Manipura – The Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra – Reclaiming our Power
“When I danced the solar plexus, I felt like a golden volcano had erupted in
my solar plexus, pouring its energy through my whole body. It was
extremely potent and it fuelled my motivation to be all that I can be. Who I
truly am.” Nick
Energetically, physically, emotionally and mentally, we are all powerful,
radiant beings. However, we may not always be living from a place where
we accept and radiate our own power. Sometimes we may feel like it would
be easier not to have to interact and bargain and state our worth to people at
all. Sometimes we may give in and accept less than we’re worth. These are
all symptoms of an under-active solar plexus chakra.
Your solar plexus chakra is your one-way ticket to discovering your own
personal power and will. It is located between your navel, and the base of
your sternum. You may feel it as an energetic space around your diaphragm.
It’s called Manipura in Sanskrit, which means lustrous gem. When Manipura
is activated, our whole system becomes fully energised, which in turn fires up
our power, drive and sense of purpose.
Fire is the element associated with the solar plexus chakra. And just as fire
burns and generates energy, so the solar plexus fuels our metabolism.
When we bring balance to this chakra, we can begin to experience a true
inner strength and authentic power while moving away from the unhealthy
desire to gain power over others. This creates a more relaxed and
spontaneous life, powerful but free.
When we balance the solar plexus chakra, we accept who we truly are – and
accept others for their true selves too.
You can always tell when someone has deficient energy in the solar plexus
chakra: if you give away power and control, and become submissive to
others, you’re lacking that inner fire that a healthy solar plexus radiates.
This deficiency leads to low self-esteem, as well as a loss of drive, will and
spontaneity. When we lose power, we also lose touch with our own unique
individuality – and find it easier to simply follow the crowd. And when your
fire has gone out, a state of apathy and inertia can take hold, leaving you
feeling empty, aimless and drained.
Getting in touch with your solar plexus chakra is one of the most empowering
acts of self-definition and self-worth any of us can make. With a balanced
solar plexus, vibrant and healthy, you can fearlessly walk away from
disrespect, set firm boundaries, negotiate from a position of self-worth, and
truly feel and express your power safely.
Expressing power need not be an act of overpowering. It is an act of being
in touch with who you truly are and having your actions follow that belief. It
is being able to commit, have integrity, keep your word and deal honourably.
A balanced and healthy solar plexus chakra allows us to live lives of dignity
and self-respect.
Evaluating your solar plexus chakra
Simply answer YES or NO to each of the statements below. If you score
more than four Nos it may indicate that your solar plexus chakra is
imbalanced. If you score four or more YES answers, wonderful! You are
balanced in the solar plexus centre.
∆
∆
∆
∆
∆
∆
∆
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
feel confident in most situations.
am able to laugh easily.
see projects and commitments through to completion.
feel I have a healthy digestive system.
speak up for myself.
have the courage to take risks when necessary.
establish appropriate boundaries for myself.
Balancing your solar plexus chakra:
Solar plexus chakra crystals
Yellow citrine, sunstone
These crystals may be placed on the location of the solar plexus chakra
(between your navel and the base of your sternum) for clearing, revitalising
and healing. You may even choose to carry one of these crystals with you
throughout your day.
Solar plexus chakra oils
Bergamot, vetiver, ylang ylang.
These oils can be used in massage treatments, burned in an oil burner or you
may even add a few drops in to your bath.
Sun Meditation
Imagine yourself standing at the top of a mountain. It is still quite dark, but
dawn is about to break. At the distant edge of the horizon, the sun begins to
rise. You raise your arms in greeting as this powerful force emerges from
the darkness of the night. Sunlight begins to flood the land, and you feel the
warmth on your body. As you breathe in the golden light from the sun, it
ignites the spark within your own fire centre. You are filled with this brilliant
solar energy. Your power centre is radiating with vital life force. Take this
power into your life and move forwards with confidence and courage.
5 Top Tips for balancing your solar plexus chakra:
1.
Try to take responsibility for your life, and not blame others,
circumstances, or the universe.
2.
Develop a strong sense of self and keep sight of your own unique
direction, ambitions and goals. Take the right action to achieve these
goals.
3.
Find appropriate self-discipline in your life.
4.
Create good boundaries.
5.
Do your best to find enjoyment and enthusiasm in your life.
Everyday ways to balance your solar plexus chakra
Experiment with playing in the solar plexus chakra – wear yellow or bring the
colour yellow more into your life (the colour of the solar plexus chakra); do
some physical workouts to charge up your energy, and then rest to restore;
meditate on a candle flame and connect with the element of fire; laugh (true
laughter comes straight from the solar plexus chakra!). Is there something
you have been wanting to do? Take the risk and move forwards in your life
with your powerful solar energy!
Chakradance®
To dance the solar plexus chakra is to call on the warrior dances of the Maori,
ancient Morocco, Spain , Mexico , Brazil . These warrior dances were
masculine, powerful, athletic and virile, as they rhythmically mimicked the
art of the fight. In Chakradance, fast dynamic movements ignite the fire in
our belly, fuelling our dance with energy and strength. Reining all this fiery
energy in, movements then become strong, purposeful and clearly defined as
our inner warrior emerges triumphant, brave and strong.