Your Power House - The Solar Plexus Chakra
"I am in touch with the source of my power"
The Chakras have a relationship with our physical body as well as a relationship with our emotional and psychological selves. The Solar Plexus Charka also referred to as Manipura, has received the nickname “the power house.”
Solar Plexus is at the center of our power – our identity and ego. At it’s broadest definition, the Solar Plexus Chakra governs our personal freedom, our life choices, our authentic selves.
The Chakra is symbolized with the colour yellow and is located in the abdomen above the belly button. When the Solar Plexus is in balance, a person exudes confidence and is strongly self motivated.
This chakra is considered the foundation to assist us with our “sense of purpose.” When this chakra is blocked or out of balance, it is not uncommon to feel low self-esteem. One has trouble making decisions, and has control issues. The expressions “I’m not good enough.” “I’ll amount to nothing.” “I don’t care.” come from one who experiences a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra.
What does the Solar Plexus Chakra govern?
The Solar Plexus Chakra governs the adrenal glands which produce adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol.
On a physical level a blocked or imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra may have one experiencing issues with their digestive tract; both large and small intestines, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
On an emotional level a blocked or imbalanced Solar Plexus may have one constantly second guessing themselves to the point where they feel almost invisible in the world. The expression “I’m dead inside” explains the feelings of one with an imbalance or blockage of the Solar Plexus chakra.
Often rapid weight gain in the face and tummy is contrasted by slender arms and legs. One experiences low self esteem and zero confidence. This produces a double whammy where the individual feels less attractive and relationships suffer.
Emotionally, the Solar Plexus Chakra governs building on or forming new relationships with others and most importantly ourselves. It allows our creative side to flourish providing strong sense of self and accomplishment.
Healing the Solar Plexus
Many of us experience energetic imbalances and blocks. These imbalances and energy blocks prevent us from leading a healthy and productive life. We desire to be free of self-sabotaging habits that leave us feeling exhausted, lonely and even ill.
When the Solar Plexus Chakra is operating as it should, you will feel in charge, confident and happy with yourself and your partner(s). However, when experinencing an imbalance, you may feel any one of these experiendces.:
- Fatigue
- Anger; quick to blame another
- Irritability
- Difficulty differentiating problems; making mountains out of ant hills
- Relationship issues
- Mood swings
- Overeating
- Stomach upset; ulcers, IBS
- Weight gain
- Insecurity
- High blood pressure
- Skin changes; stretch marks
- Muscle weakness
- Anxiety and Depression
- Loss of self
- Estrangement
- Difficulty keeping routine
- Difficulty with day-to-day living
- Loss of control
- Numbness; feelings and limbs
Past traumas are often brought to light in healing the Solar Plexus. These traumas have become stored in the body and continue to affect thought patterns and behaviors block the third chakra.
People who have experienced a strict upbringing; often with strict religious rites to follow and authoritative parents, are ripe for this blocked chakra. Constant bullying, narcissist parents, individuals who have suffered with physical and/or mental abuse or death defying accidents have great difficulty balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra.
Stress is the major cause of imbalances within the third charka. The constant ‘flight or fight’ scenario can shut our chakra down and open us up to disease. While ‘fight or flight’ instinct was beneficial for our ancestors to escape from the dangers of wild mammals raising our heart rate and lowering our digestive tract to outrun the wild beast. Today, our ‘fight or flight’ response often goes unchecked without down time, self-care. In the short-term this change could go unnoticed but for long periods of time, stress and the anxiety caused can result in ulcers and a series of digestive ailments that can damage our bodies permanently.
The Solar Plexus is associated with the colour Yellow. Yellow symbolizes wisdom and energy for we find the colour in both fire and the sun. Pat Campbell, an interior designer based out of London, Ontario, often uses the colour yellow in kitchen design to create a happy family home. Yellow can be fresh, positive and optimistic.
A bowl of lemons on your counter will brighten your Solar Plexus energy. A yellow dress and photographs of sunflowers in your décor can bring brightness to your world..
Affirmations
Use affirmations to balance your Solar Plexus Chakra:
- I am full of positive loving energy
- I am confident
- I welcome love
- I am worthy of love
- I have purpose
- I welcome romance into my life.
- I forgive myself
- I deserve to be healthy and feel good. .
- I am confident
- I have purpose
- I am capable
- I move with grace and ease
- I am seeking solutions. And, all my solutions are on the way!
- I forgive myself for past mistakes
- I forgive individuals for the hurts they have caused me
- I can
- I live a positive, grateful life
- I stand in my personal power
- I am empowered
- I accept myself
- I celebrate my body
- I love myself
- I am enough
- I am connected
- I am creative
- I am open for passion to flow through me
- I have everything I truly need and desire
- I trust in myself
- I trust in others
- I trust the universe has my back
- I am enough
Breath Work*
The Solar Plexus is your “center of power.” So, too your breath work must act to enhance your power. Simple Belly Breathing works well for your chakra. Simply put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest. Take a deep breath to the count of 6 or 7. Start with a count you can manage and increase gradually. The number count is unimportant, it is the purposeful breath taking that is essential. Breathe in through your nose and let your belly push your hand up and out. Your chest should not move at all. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling a happy tune.
Thank you for caring about your well-being. May your chakras be in full balance and may you feel the flow of your life force energy.
*Please do not do any breath retention if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, cataracts; glaucoma, heart issues or if you feel uncomfortable. Always check with your Doctor prior to starting a new regime.