With all of the gravitas bestowed on speech, our real power as humans may rest in our power to listen. 

As novice Yoga instructors we are taught that the throat chakra is composed of our organs of speech. But it is also composed of our organs of listening, our ears.  A balanced throat chakra is said to help us speak “our truth”. But this is only a small part of the picture. A balanced throat chakra also means that we are able to hear the Universe speak a greater truth. 

We are living in a unique time in history, a time of unprecedented ability to speak unfettered to masses of people. The current environment for most people allows them to say almost anything to anyone at any time. This circumstance begs the question: In a world where we can say anything, what do we CHOOSE to say? 

At a moment's notice, we can share any thought, word or action instantaneously online with potentially millions of people. In this case, what are we choosing to say? What are your words representing? 

Speech is a form of communication that is exclusive to humans. The act of speaking is involved in almost every solemn rite and ceremony known to humanity. Wedding vows are spoken aloud, magic spells are oral incantations, graduations are marked by speeches, curses are muttered to invoke spiteful intentions, and our most sacred conversations with the Divine use the holy words of prayer. It has been said that language is the fabric of thought and that words form the mental framework for life. 

The power of words and speech can not be overstated. At any given moment the words we choose can either uplift another person or trample them down. Words have been known to inspire people to action or ask them to pause and reason. But with all of the gravitas bestowed on speech, our real power as humans may rest in our power to listen.

It is critically important to come to a place where we can be still and quiet and LISTEN to what the universe has to say to us. By doing so, we can then become a vessel of speech for the throatless universe. We can share what the vast, divine expanse has quietly whispered to us. 

Yoga practice is a powerful tool to fortify the silent bridge to our inner world. During regular practice we are asked to tune out the distractions of the visible and audible world and seek connection to the broader world that exists within. With consistent effort we may find a grounding and peace that can be reflected back outward to others

There is a reason why our throat chakra sits atop our heart chakra. That is because a better world depends on us opening our hearts before we open our mouths. Listen to what the universe is saying to you so that you can carefully and mindfully share it with the world.