How to Balance Your Third Eye Chakra

by Anjali Kelling

Our Summer Holistic Rebalancing Programme at The HEAL Institute continues with a focus on the sixth chakra this week. Read Anjali's tips to find inspiration and build your own routines and practices. 

The sixth chakra, also known as the Third Eye chakra or Ajna, is associated with intuition, inner wisdom, and spiritual insight. This iconic eye symbolises rebirth, protection, healing, and rejuvenation. It's situated directly in the centre of your forehead just above the space between your eyebrows. 

It is represented by the colour indigo and linked to purple foods, amethyst and black obsidian stones, and the element of light. It also regulates the pineal and the pituitary glands.

The pineal gland is also called “the seat of the soul” based on its apparent psycho-physiological functions. It's the part of the brain responsible for releasing serotonin and melatonin. These hormones are vital for regulating our circadian rhythms (sleep patterns), which were primally based on sunshine and moonlight. The pituitary is a “master gland” that regulates the hormonal secretions of most of the endocrine system.

When the third eye chakra is in balance, you are able to tune into and trust your intuition and imagination. You see your life with clarity, self-awareness, and emotional balance. You trust your inner knowledge, which allows you to make balanced decisions.

If you feel the need to rebalance your sixth chakra, here are some practices that may help:

• Mindful Meditation: Engage in regular meditation to quiet the mind and access your inner wisdom. Find a comfortable and quiet space, close your eyes, and focus your attention on the space between your eyebrows, which is the location of the third eye chakra. Visualise a vibrant indigo light radiating from this area, expanding your awareness and connecting you to your intuition. Practice mindfulness meditation to cultivate present-moment awareness and enhance your ability to observe your thoughts without attachment or judgment. This practice helps quiet the mental chatter and allows you to tap into your intuitive insights.
• Breath work: Practice deep, slow breathing techniques to calm the mind and activate the energy of the third eye chakra. Try alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) or the 4-7-8 breath technique. As you breathe, imagine the breath flowing in and out through your third eye, bringing clarity and insight.
• Intuition Development: Cultivate your intuition by actively listening to your inner voice and trusting your gut instincts. Pay attention to the subtle signals and messages that arise within you. Practice making decisions based on your intuition and reflect on how it guides you.
• Visualisation and Imagery: Utilise the power of visualisation to stimulate and balance the third eye chakra. Imagine a vibrant indigo light expanding from your third eye, illuminating your mind with clarity and wisdom. Visualise yourself connecting with higher realms of consciousness and receiving guidance and insights.
• Mindful Observation: Practice being fully present and observe the world around you with heightened awareness. Engage your senses and notice the details in your environment. Cultivating present moment awareness helps quiet the mental chatter and open yourself to intuitive perception.
• Dream Work: Pay attention to your dreams and keep a dream journal by your bedside. Upon waking, record any insights, symbols, or messages you receive during your dream state. Explore the connections between your dreams and your waking life, seeking the wisdom they offer.
• Energy Healing: Seek the support of a qualified energy healer or practitioner who specialises in chakra balancing or Reiki. They can assist in identifying and clearing any energy imbalances or blockages within the third eye chakra, facilitating the rebalancing process.
• Mindful Screen Time: Be mindful of the amount and quality of screen time you engage in. Create boundaries and take regular breaks to rest your eyes and mind. This practice allows for mental clarity and reduces excessive mental stimulation.
• Connection with Nature: Spend time in nature to connect with the wisdom and energy of the natural world. Take walks in forests, sit near bodies of water, or simply observe the beauty and rhythms of nature. Engaging with the natural world helps attune you to the intuitive and spiritual dimensions of life.
• Journaling and Reflection: Set aside time for introspection and self-reflection. Write in a journal, asking open-ended questions and allowing your inner wisdom to guide your responses. Reflect on your experiences, insights, and intuitive nudges, gaining deeper clarity and understanding.
• Crystal Healing: Crystals such as amethyst, lapis lazuli, or clear quartz are associated with the third eye chakra. Carry them with you or place them on your forehead during meditation to support the rebalancing process.
• Seek Knowledge and Expand Awareness: Engage in activities that expand your knowledge and awareness. Read books, write a journal, attend workshops or courses, or engage in discussions related to spirituality, personal growth, and metaphysical topics. This practice supports the awakening and activation of your third eye chakra.
• Guided Imagery: Use guided imagery or visualisation exercises specifically designed to awaken and balance the third eye chakra. You can find guided meditations or visualisation recordings that guide you through journeys of exploration and connection to your inner wisdom.
• Essential Oils: Incorporate essential oils known for their connection to the third eye chakra. Oils such as frankincense, sandalwood, or clary sage can be used in a diffuser, applied to your wrists or temples, or diluted in a carrier oil for a soothing self-massage. These oils can support the balancing and activation of the sixth chakra.
• Balance Light and Darkness: Create a balance between light and darkness in your environment. Ensure you have adequate lighting during the day to stimulate alertness and focus, but also create a calm, dimly lit space for relaxation and contemplation. Balancing light and darkness helps cultivate a receptive state for intuitive insights.
• Intuitive Movement: Engage in intuitive movement practices such as yoga, tai chi, or qigong. These practices enhance body-mind awareness, harmonise energy flow, and deepen your connection to your intuition and inner wisdom.
• Astral Travel or Lucid Dreaming: Explore astral travel or lucid dreaming techniques if you feel called to dive deeper into the realm of expanded consciousness and intuitive exploration. These practices allow you to consciously navigate and receive guidance from the higher dimensions of awareness.
• Limit Distractions: Minimise distractions that disrupt your ability to focus and connect with your intuition. Create a calm and clutter-free environment for meditation and introspection. Turn off notifications on your electronic devices during dedicated periods of self-reflection.
• Openness to Synchronicities: Cultivate an open and receptive mindset towards synchronicities—meaningful coincidences or signs that align with your intuition. Pay attention to the patterns, symbols, or messages that arise in your daily life. Trust in the guidance that these synchronicities provide.
• Connect with Your Inner Child: Reconnect with the playful and imaginative aspect of yourself. Engage in activities that stimulate your creativity and bring joy to your heart. Embrace a childlike sense of wonder, as this mindset can help awaken and open the third eye chakra.
• Practice Non-Attachment: Cultivate a state of non-attachment to outcomes, beliefs, and identities. Recognise that your intuition and insights may evolve and change over time. Embrace the fluidity of your intuitive journey and allow yourself to let go of any fixed ideas or attachments that may hinder your growth.
• Kundalini yoga is a form of yoga that is very focused on uncoiling the energy at the base of our spine and channeling it upward. This intense practice combines asana (physical yoga poses), breathwork, and chanting.

Remember, rebalancing the chakras is a personal journey. Explore these practices, adapt them to suit your needs, and listen to your intuition as you work on aligning and harmonising your third eye chakra. Be patient, open, and receptive to the wisdom that arises within you, embracing your intuitive nature. Trust in your inner guidance as you deepen your connection to your intuition and expand your consciousness.