"How to open up the throat chakra", is something I've googled a handful of times in the past year. I know I can't be the only one who feels a strain or a block in their chest and throat. A lack of feeling replaced with numbness. As a result, if you relate to this, you likely spend a lot of time in your head. You may be a classic overthinker or even experience anxiety and paranoia. If so, I totally get it. I'm here to help. The short answer? You must train yourself to feel your body again.
It might sound weird at first. "I have to learn to feel my feelings?" Not quite...but yes.
I cannot express how normal it is to be disconnected from our body, and ultimately our emotions. Furthermore, being disconnected from our feelings can often lead to disconnection from what we really want. And if you want to get even deeper, we're essentially disconnected from our hearts and souls.
Now, in terms of a solution, it's not as hard as you think. The beauty is that your access to emotions is literally available anywhere and everywhere. How? Because your emotions are in your body, and you're always with your body. Excuse my obviousness.
How do you learn to feel your body again?
It's simple, set aside 1-2 minutes to sit with your eyes closed. Ideally you're alone in a silent space.
Next do your best to focus on ANY feelings that arise in ANY part of the body. It could be a tingle in your left pinky toe that lasts .10 milliseconds. Or maybe a slight sensation in your chest. Whatever it is, just feel it as best you can.
Again, expect to feel only slight sensations when you first begin. ANY sensation is a huge win. This is normal.
Make it a mindful practice to do this "feel your body" exercise as often as you'd like. I probably do it 10-15 times a day.
It doesn't have to be some super serious practice if you don't want it to be. As in, you don't have to set aside "10-15 minutes of body feeling exercise" on your daily to-do list. Although you can.
Over time, you'll be able to feel more deeply and for a longer period of time. Oh, and the goal is not to feel good per se. The goal is just to feel.
Because most of my numbness and restriction lies in my chest and throat, I tend to concentrate my feeling focus on those areas.
I've also learn that the restriction in my throat and chest is connected to the tightness in my belly.
What you'll learn is that we're often tense and disconnected for no apparent reason. By mindfully feeling your body, you can consciously relax your muscles and feel. It's a blessing, really.
The reality is that we tend to hold our emotions in. Many people walk around with bottled up emotions that stem from their past. We hold on to things. It's normal, but not necessarily healthy.
Feeling my body has transformed my life. I can breathe more fully. I am connected to my body again. I imagine there are many people who feel disconnected and in their head. Feel your body again and that will be replaced with connection, feeling, and ultimately being.
And oh boy is there nothing quite fulfilling like being.
Anyways. Hope this helps!
Much love,
Gabe
