I am Energized & Free

Manipura or the Solar Plexus Chakra, is the third chakra. Located between the navel and the bottom of the ribcage, it our fire center, where our motivational energy gets a chance to shine. This affects how we see ourselves in the world and allows us to engage in life. It supports and energizes the needs, feelings, and emotions that we experience in the root chakra and sacral chakra, validating our right to exist in the world.

The third chakra helps us to live out our values and to do the things we need to carry out in our daily lives. It gives confidence that we have worth and strengthens us to advocate for ourselves in order to experience life to its fullest. Doing so requires willpower and physical energy, so activating this chakra is crucial in order to feel the necessary personal power.

Since nearby chakras have greater influence on each other, if one of them is out of balance, it will affect the balance of the others. Taking the time to attune to which aspects are deficient is important. We may think we are experiencing fatigue or lack of motivation due third chakra imbalance and focus only on that. However, it could be influenced by an underlying sense of fear (root chakra) or being disconnected from our creative source (sacral chakra). Being aware of that keeps us from having tunnel vision and honors that connection so we know how to bring them into harmony.

Signs that manipura is out of balance may present as being a work-aholic, distrust toward others, lack of self-confidence, worries about approval from others, malaise and low self-esteem.

Since the solar plexus chakra is associated with the fire element, a vigorous yoga flow or breath practice can activate it. Conqueror's breath (ujjayi pranayama) is a great place for beginners or Skull Shining breath (kapalabhati) for those who have a strong breathwork practice. Healing stones include amber, citrine, topaz and yellow jasper.

Helpful intentions or mantras include:

• "I honor my place in the world."

• "My inner fire burns through fear."

• "I am energized and free."

• "I honor the power within me."

---

Add this Spotify playlist to your practice!