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Struggling to express yourself authentically? Constantly apologizing for having needs? Your throat chakra might be blocked, and the consequences could be more serious than you realize.

Dr. Julie Merriman dives deep into the throat chakra – the energy center that governs communication and self-expression. She reveals how our evolutionary history as "herd humans" created deep-seated fears of judgment and confrontation that many of us still carry today. When we stuff down our needs and silence our voices, we're not just compromising our relationships; we're potentially endangering our health.

Research from the American Psychological Association has linked chronic stress – the kind that builds when we can't express ourselves authentically – to six leading causes of death. Dr. Merriman shares her personal wake-up call when years of caregiver stress contributed to her breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting how crucial throat chakra balance is for overall wellness.

The good news? You can begin clearing this powerful energy center with simple, accessible practices. From singing your heart out in the car to performing lion's breath yoga, journaling with blue pens, or working with crystals, Dr. Merriman offers practical techniques to help you find your voice. She emphasizes that authentic communication isn't selfish – it's essential self-care that reduces harmful stress and teaches others how to treat you with respect.

Whether you're a professional helper facing compassion fatigue or simply someone who struggles to speak up for yourself, this episode provides valuable tools to balance your throat chakra and improve your overall wellbeing. Remember: showing up and speaking up without apologies isn't just about better communication – it could save your life.

Ready to find your voice? Subscribe to SoulJoy, leave a review, and visit juliemerrimanphd.com to join the email list for weekly bonus materials to support your holistic self-care journey.