Manipura - Solar Plexus
Manipura is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located around the navel in the area of the solar plexus and up to the breastbone. The name manipura comes from the Sanskrit mani meaning “gem,” and pura or puri meaning “city.” So, it is often translated literally as the “city of jewels,” which helps us to metaphorically think of it as a source of personal power and it governs self-esteem, warrior energy, and the power of transformation.
It is also believed to have a magnetic effect, attracting prana from the universe to ourselves. - I always think of Japanese cartoons, have you noticed that most superheroes project their energy out from their solar plexus? :)) Maybe watch some old school Sailor Moon or Songoku:)))
Our Fire Centre is all about our inner fire. It is the chakra where we find the power to take action, the centre of our intuition or gut-instinct. But we have to make sure not too overfuel this centre. Have you ever found yourself almost burning up from Anger and exploding on people. Probably your fire centre was a little overstimulated and that can be from suppression of emotions and past events. Hence why I say it is so important to take care of all your needs not just focusing on one chakra. (Oh boy we have plenty of self work to do)
Back on track: Manipura is our first YANG or more masculine center. If you just think about how we categorise , personal drive, power, leadership into masculine characteristics it all comes from your personal power centre, your solar plexus.
It is like nourishing your own little sun, personal power, so you can form a healthy ego identity and that is very important.
Lastly but not least, let's talk about the enemy of the chakra, Shame. Uhhh such a strong feeling and it is one of the lowest vibrations in the emotional spectrum.Now there is a difference between being shamed and feeling ashamed and it is am important difference. Shame comes from outside source, we often find that it arises from operating differently from someone else’s version of what we’re allowed to do or be. But being ashamed comes from within, we feeling ashamed of what we did, or who we are. Neither of them is something we should experience, but unfortunately it is part of our lives especially when everyone can see what we do through social media and etc.
How would you work on your Solar Plexus?
Meditate- Whether you focus your attention :
down to your upper abdomen where Manipura resides.
focusing on your sense of sight. The sense of sight it is not your physical eyesight, it is more you intuition. Do you ever listen to your gut-feeling, do you ever tune in to your own insights?!
Reflect. I believe in the power of reflecting on our thoughts. Maybe take a few minutes of meditation/ breathwork and channel your attention to a few questions:
- Who am I?
- Do I love, appreciate, believe in myself? Self-love starts when I accept all parts of myself
Finally you may repeat mantras to yourself to bring balance and change: "I take care of my needs. I respect other's needs. I am a warrior, but I choose my battles wisely."
or repeat the bijou sound of the chakra: RAM (just like you would do OM)
If you want to work on Manipura then practice asanas that involve twisting, or core exercises.
Find your personal fire, fuel it, but watch how much it burns.
Jai, Melinda