The mind’s eye, also known as the third eye, is spiritually located between the eyes at the level of the brow. Physically, it has been related to the pineal gland which resides within the brain directly between the right and left sides – deep center to the spiritual third eye mark.

René Descartes called the pineal gland the “principal seat of the soul, and the place in which all our thoughts are formed.”

His reasoning was “since our soul is not double, but one and indivisible, […] the part of the body to which it is most immediately joined should also be single and not divided into a pair of similar parts.”

Researchers still exploring its full purpose believe that the pineal gland is responsible for our circadian or biological rhythm. 

This rhythm is determined by the amount of light the pineal gland detects.  Each evening as the sky darkens, the pineal gland triggers the release of the hormone melatonin. Conversely, as daylight approaches the gland ceases its melatonin production. In this way, the pineal gland controls the sleep-wake cycle.

This sensitivity to our environment has kept our mind’s eye impacting us in many powerful ways. It’s Sanskrit name, ajna, means the perception or command center. When maintained and balanced, it is believed that this chakra’s energy can give us clearer intuition, insight and vision.

Another terminology that relates to our intuitive understanding and clear vision is the word sattva. In Ayurveda, sattva is the pure, peaceful state generated by balanced living.

Physically, mentally and spiritually we can move toward a more sattvic lifestyle by cultivating the right inputs. The type of food, water, breath and sensory information that enters our bodies can determine whether we live harmoniously or in strife.

Employing appropriate eating and sleeping times and developing seasonal routines can also help us to achieve a more pure, energetic and conscious lifestyle.

I look forward to sharing the practice of Ayurveda and it’s powerful benefits in future posts!

To be continued…always, Kim.