The Solar Plexus Chakra is called the Manipura Chakra in Sanskrit. It's also referred to as the navel center. It's associated with the color yellow, the element of fire, and the sense of sight. It helps purify the desires and wishes of the lower chakras. It also plays a part in your feelings of power, abundance, strength, wisdom, energy, and self-assertion. This chakra helps shape your personality and your comfort with yourself. It also helps shape how you see your life and those around you.
A balanced solar plexus chakra promotes feelings of joy and inner richness. There's a high level of trust in yourself and you know your worth. There is harmony within yourself and with your place in life. You accept yourself as the radiant being that you are. The light within you is so strong it protects you from negative energies.
If your root chakra is unbalanced, you may feel that you want to take control of your world, both internal and external. You seek recognition and affirmation from others. You perceive many obstacles to your goals and dreams. You may struggle with everyday tasks.
Mantra
The bij mantra that goes with this chakra is “rung” or “ram.” Chanting this mantra can help awaken and ignite the solar plexus chakra.
If you prefer English, you can also chant the affirmation, “I can” or “I do,” either aloud or consciously silently.
Mudra
As you chant the mantra, you can also try the hakini mudra. Bring the tips of all 5 fingers to touch, with the thumb and pinkie fingers nearly in line with each other. Hold the mudra in front of your solar plexus as you chant the bij mantra or meditate. Alternatively, try the rudra mudra, with your pointer and ring finger curled in to meet your thumb and your pinkie and middle finger extended.
Balance
If your solar plexus chakra is properly balanced, you will feel self-confident and secure. You feel at peace with yourself, your emotions, and your surroundings. You will feel at home in your place in the universe. If this chakra is imbalanced with a deficiency, it can lead to weaknesses like indecision, sensitivity to criticism, and susceptibility. On the other hand, an excessive imbalance can lead to anger, competitiveness, and dominating tendencies. You may not feel like you have control over your emotions if your manipura chakra is imbalanced.
Asanas
The best yoga poses for this chakra fire up the belly/core. Some examples are poses like boat (navasana) and bow (dhanurasana).
And it was all yellow
Yellow foods (eg lentils, bell peppers, yellow pears or apples), yellow crystals or stones (eg amber or citrine), and scents (eg lemon or chamomile) can also help balance this chakra.
Also essential oils can help balance the chakra. Try wild orange, lemongrass, geranium, cinnamon, clove, cypress, ginger, ylang ylang, peppermint, rosemary, sandalwood (I recommend doTERRA oils because of their purity).
Meditation
For a solar plexus meditation, imagine a bright yellow light or fire (the manipura element) burning in your belly. Think of that fire fueling your power and energizing your passion and self-esteem. Alternatively, if you need a more serene meditation, you can imagine a flower blooming at your solar plexus, and as it unfolds, allow it to release all of the power, self-worth, and passion you may be missing.
Alternatively, you can find healing through a more concrete fire—like taking a walk in the sun or sitting by a fireplace or bonfire. Take in the warmth and power of the fire.
For more on balancing the Solar Plexus chakra, check out the ebook Journal
Ready for more?
To learn to Reiki the chakras and more about chakras in general, check out the Reiki and the Chakras post.
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