Solar Plexus Chakra-Empower your spirit

The solar plexus chakra, known as Manipura in Sanskrit, is the third chakra in the traditional seven-chakra system. 

Located in the upper abdomen at the point where the lower ribs meet the sternum,aka the stomach.

Yellow is the color associated and is often depicted as a radiant sun.

Element is fire, in ayurveda They say our digestive fire is called agni and it is believed to start in the stomach and the breakdown of your food. The food you use to fuel yourself, Agni.

Modern science has actually shown the starting breakdown of food is in the mouth, but you get the idea. 

 This chakra is linked to personal power, self-esteem, confidence, willpower, and the ability to take action. It governs the digestive system and is connected to the liver, pancreas, and stomach, influencing metabolism and energy levels.

A balanced solar plexus chakra fosters a sense of autonomy, motivation, and clarity of purpose, enabling individuals to assert themselves and pursue their goals with vigor. 

Conversely, an imbalanced solar plexus chakra can lead to issues such as low self-esteem, fear of rejection, indecisiveness, and digestive problems.

An overactive solar plexus chakra, or Manipura, often manifests as excessive control, aggression, or an inflated sense of self-importance. Individuals may display domineering behavior, which can lead to conflicts in relationships as they may insist on asserting their will over others. Symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, and a tendency toward competitiveness, as well as an overwhelming need for validation and recognition from others. Physically, this imbalance may result in digestive issues, such as acid reflux or ulcers, and can contribute to feelings of anxiety or stress. Those with an overactive solar plexus chakra might struggle with an inability to relax or let go, often feeling a constant pressure to succeed or maintain power.

How to Balance :Practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork can help activate and balance this chakra. Engaging in self-reflection, setting personal boundaries, and nurturing one's passions are also essential for promoting healthy solar plexus energy.

Breathworks 

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Also known as abdominal or deep breathing, this technique encourages the use of the diaphragm, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It enhances awareness of the body's core, which is linked to the solar plexus.

2. Kapalabhati Breathing: A dynamic pranayama practice, kapalabhati involves rapid, forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. This energizing technique can stimulate the solar plexus and increase mental clarity.

3. Ujjayi Breathing: Commonly used in yoga, ujjayi breathing involves slightly constricting the throat to create an ocean-like sound while breathing in and out. This technique promotes focus and energy while calming the mind, balancing the solar plexus.

4. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): This technique balances the body’s energies and promotes emotional stability, which can help alleviate tensions associated with an overactive solar plexus.

5. Three-Part Breath (Dirga Pranayama): This involves inhaling deeply into the abdomen, then the ribcage, and finally the upper chest. It promotes full lung expansion and awareness, grounding energy in the solar plexus area.

Incorporating these breathwork practices into your routine can help clear energy blockages, enhance self-awareness, and promote a sense of empowerment.

Asana For solor Plexus -

• Dhanurasana (bow pose)

• High Lunge Twist with Anjali mudra (prayer pose)

Here are some examples of daily affirmations that can help foster positivity and self-empowerment:

1. "I am confident in my abilities and trusted to make decisions."

2. "I embrace my personal power and shine brightly in the world."

3. "My self-worth is inherent, and I honor my unique journey."

4. "I release my fears and embrace opportunities for growth."

Aromatherapy for the solar plexus chakra, which is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence, can enhance emotional balance and empowerment. Essential oils like peppermint and rosemary are stimulating and invigorating, promoting energy and clarity. Grapefruit and lemon oils can uplift the mood and encourage positivity, while ginger is grounding and can boost self-confidence. Bergamot is also beneficial for relieving stress and promoting self-acceptance. These oils can be used in a diffuser, added to a bath, or blended into a carrier oil for topical application on the area around the solar plexus, typically located just above the navel. Regular use can help align and balance this energetic center, fostering a sense of empowerment and confidence.

In astrology, the solar plexus is often associated with the zodiac sign Leo, which embodies confidence, leadership, and creativity. 

Crystals that resonate with the solar plexus include citrine, known for promoting abundance and confidence; yellow jade, which brings positivity and joy; and tiger's eye, which fosters courage and motivation. These crystals can be used during meditation, carried as talismans, or placed on the solar plexus area to enhance energy flow and bolster self-worth. By combining these elements—astrological insights, the energy of specific crystals, and intentional spiritual practices—individuals can deepen their connection to their solar plexus chakra, promoting personal growth and empowerment.

—Personal relationship with this chakra—- 

There is So much information out there in the world. 

I recently met someone who passed judgment on me for being a yoga teacher that has never been to the birth land of yoga. 

My immediate reaction was, believe it or not, embarrassment. Which I know was the goal of this person, to make me feel less. And unfortunately it worked. I have struggled with imposter syndrome, after all I am a white American female preaching an ancient philosophy rooted in Indian culture. However after much work I felt like I had made strides to be better and stand in my power. I know I have something to offer the world and make it a better place. But in 1 sentence I was set back and felt like I needed to shrink to accommodate this ….well .. a**hole. 

After more of a conversation with this person I have changed my tune, they are not the antagonist in my story. However, the projection of others pitfalls is not mine to hold and only dampens my fire.

I refuse to hold the weight of this character people think I am. 

After I went home and talked it out with my very loving partner and a friend who shared some insight. I began to think to myself: Does every Rabbi visit israel? Walk the path of the Buddha and visit asia? If we remove religion from this metaphor: Does every person who practices a stoicism philosophy visit rome? Do they learn that one of History's greatest philosophers of self-control and overcoming destructive emotions and behaviors, actually gave birth to one of Ancient Rome's worst and most violent emperors? Can This only be learned by an immersive experience in Italian culture? No, of course not.

          This is what I mean by we live in an era of information. I don’t just mean the internet. Although that has helped me connect with people all over the world and masters in their fields that I would have never gotten the opportunity to meet if not for the internet.

More books are written than ever before. Social gatherings are abundant everyday. Information is shared and distributed every second. Do we need to be wary of this? Yes. Always. But the same goes for if you learned this information in the home land of your practices and beliefs. 

  Let this be the Lesson, I wavered in my beliefs and allowed my boundaries and barriers to fall for a moment as I let worlds bare down on me like teeth sinking into my skin. And I have to do so much work for my manipura now, but I will bounce back stronger. Thank you.