Where Is My Third Eye?

Open your Third Eye? What on earth is your yoga teacher talking about? Like most people, when you look in the mirror, you probably only see two eyes staring back at you. So where is this third eye, and how and why do we want to open it?

Of course, like so many things in yoga, the Third Eye is metaphorical.

That means it symbolizes an abstract idea. But if we want to give it a physical location, this symbolic Third Eye is exactly where you might imagine it to be—right between your eyebrows.

right between your eyebrows.

In the yogic tradition, we learn about the seven chakras.

Chakras, briefly speaking, are centers of energy that run from the base of the spine to the top of the head.  The Third Eye is the second from the top and is considered the sixth chakra. It is known as Ajna in Sanskrit, and its associated color is indigo. In yogic philosophy, the Third Eye is connected to ideas of perception, transcendence, and intuition.

We think about the Third Eye as a part of Hindu and Buddhist teachings, but the idea is present in many other cultures. In fact, references to the Third Eye are found in ancient Egypt, a number of Asian traditions, and even in the ancient Americas.

In yoga, we awaken the Third Eye in meditation, by calming the mind and focusing on this spot between the eyebrows. That may sound easy, but try sitting for even a couple of minutes without getting fidgety and you might be surprised by just how difficult it is.

Yoga poses, or asana, that focus on the Third Eye include Child’s Pose, Plough Pose, and Legs up the Wall. Even Downward Dog is associated with this Chakra.

To learn more about the yoga poses, sign up for my email list, and I’ll forward you a link to my classes on Kuula.tv. When you sign up, you will find free access to my Introduction to the Yoga Poses mini course. You will not be asked for payment information or commitment of any kind. It’s my gift to you to say thank you for being here.

How Yoga Changed My Life: My Story

At the age of 33, I was thrown from my horse and landed on hard ground. From the nasty and unnatural curve in my arm, I knew immediately that I had broken my left wrist. I required surgery and months of physical therapy to recover from this injury. As a cardiologist, I found it very hard to be on the other side of the doctor-patient divide.

And as a horsewoman, I was devastated by the idea that I had to take months away from the sport that gave me such joy.

Not only did my broken wrist force me to face my own vulnerability, but it also made me realize that I needed to develop a truer sense of body awareness and alignment in order to be a better and safer partner for my horse.

After researching all the options, I discovered yoga.

At first, it was a means to an end, but the more I practiced, the more I realized just how wonderful I felt during and after class, and how much I looked forward to the next session. I had always exercised, running and going to the gym, but yoga turned out to be much more than that.

To my surprise, beyond the physical benefits, I began to face the stress in my professional life with more optimism. Without trying, I learned to use my breath to bring my thoughts back to center. I felt calmer and more empathetic, and even found myself sleeping more deeply.

Yoga made such a difference in my life that I was committed to keeping the momentum going. After more than 20 years of taking yoga classes, I began studying privately with a highly skilled yogi for several years, until the pandemic brought that to a halt.

Ultimately, I took my love of yoga further by becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher.

I am thrilled to share this passion with you, and hope that through Winding Road Yoga, I can help you to find your own unique yoga path.