COMMUNICATION IS THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTION OF THE FIFTH CHAKRA. AS SELF-EXPRESSION, IT IS A GATEWAY BETWEEN THE INNER WORLD AND THE OUTER. ONLY THROUGH SELF-EXPRESSION DOES THE OUTER WORLD GET TO KNOW WHAT'S INSIDE OF US. WE ONLY KNOW WHAT INSIDE SOMEONE WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO TELL US. - ANODEA JUDITH

The throat chakra connects us to self-expression, the right to speak and to be heard, and personal truth. It is not only our sound but also the vibration of our inner spirit and the comfort of living and expressing from this place, your Higher Self. When clear and balanced, there is a clear ability to speak without hesitation, knowing there is a clear path from your inner truth. However, when blocks occur in this chakra you may experience a lack of communication resulting in excessive shyness or speaking too much. Most often we experience these blocks because of ties to our inner child, taught fears and judgements. It is during the ages of seven to twelve that we actually start to develop our throat chakra. When given the proper support and tools to help form this type of inner wisdom and expression, we are able to freely flow in a comfortable way. The throat chakra is connected to the neck, ears, vocal cords, and mouth. To release tension, practice creative ways of expression; hum a little, sing your favourite song, write a creative story. By bringing positive vibrations to this chakra you are helping increase positive energy and openness. It is your right to express your truth. You matter. Your thoughts and feelings are leading you to deeper wisdom, uncovering what lies within. 1. AUTOMATIC WRITING This is my absolute favourite thing to do! Automatic writing is a free flow release of creative writing that helps work through blocks and discover a deeper understanding or self-awareness. It has the ability to take all of the thoughts in your mind and turn them into a tangible thing on paper. To release the truth is to find clarity of what it is you are truly seeking. Allow yourself to let go of what you should or could say and be unapologetically yourself. It is for you and the universe to uncover. Keep an automatic writing journal and try to practice this method of release each day upon rising. It is such an enlightening practice to incorporate into your daily balance practices; try it and discover for yourself why I’ve come to love it so much. 2. WRITE LETTERS (TO YOUR INNER CHILD) It is human nature to have opinions of things and people. But, it is important to understand where these feelings come from. If you experience an uncomfortable situation that brings up a sense of uneasiness, try to remember if there was a time in your life that you felt that way before. Try to remember the age you were. Write a letter to that specific you. As we grow and learn, we build better understanding around past experiences. Teach what you have learned to that inner child. By giving attention and clarity to this aspect of ourselves, we are able to understand, clear and release. Remember, when clearing anything you’ve been holding onto, safely burn the paper that you wrote it on. 3. MANTRA MEDITATION Find a grounding seat, sitting a little taller, lifting from the crown of your head and neck to make sure your throat is open and visible. Begin with a deep breath. Inhaling through your nose, and out through your mouth. Start to visualize a light blue light on the inhale going right to your throat chakra location. Cover the entirety of your neck, ears, mouth, and shoulders with this light. Sealing the lips, inhale through your nose and out through your nose; inhaling into the back of your throat, making a “HA” sound like your fogging up a piece of glass in front of you. Make that same “HA” sound on the exhale. As you sit, breathing deeper into the space, begin to repeat the mantra “HAM” (pronounced h-aa-m). Do this for at least 5 minutes while playing soft music in the background. Visualize your throat and vocal cords opening up and able to speak from the deepest part of your Soul.

goop "The Martini" (Emotional Detox Bath Soak)