Our throat chakra gives us noticeable cues when it’s functioning at less than its normal vibrancy.
When we hold back from speaking our truth in a heated discussion, we might start to cough. If we feel on the verge of expressing an unpopular opinion, we might choke up before the words leave our mouth. Or we may be talking when our voice suddenly cracks, and in that moment, we realize we feel emotional.
One of my empathic friends helpfully mirrors me by pointing out changes in the tonal quality of my voice. She can hear when I step out of my power. At those times, she describes my voice as having an absence of its usual energy.
As you go about your day, bring your awareness to your throat chakra and observe the feedback it sends you.
Notice when your throat tightens. What was happening at the moment to cause a constriction? Pay attention also to the nuances of the sound of your voice. Can you tell when you are embodying your fearful inner child versus your wise, grounded adult? And also notice when you cough or clear your throat. Are you holding back from expressing yourself? Do you feel safe speaking your truth?
As we work with our throat chakra, we begin to observe old, outdated agreements around speaking our truth, such as, “I must sing quietly – my voice is ugly,” or, “If I speak my truth they won’t like me.” Releasing these limiting beliefs brings a freedom of self-expression, the purpose of the throat chakra.
Here are some suggestions to help clear stagnant energy from the throat chakra and support us in moving forward:
· Sing to yourself in the shower or car. It doesn’t matter what you sound like, just sing to get the energy moving. You might also tone or chant.
· Read aloud to a young one, or better yet, tell a story from your past.
· Practice speaking your truth when responding to questions like, “How are you today?”
· Go somewhere you won’t be interrupted and make noise to express how you feel – yell, scream, groan, moan. Give yourself permission to make whatever sound wants to be heard.
When we begin speaking our truth, we may feel awkward and hesitant. If we withhold judgment and allow ourselves to practice, we become adept at a new skill. As with any new skill, it becomes more comfortable over time – just like learning to knit or play guitar. It’s less about the quality of the expression, and more about the act of expression.