Communication is perhaps the single most important factor in cultivating peace in our lives. Knowing how to speak with an open heart and listen with an open mind leads to better interpersonal relations and a greater understanding of life. Knowing when to speak and when to be silent can help us immensely as we navigate the complexities of personal interactions, and this mindfulness also translates into a deeper awareness of our own inner voice.

It is no surprise then that the Fifth Chakra, the throat chakra, is associated with peace, harmony, healing, and balance. It is often depicted by a sixteen-leaf lotus flower and a blue-green color similar to the crystal clear waters of a tropical sea. Blue-green is also the color associated with healing and the restoration of harmony and balance. It represents inspiration, devotion, peace, and silence. When you visualize this color, you immediately sense a calm healing sensation throughout your body.

The Fifth Chakra is the also center for purification and cleansing. It helps rid the body of toxins and addictions, and opens the mind and heart. When you have an open mind, you are better able to navigate the up and down challenges of life. When your Fifth chakra is open you experience a natural ability to "go with the flow" of life. When closed, you experience a lack of emotional control, fatigue, and a hyper-sensitivity to change.

The throat chakra is a bridge between the head and the heart, or the human physical and spiritual realms. In Korean traditions, the Fifth Chakra is referred to as the "Soul's Gate". Without going through this gate, you cannot completely move into the realm of the spiritually divine and experience true peace.

To open your Fifth Chakra, do this exercise on a regular basis: