Solar Plexus Chakra
You beautiful, powerful ball of light and love - let’s talk about the radiant heart of your personal power: the Solar Plexus Chakra, or as it's known in Sanskrit, Manipura.
Imagine it as your inner sun, a glowing gem (that's what Manipura means!) located in your upper abdomen, just above your navel. This isn't just a physical spot; it's the very core of your identity, your willpower, and your unshakeable confidence.
There are thousands of energy points within us, known as the subtle body, but the main 7 are root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown, and they run from the base of the spine to above the crown of the head. Because of the location and properties of each individual energy center, how we stoke and tend to and balance these points have a major impact on our physical bodies and minds/moods.
Think of it like when your solar plexus energy center is vibrant and open and flowing, you feel a deep sense of self-worth. You know who you are, what you desire, and you have the courage to step forward and manifest those dreams. This is where your inner fire ignites, empowering you to set healthy boundaries, make clear decisions, and assert yourself with grace and strength. It's your intuitive gut feeling, your drive, your ability to transform thoughts into action.
Sustaining this energy is (you guessed it!), a practice, as our inner sun can dim, leaving us feeling unmotivated, full of self-doubt, or even prone to control issues. This can manifest as physical discomfort in the digestive system, or a heavy sense of self-doubt. When this happens, it's a gentle nudge from your spirit, inviting you to tend to this powerful energy center.
A huge pillar of Wild Grace Wellness is awareness. It’s the first step in any of the practices I teach and habits that support a vibrant life. Awareness without judgement, but a gentle knowing that there’s a need for balance, an honoring of the interconnectedness of your mind, body, and spirit. So, how do we balance and bring out the energy of your Solar Plexus?
Practices for Solar Plexus Harmony |
Manipura is associated with the color yellow, reflecting its connection to the sun and vitality. Incorporate yellow into your life - wear bright clothes, enjoy a delicious banana or a lemon, or even bring some yellow flowers into your space. Let this color remind you of your own inner sun.
Move with Purpose: The solar plexus loves movement that engages your core and abdominal area. Twisting poses, back extensions, and core engagement can help stoke your inner fire and get that energy flowing. Set an intention for your practice that calls you to your confidence, self-worth, and affirms authentic light in all that you do and all that you are.
Breath work, Pranayama: Deep, conscious breathing can do wonders for the solar plexus. Practices like Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) or Bhastrika (Bellows Breath) – are invigorating and help stimulate your digestive fire, releasing stagnant energy. Even simple diaphragmatic breathing, where you feel your belly expand and contract, can gently massage and awaken this chakra. Follow the links if you want to practice!
Affirm Your Worth: Your words are potent. Speak life into your solar plexus with affirmations that resonate with your desire for self-worth and purpose. Repeat phrases like:
“I am capable and confident."
"I trust my inner wisdom and gut instincts."
"I choose my path with clarity and conviction."
“I am worthy. I know who I am. I know where I am going. I move through life and challenge with light in my energy and my heart. I have everything I need to be the person I want to be.”
Meditation: Spend time focusing on the elements and affirmations that open the solar plexus chakra with the wild grace wellness solar plexus meditation.
Connect with the Sun: Just as the sun nourishes the earth, direct sunlight can energize your solar plexus. Spend time outdoors, basking in the warmth of the sun. You can even practice a gentle sun meditation, closing your eyes and feeling the sun's rays on your skin, visualizing that warmth filling your solar plexus with golden light.
Mindful meals: The solar plexus is deeply linked to your digestive system. Choose foods that make you feel vibrant and light. What’s in season? Peaches, plums, lemons, berries, dairy… Focus on whole, fresh, plant-based foods, and warm water. Mindful eating, chewing slowly and savoring each bite, also supports healthy digestion and energy flow.
Balancing your solar plexus chakra is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It's about honoring your unique essence, stepping into your authentic power, and allowing your authentic gifts and light to shine for all the world to see. With wild grace and unwavering intention, you can cultivate a resilient sense of self, ready to navigate the world with confidence and purpose.
