Third eye chakra

About Ajna

Ajna is placed between the eyebrows and is associated with the mind rather than a physical element. It is linked with insight, intuition, imagination and the ability to see clearly.

In balance and out of balance

When this theme feels clear, people often describe trusting their intuition and seeing situations with perspective. When it feels clouded, thoughts may race or circle, and it is harder to see the bigger picture.

Yoga for the third eye chakra

Focused gazing, forward folds with the forehead supported and quiet concentration practices suit Ajna.

A short third eye chakra sequence

Practise the poses in this order for about 10 minutes. Move slowly, breathe through the nose and skip anything that does not feel right today.

1. Child’s Pose · 1 minute
   Rest the forehead on the floor or a block, right at the point between the eyebrows.
2. Dolphin Pose · 5 breaths
   Press the forearms down and let the head hang freely between the arms.
3. Eagle Pose · 5 breaths each side
   Wrap the arms and legs and gaze at one still point to gather attention.
4. Wide-Legged Forward Fold · 5–8 breaths
   Fold forward from the hips and let the crown of the head draw towards the floor.
5. Rabbit Pose · 3–5 breaths
   Keep most of the weight in the knees and hands, not the head. Skip it if you have neck problems.
6. Easy Seat · 1 minute
   Sit tall with the eyes closed and the gaze softly turned towards the space between the eyebrows.

A 5-minute third eye chakra meditation

Use this after the sequence or on its own. Set a gentle timer for five minutes, or use the meditation timer.

1. Sit tall and close your eyes. Relax the forehead, the eyes and the jaw.
2. Rest your attention lightly on the space between the eyebrows without straining the eyes upwards.
3. Breathe slowly and evenly through the nose. If you know Nadi Shodhana, take a few rounds now.
4. On each exhale, chant OM (AUM) slowly, aloud or silently, and feel the sound in the head.
5. Let thoughts pass like clouds and notice the quiet space behind them. Ask yourself one question, listen, then open your eyes.

Breath

Nadi shodhana

Open the breathing guide

Meditation

Trataka (candle gazing)

Open the meditation

Mantra

The bija (seed) mantra for Ajna is OM. Sit comfortably, bring attention to the between the eyebrows, and chant it slowly on the exhale, aloud or silently, for a few minutes.

Questions to sit with

• What would I see differently from a wider view?
• Where do I need more quiet to think clearly?