurasana in Sanskrit.
How To Do The Dolphin Pose
- Begin the asana by getting on your knees and hands.
- Place your forearms on the ground, making sure your elbows and shoulders are in the same line.
- Bring your palms together such that they are in the Anjali mudra.
- Lift your back and hips as you tuck your toes and make your legs straight.
- Your shoulder blades must be firm and into your ribs. Free your neck by lifting your shoulders away from your ears.
- Walk in towards your arms, and then, touch your thumbs to your third eye while your palms are still in the Anjali mudra.
- Take three long and deep breaths while you focus on the Ajna chakra.
Precautions And Contraindications
- It is best to avoid this asana if you have a neck or shoulder injury.
- You must ensure your knees are slightly bent as you practice this asana.
Do The Feathered Peacock Pose
This asana is also called the Pincha Mayurasana. It is done as a culmination of all the elements to get your forearm balance right. Inversions, like the third eye chakra, influence the way you see things, and this asana aims at challenging your perspective.
How To Do The Feathered Peacock Pose
- Lie down on your stomach, facing the wall.
- Gently bend your elbows such that they are directly under your shoulders, and bring your palms together in the Anjali mudra.
- Lift up your hips. Walk towards your arms as close as you can get.
- Now raise your right leg as much as you can, and kick up the other leg off the floor. This action will push your lower body off the floor, and allow your feet to touch the wall.
- Stay in this pose for a few seconds.
- Keep your head off the floor, and make sure that your shoulders are away from your ears.
- Touch your thumbs to your third eye, while your palms are still in the Anjali mudra as you lift your gaze.
- Your feet may touch the wall or stay perpendicular to the ground.
- Breathe slowly and deeply, and stay in the pose until you are comfortable. Release the pose in the same order that you got into it.
Precautions And Contraindications
- It is best to avoid this asana if you have a heart condition or suffer from high blood pressure.
- Avoid practicing this asana if you have a headache, or a shoulder, neck, or back injury.
- Menstruating and pregnant women must steer clear of this asana.
Do The Balasana
The Balasana is a resting pose. As you rest while your forehead is resting on the ground, the slight pressure on your third eye lets you sink deeper into a meditative state. Let your whole body indulge in this peaceful, insightful state.
How To Do The Balasana
- Kneel down on the floor and touch your big toes to each other as you sit on your heels. Once you are comfortable, spread your knees hip-width apart. Inhale.
- Bend forward. Lay your torso between your thighs as you exhale.
- Now, broaden the sacrum all across the back of the pelvis, and narrow the points of your hip such that they point towards the navel. Settle down on the inner thighs.
- Stretch the tailbone away from the back of the pelvis as you lift the base of your head slightly away from the back of the neck.
- Stretch your arms forward and place them in front of you, such that they are in line with your knees. Release the fronts of your shoulder to the floor. You must feel the weight of the front shoulders pulling the blades widely across your back.
- Since this asana is a resting pose, you can stay in the pose from anywhere between 30 seconds to a few minutes.
- To release the asana, stretch the front torso. Then, breathe in and lift from the tailbone while it pushes down into the pelvis.
Precautions And Contraindications
- If you find it difficult or uncomfortable to place your head on the floor, you can use a pillow for comfort.
- It is best to avoid doing this asana if you are suffering from diarrhea or knee injuries.
- Patients with high blood pressure must avoid practicing this asana.
Do The Third Eye Chant And Meditation
Your energy is put to good use, and your physical activity has ensured you focus on your third eye. Your mind is ready to meditate.
How To Do The Chanting And Meditation For The Ajna Chakra
- Sit erect with your legs crossed.
- Place your hands before the lower part of your breasts. The middle finger must be straight and touching each other at the tops, but pointing away from you. The other fingers must be bent, and must touch each other at the upper phalanges. Your thumbs must point towards you and meet each other at the tops.
- Close your eyes and concentrate on the Ajna chakra. Become aware of what it stands for. Remember, this chakra is placed a little above the center of your eyebrows.
- Softly, but legibly, chant “OM’.
- As you relax and meditate, think about how this chakra affects your life, or how you want it to affect your life.
- You can meditate for as long as you like until your mind feels cleansed and refreshed. But make sure you meditate for a minimum of two minutes.
Do The Shavasana
Once you have finished with your chanting and meditation, it is time for some deep relaxation.
How To Do The Shavasana
- Lie flat on the floor, ensuring that there will be no disturbance for the duration of the pose. Make sure you are comfortable, but don’t use any pillows or cushions. It will be best if you lie on a hard surface.
- Close your eyes.
- Place your legs such that they are comfortably apart. Make sure your legs relax completely and your toes are facing sidewards.
- Your arms must be placed along your body and slightly apart, leaving your palms open and facing upwards.
- Now, slowly draw attention to every area of your body, starting from your toes. As you do this, breathe slowly, yet deeply, setting your body in a state of deep relaxation. Do not fall asleep in the process.
- Breathe slowly, yet deeply. This will impart complete relaxation. As you breathe in, your body will be energized, and as you breathe out, your body will calm down. Focus on yourself and your body, forgetting all other tasks. Let go and surrender! But make sure you don’t doze off.
- In about 10 to 12 minutes, when your body feels relaxed and refreshed, roll to one side, keeping your eyes closed. Stay in the position for a minute, until you sit up in Sukhasana.
- Take a few deep breaths and gain awareness of your surroundings before you open your eyes again.
Precautions Or Contraindications Of Shavasana
This asana is absolutely safe and can be practiced by anyone and everyone. Unless your doctor has advised you not to lie on your back, you can practice this asana. If you are pregnant, it might be a good idea to rest your head and chest on a bolster for comfort.
I now wonder what a wonderful place this world might be if we all awaken our third eye. Now that you know how to open your third eye easily, what are you waiting for? Food for thought, and inspiration enough to start tuning this chakra today!
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