The Awakened Soul: The Throat Chakra, continued
Last month's column introduced the fifth chakra, or throat center. It's related to issues with the neck, throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands, and the voice. When the voice is resonant, rich, and beautiful, it's reflecting alignment in the other chakras. One way to clear this energy center is to write out your true feelings, uncensored, then sift through the material. To get really clear, ask yourself, "What do I want?"
A friend of mine and I were having a telephone conversation about rhythm recently. "Yes, she said, that's very important, it's almost like it's part of your DNA." I agreed with her. I remember attending a close friend's Bat Mitzvah in junior high school. I had never been to a Jewish religious ceremony before, and as the chants began, I felt a visceral response in my body. I can still recall the chants she sang, the words, the melody... even though I only heard them that one time. Although I had never studied Hebrew I recognized these prayers on a very deep cellular level. Music can affect us that way. I had the same response to the Russian ballet music once I began my studies, particularly "La Bayadere." Only this time, it led to convulsive sobbing and again, a familiarity that seemed to span lifetimes. Sound, rhythm, and melody flow into us and are stored in our cellular memory. In Kundalini Yoga, we use the gong for meditation. When I put my gong CD into the CD player, my dogs immediately come into the room and lay down on the floor next to me. They love its healing effects, how the sound enters the body through the skin, tuning and balancing the chakras.
Having the desire and courage to apologize when you are in the wrong shows that the throat center is clear. Complaining or whispering catty remarks reflects an imbalance. Women who talk in a little girl voice, or barely a whisper, or adults who engage in baby talk are revealing problems in this energy center. Likewise those who stay in denial and don't want to make waves...are also clogged at the throat.
If we have a healthy throat chakra we are clear and consistent. We say what we mean. We treat students fairly and speak to them respectfully. We require an atmosphere of dignity and respect in our classes. A fellow teacher said to me recently, "I think the kids really like the discipline in your class. They don't act snotty with each other." I laughed and agreed with her. I don't give them any room for that. It can ruin a creative, exciting environment if even one dancer starts to control the room with negative emotions or disruptive behavior. It's a relief to be in a class where you feel safe to develop as an artist, and aren't worried that someone will behave maliciously or cruelly. That kind of attack is usually rooted in jealousy and insecurity. It's often is directed at the top talent with the most discipline. I feel a responsibility to honor, develop, and if necessary protect that talent. I don't want anything to block the fragile, beautiful and precious potential that is inside of the dancer.
One of the saddest things I have witnessed as a teacher is to see dancers who were clearly born to dance "knocked down to size" by a frustrated teacher. It's as if the teacher is punishing them for being beautiful, gifted and dedicated. I've seen these students stand there, perplexed and confused, dazed by the verbal abuse and head games. Their puzzled expressions say it all. Teachers with a blocked throat chakra may pick one favorite, a syndrome also called being a champion for the underdog. The other students are ignored, neglected, and forced to watch the favorite dance by themselves, over and over. It's a strange feeling because it makes no sense. The chosen student usually also feels uncomfortable, because she can see that other students who are capable and excelling are not being recognized. I personally feel this pattern is very destructive to studios and teachers, not to mention the students. It's again, a denial of truth. Talent shines. It's like a beacon. It should uplift and inspire, not threaten. Talent breeds talent. To me, clusters of talent are the most exciting. The energy boomerangs back and forth, and everyone grows, flourishes, and develops quickly.
When you feel good about yourself, your life, your looks, your work...you get excited about star quality. Just being near energy like that makes everyone better. It's a reminder of what is possible. It's something to celebrate. As teachers, the bright students push us...they surprise us with their capable memories, their rapid improvement and their attention to detail. When you have a group of students who are passionate about dance, who have chosen you to teach them, and who bring in that electricity and enthusiasm, it gets really exciting... really exciting... for all. And that's what it's all about.