Unleash the Solar Plexus Chakra
ave you ever been in a power struggle with a 3-year-old? They want to be fiercely independent, and that’s because Manipura, the solar plexus chakra, develops from 18 months to 3 and a half years old. The 3rd chakra is where the ego identity forms - the power center. At this age, they’re exploring self-definition, wanting to tie their shoes, feed themselves, and prove that they can carry that heavy thing without your help! Although sometimes frustrating, it’s a necessary stage for the development of this chakra.
Manipura gives you the right to act. The energy created here started as matter at the root chakra, then turned into movement at the sacral chakra and now transforms into willpower to move you into action at the solar plexus chakra.
The older you get, the more you realize that true power comes from mastery. You must use the energy from the lower chakras and the intention from the upper chakras to channel effective action. It’s through disciplined, consistent practice (and failure) that we learn how to master our gifts and guide them in the direction of our purpose.
Roger McDonald says, “Your great power lies not on the surface but deep within your being.” Get ready to unleash your most extraordinary power at the fire chakra!
Article Topics
Manipura Solar Plexus Chakra
- Sanskrit Name: Manipura, meaning “lustrous gem”
- Chakra Location: Solar Plexus, navel
- Element: Fire
- Color: Yellow
- Function: Energy, strength, purpose, willpower
- Governs: Digestive system, stomach, large and small intestines, and liver
- Seed Sound: Ram
- Mudra: Rudra mantra (Bring palms face up on the knees. Touch the tips of the thumb, index, and ring finger together on each hand, straighten the middle and pinky finger.)
When Balanced
It’s hard to keep the fire burning without being overtaken by the flames. Keeping Manipura in balance requires an assertive confidence that’s not ego-inflated. It’s about knowing who you are and what you came here to do that builds self-esteem. When this chakra is open, you have the energy to complete the tasks you set out to do because you have the self-discipline to achieve them. You don’t shy away from challenges because you know what you want. It’s not all pleasure like the sacral chakra, but it is rewarding when you complete your mission.
When Underactive
If the flames are dying out and it takes a lot of effort to ignite them again, this is a sign that you’re underactive in the solar plexus chakra. Life becomes passionless; you lack energy and have poor follow-through on tasks. When this chakra is deficient, it’s easy to be manipulated or blame others for your lack of action, but it’s the power from within that is lacking. The solar plexus will collapse from fear and shame instead of thriving in confidence.
Physical Ailments
The digestive system is connected to our 3rd chakra because it knows when to hold on (root chakra) and let go (sacral chakra). If your digestion isn’t working correctly, I suggest doing belly breathing. You can bring one hand to the stomach and take a deep breath as you press your belly into the hand. As you release the exhale, let the navel return toward the spine.
If the solar plexus is deficient, it will be tough to press into the hand as it’s collapsed. If it’s excessive, pulling the belly back in will be challenging because the energy is rigid and protruding. An overactive 3rd chakra could also show as ulcers or heartburn.
When Overactive
If Manipura is overactive, you may be spending too much energy on it! It’s a forceful, dominating, and controlling energy that tries to push through life. You may be stubborn and believe that you’re always right. Think of the power-hungry guy in the office who is competitive and arrogant; that’s the archetype of an overactive solar plexus chakra! Bring balance to this chakra by inviting more rest and less control.
Exercises To Tap Into Your Power
Ready to activate the power chakra? I’ve got a few physical practices that will help!
- One of my favorite practices to incorporate in yoga is to get into a chair pose, utkatasana, with the arms lifted and yell “HA” as you sweep the arms back and come into a forward fold, uttanasana. Repeat this consistently, inhaling back to chair pose and exhaling “HA” as you fold. It helps build the heat and move through blockages!
- A faster-paced variation is to stay in a chair pose with the arms extending up. On an exhale, you can make fists and draw elbows to ribs while yelling, “HA!” You can do this rapidly for a minute before standing in tadasana, mountain pose. Try it and see how powerful you feel!
- Then there’s “breath of fire,” or Kapalabhati. This Kundalini practice helps build strength in the solar plexus by snapping the navel to the spine on a rapid exhalation from the nose, followed by a passive inhalation. This form of pranayama helps to contract the abdomen and build a strong core. Core exercises like sit-ups and holding a plank pose will also be very beneficial!
7 Asanas to Activate the Solar Plexus Chakra in Yoga
Manipura is the color yellow and is related to the sun. If you can, practice yoga outside and let that solar energy move through you! Here’s a list of my suggested poses to incorporate into a solar plexus power flow.
- Dhanurasana (bow pose)
- Ashta Chandrasana (crescent lunge)
- Purvottasana (reverse plank)
- Navasana (boat pose)
- Bakasana (crow pose)
- Padangustasana (toe stand pose)
- Balancing table pose
Affirmations To Live Your Dharma
Your dharma, or purpose for being here, becomes clear at the solar plexus chakra. Try using these affirmations if you need extra push to step into your gifts!
- “I unleash the power within me.”
- “I accomplish tasks effortlessly.”
- “My gifts are needed here and now.”
- “The fire within me burns through all blocks and fears.”
- “I am here to live out my purpose.”
In Closing
Let your passion become your purpose. Let it ignite your whole being with an inner knowing that you came here to share your unique gifts. If you don’t step boldly and confidently into your purpose, you’ll live a lackluster life – always wishing you could have the guts to do that thing!
Shame is the demon of the fire chakra. Shame forces you to hide and makes you want to prove yourself. It’s what will close off the solar plexus chakra and create deficiencies. Creating a disciplined physical practice, doing breathwork, and using positive affirmations are simple tools to bring the fire into your life!
Humbly step into your power so you don’t create excess, and be a lifelong student. Take effective action and make a difference in the world!
