Fierce Compassion: Bridging the Energies of the Third & Fourth Chakras

​Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for the heart. In one of its earliest forms the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling one’s heart.”- Brene Brown
 
The third chakra can be a tricky energy center to explore. Associated with the element of fire this chakra can be a storehouse for big energy—fire can be strong, unpredictable and potent. Because of its intensity it can often mask some of the underlying energetic signatures that occur in this chakra. Despite all this intensity, one of the biggest opportunities in the third chakra is exploring vulnerability. So often, when anger, frustration and short-temperedness arise (emotions often associated with this chakra), it is because there is underlying fear underneath. Through this we are trying to hide and protect hurt parts of ourselves to keep from getting more deeply wounded.

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One of the most powerful ways to work with the third chakra is in conjunction with the fourth chakra. Ignite the fire of the heart, from the fire of the belly. As we link our sense of personal power with a sense of compassion and self-love, we are able to reach a place of healthy self-esteem and self-compassion. We might think about the combined energy of these two chakras as fierce compassion. When we welcome the energy of fierce compassion, we allow for mistakes, vulnerability and hurt but we approach it with the fire and courage of the third chakra, allowing us to transform the energies of anger, frustration and short-temperedness into action. Whether that is action we take personally or action in the greater world. 
 
A Practice for Bridging the Third & Fourth Chakras
The Vajrapradama Mudra invites compassion and understanding of self into our bodies, it is known as the mudra of "unshakable confidence." To practice this mudra, find a comfortable seat. 

• Clasp the hands in front of you, palms facing in toward the body, and draw the hands to the chest. The center of the palms should be resting directly over the heart center, thumbs pointing up toward the collar bones. 
• Close the eyes and begin to breathe into the space underneath the hands. First simply feel the movement of the lungs and the rise and fall of the breath. 
• After 10 breath cycles, connect with the sensation under the hands. Notice if you feel warmth or coolness, tingling in the hands or sensations of tightness or opening in the sternum. Breathe into the experience and connect with the feeling of compassion. 
  • If it is easier to do so, first think of someone or something you feel compassion toward. Draw that feeling into your chest and then if you are able to, begin to direct that same feeling toward yourself. 
• As you experience the state of compassion toward self, breathe and continue to hold the mudra. Stay here for at least 2 minutes, but longer if you like. 
• When you feel complete lower the hands and complete 10 cycles of breath with the eyes still closed. Notice changes in the breath and body and when you feel ready, open the eyes.