Today’s Sunday Sutra is all about the Throat Chakra, or Vishuddha, the center of communication and self-expression in our bodies. While the throat chakra is, funnily enough, located at the throat, the bodily sense associated with this chakra is hearing. I think this is fascinating.

Backing up a step…. the chakras were first clearly delineated in the Hevajra, a Buddhist text originating in the late 8th century. Since then they have become a central concept in yogic teachings. In my first post of this series, I explained how chakras are energy centers within our bodies, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, governing various types of needs and characteristics we exhibit. I likened them to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, to which they bear uncanny similarities. (Yet we accept one as psychological canon, and the other as “New Age” nonsense. But I digress).

How interesting is it that the sense associated with the throat chakra – the source of self-expression and communication – is hearing? What does that say about the type of energy we need to keep this chakra in balance?

This also calls to mind the current state of politics here in the U.S. It seems that every day, someone says something that’s absolutely uncalled for, or just plain morally wrong. This is a sign of hyperactivity in these individuals’ throat chakras – they’re so busy speaking and espousing their own view of the world, that they’re not taking any time to really hear. Think of how many of the world’s problems could be solved (or at least lessened) if we just took the time to hear each other more. And I’m not talking about just listening – really and truly hearing, not only words, but truth from the heart. What if politicians stopped saying the first thing that comes to their minds about refugees, and actually heard their stories? Heard the struggles of a nation stricken with war, of a life defined by terror and fear, of families whose only goal is their children’s survival? Maybe then they’d realize that we’re not all that different. Every parent wants the best for their children, no matter race, nationality, religion, or belief.

If you take anything away from this post, I hope it is the knowledge of the power of hearing. Just writing this, I feel motivated to really hear others without the constant dialogue in my own mind. Really focusing on the other person, and hearing their truth from their heart. I hope this inspires you as well.

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Sunday Sutra: Throat Chakra Smoothie

Balance your Vishuddha with this vibrantly blue Throat Chakra smoothie, made with blueberries and spirulina.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 Smoothies

Ingredients

Smoothie

• 1 Cup Blueberries
• 2 Frozen Bananas
• 1 1/2 Tsp Spirulina
• 1/2 Cup Frozen Blackberries
• 2 Cups Plant Milk

Optional Toppings

• Bee Pollen
• Chia Seeds

Instructions

• Add all ingredients into the blender and blend on high until smooth.
• Enjoy!

Quotes of the Day:

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.

Ernest Hemingway

Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.

Stephen R. Covey