The Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra represents confidence and self-esteem, as well as helping you feel in control of your life. Located in your abdomen it is symbolized by a yellow flower with ten red petals bearing the Sanskrit letters pha, pa, na, dha, da, tha, ta, nna, ddha, and dda.
Manipura is a center of personal power, governing personality, ego, and identity, as well as personal freedom, choice, and authenticity. It also plays an important role in digestion, and the function of kidneys, liver, and adrenal glands.
The Bija or Seed Mantra for Manipura is “RAM”
Our solar plexus encompasses our digestive system – but this chakra does much more than just digest food. It is the cauldron of our belief system that shapes our work lives, self-esteem, self-confidence, and success. Thoughts from our third chakra merge with the feelings flowing from our second chakra which helps to forge our emotions.
When your solar plexus is cleansed and balanced you will feel reliable and able to meet challenges. You will also feel lighter, playful, and perhaps even spontaneous.
Does your Solar Plexus need balancing?
Solar Plexus issues frequently involve the digestive system which can cause such complications as Diabetes, Ulcers, Food Disorders, and reflux to name a few. Emotionally an imbalanced Solar Plexus can show up as:
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of self-trust
- Difficult decision-making
- Not feeling good enough
How to Balance and Cleanse your Solar Plexus Chakra
The solar plexus chakra is what governs the element of fire within us. It represents our inner power, strength, and stamina. It’s our center and sense of self.
The Manipura chakra is how we ‘digest’ our life. Feeling strong in our body and in our expression to the world. Fire represents action and transformation. Allowing ourselves to grow and become better versions means taking action and leaving behind what no longer works for us.
➤ Brightening up your diet with yellow foods can help with keeping our Manipura chakra in balance. Such as Bananas, Pineapples, Corn, Lemons.
➤ Essential Oils, like black pepper, lemongrass, ginger, rosemary, and sandalwood are very effective in balancing your solar plexus chakra. They contain properties that increase energy, alertness, memory, focus and work to reduce stress and anxiety.
➤ Healing Gemstones for the Solar Plexus Chakra are Citrine, Amber, Calcite, Tigers Eye, Pyrite, Yellow Jasper, Yellow Topaz, Agate, Yellow Tourmaline, Lemon Quartz, and Sunstone. They help to clear out blockages and bring strength, determination, and self-esteem.
➤ Balancing our solar plexus chakra with yoga asanas can really help to build strength and flexibility in our core and all the muscles surrounding our stomach. Two of my favorite yoga poses that are very effective in balancing our Solar Plexus are the Bow, and the Cobra poses.
By using these poses to improve balance and strength not only will your yoga practice improve, but you will be able to hold yourself up straighter and walk with an air of confidence that will seep into all areas of your life.
Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra Meditation
This short meditation as a daily practice will help you maintain your awareness.
Sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take several deep breaths allowing your shoulders to relax. Now visualize the beautiful 10 petaled yellow flower at your navel, see it blooming and growing with each breath in and out. When you feel ready, begin chanting the Bija or Seed Mantra “RAM” seven times continuing to breathe in and out expanding your awareness. Breathe into your navel and relax as you fully connect to your personal power. Continue breathing in and out as you slowly open your eyes, and repeat three times I am strength, I am confident, I am empowered.
Take your time and enjoy these practices. Keeping Manipura in balance helps us meet life with courage and strength so we can sit in the driver’s seat of personal power
When in balance, this fiery chakra can create an explosion of confidence. We can move forward with clarity since confidence and doubt do not reside in the same space. You will feel more disciplined, independent, and ready to take responsibility and ownership for the direction your life will go.
In the next article, we will be focusing on exploring Anahata, the fourth chakra in the body, and why its role is so important in helping us to fully experience unconditional love and happiness so we can live a joy-filled life.
Until then, keep practicing!
Namaste,
Jenny Tasker
Jennifer Tasker is an Empath, Light Energy Worker, and Clairvoyant. Her intuitive and inventive nature coupled with her boundless optimism allows her to see solutions and opportunities that others may have overlooked. Her passions include writing, spending time with nature, and uplifting and empowering others to live their best lives despite their obstacles. A treasured resource and support for The Wellness Universe, Jennifer is the quintessential positive inspiration you see online and truly represents all she shares with the world. She serves with authentic, heart-based energy that allows everyone to always feel heard, seen, and supported. For Jennifer, every day is a great day!
