An Infinite View

TarcherPerigee

Too often, we limit ourselves. We limit our view—our perspective. But if we can just learn to listen in the correct ways, we can find ourselves with a truly infinite perspective rather than al limited one.

Ellen Tadd, in her book, “The Infinite View,” gives readers the tools to attune their conscious minds to the spiritual world in order to find just this sort of perspective.

One major topic Tadd’s work touches on is the chakra system, and her understanding of it. The 7 major chakras, recognized in several world religions, are energy points that reside along the invisible channels that spiritually run throughout our bodies.

Most people, as Tadd writes, tend to “follow their gut,” allowing the solar plexus chakra to direct their lives and behaviors, or they rely solely on analytical thinking, concentrating their spiritual energy in the head.

But that isn’t what Tadd recommends. She espouses a different approach—activating the Third Eye chakra, which consists of the mind and the senses working together as a greater whole. This can allow us to “see” in many different ways.

The Third Eye chakra allows us to visually interpret the energy around us—like seeing people’s auras, for example. It also allows for a mental state, as Tadd writes, that is similar to what those in sports call “the zone”—a state of complete absorption in the present moment.

Activating the Third Eye chakra allows us to control anxiety, think with clarity, and make decisions from a place of wisdom. We’re able to see the world as it truly is, and react to it.

To help you do this, let’s take a look at 6 ways you can make use of the Third Eye Chakra to give yourself a truly infinite view.

Locate and Activate

Shutterstock.com

Tadd recommends beginning by simply physically locating your Third Eye chakra.

To do this, sit down and close your eyes. With eyes closed, tap the middle of your forehead, halfway between the eyebrows and the hairline.

This is where you’ll focus your concentration. Keep your attention on this area while sitting quietly.

Now, imagine something that might normally bring you stress, but continue to focus through the point in the middle of your forehead. With practice, Todd writes, you will begin to experience a different reaction to stress, and how you respond to it. You are now tapping into the Third Eye chakra.

When you begin to do this, you can expect a possible headache, or a sensation of pressure in the center of the forehead that seems to originate from within.

This feeling of pressure may become intense, almost uncomfortable. But don’t give up—this is a good sign that you’re succeeding!

Choose Appropriate Surroudings

Shutterstock.com

Activating the Third Eye requires a meditative state, and a quality meditative state requires certain surroundings.

Find a place that is comfortable for you, that will have the least chance of bringing up ideas concerning your to-do lists, responsibilities, or other such distractions. Often, the bedroom is the best place for this, especially if it doesn’t contain any electronics.

Get rid of distractions—no TV, no radio, and no pets. You must be able to fully focus for long periods of time. Make sure the temperature is not distracting—it shouldn’t be hot or cold enough for you to notice.

Get comfortable, whether this means sitting on a pile of pillows or the hard, bare wood of the floor. Find what feels best for you and what puts you at ease. This is a very personal process, and so the space you choose to work in must be tailored specifically to you in order to help block out distractions.

Try a Scent

shutterstock.com

Essential oils can be incredibly helpful as a focus aid. Placed on your body or in an essential oil diffuser, fragrances can open, cleanse, and balance the body’s chakras.

For this purpose, some of the best essential oils are: sandalwood, myrrh, roman chamomile, grapefruit, and nutmeg.

If you’re using a diffuser, fill its reservoir up to the indicated level, and add 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Don’t add too much, which creates an overwhelming and distracting scent. Remember—this is to aid in your focus. Seek a subtle scent that permeates the air without assaulting the senses.

If placing a drop or two of oil on your body, test a very small amount on the back of your hand first. Some people are allergic to certain oils, which are often concentrated plant oils, so take care.

Once you find that you aren’t allergic, place a couple of drops on the backs of your hands or forearms. With a simple wave of your hands, you’ll fill the immediate area with beautiful scents that leave you feeling relaxed, positive, and ready to take an important later step—meditation.

Practice Posture

Posture is also an important element as you prepare to meditate and activate your Third Eye chakra. To make full use of the mind-body connection, choose a comfortable position. One of the most effective positions for meditation is sitting cross-legged on the ground.

If you are accustomed to sitting in a chair, sitting on the floor may be uncomfortable at first. Practice sitting cross-legged each day, and you’ll find that it becomes more natural and easy to do so.

Place at least one cushion beneath you as you sit, and more, if you prefer—whatever is most comfortable.

If you cannot handle sitting in a cross-legged position, that’s okay. Walking meditation is also an effective focus-technique.

For this technique, don’t consider your destination. You have none, save the one within your own mind. Concentrate on the sound of your own footfalls, and walk slowly. Have a clear, predefined path so that you do not have to use any mental energy as you walk.

Find your posture, and you’ll be on your way to making use of your Third Eye chakra.

Find your Mantra

Choosing a chant—or “mantra”—to repeat during meditation can be helpful in activating the Third Eye chakra.

This mantra, which can be said internally or out loud, is based on personal preference, and should be something special, meaningful, and personal to you.

This mantra should be something you want to focus on, that you wish to integrate into your mind and awareness. You could, for example, repeat, “I choose kindness”. This will reinforce the idea that you will be acting from a place of goodness and non-harm as you go about your day.

You can also simply choose one word to repeat, such as “Joy”.

Don’t stress over this. Choose what comes naturally to you. What do you want more of in your life? What positive trait do you need?

Remember that the mantra is meant to help you focus, relax, and let go of other thoughts. So choose something that doesn’t have a lot of baggage for you, and you’ll be on your way.

Meditate

Your ego will make it difficult to accept the idea that you’re trying to teach yourself discipline, and will throw everything it can at you. Don’t allow your focus to break. Observe yourself—your sensations, your thoughts, your posture—so that you feel connected to your body, but also the present moment.

Breath in deeply, holding your breath for five second. Repeat this five times.

Now, visualize a ball of energy in the area of your Third Eye—remember its location? Concentrate and hold onto this image.

You’ll begin to feel a sensation similar to that which you felt when you first located your Third Eye chakra.

Now, begin repeating your mantra. It should come out slowly, gradually. If it doesn’t feel right, adjust your pitch. Repeat this five times.

Move back to your breathing, and repeat this pattern for as long as you feel comfortable.

That’s it. You’ve meditated! You should feel refreshed afterward, and sometimes even joyful. Most of all, though, with repeated practice, your intuition will begin to increase, and you’ll find that you are more calm, centered, and better able to make decisions because of your improved perspective.

6 Types of Meditation

Want to become enlightened? Find which style is best for you. Read next feature >