The summer solstice is the perfect time to look at the third Chakra's fiery energy. The Sanskrit name for this Chakra is Manipura, which means "lustrous gem". Just like a well-cut diamond seems to sparkle with its own light, Manipura's energy generates our internal flame.
Moving up the spine, you can find your third Chakra in your solar plexus, just above your navel. It glows bright yellow with the energy of self-esteem, self-worth, proactivity and power. Our third Chakra gives us the right to act and to be an individual. This is the energy center where all our ideas and our dreams get transformed into something real. It is our will power that gives us the strength to act on our ideas.
Think of some powerful people you know. No one doubts these people will do what they say they are going to do. They stand tall, shoulders back, chest lifted and belly forward, and they project confidence.
People with strong third Chakras make good warriors. Every society has its warriors. The soldiers are obvious, but there are also warriors in law enforcement, fire departments, child protective services and environmental protection. Sports, both amateur and professional, are full of warriors. Anyone with the desire to be the best person they can be and the confidence to achieve it has the third Chakra's warrior power.
Even the apes had a warrior in Tarzan. Hey guys, that confidence is really sexy, too. Especially to women named Jane.
Not everyone has that internal glow. When the third Chakra is blocked, our self-esteem gets blocked as well. Some people have lots of great ideas, but they never get past thinking about them. Some don't think they deserve success. Others are just afraid to take action.
Many of us could use more energy flowing through Manipura. We can light the fire in our bellies on the yoga mat with heat-building Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) and Kashtha Takshanasana (woodchopper). We can strengthen our core muscles and our will with poses like Navasana (upward boat). We can fuel the fire with pranayama (breathing exercises) like Kapalabhati.
We can also look for confidence-building activities off the mat. Activities that involve some risk-taking - rock climbing, white-water rafting, going to a foreign country by yourself - draw energy into the third Chakra. The martial arts, which teach us to develop and control our core power, are very third-Chakra oriented. Just getting up the nerve to talk to someone you find frightening can light Manipura's flame.
Swinging by vines from tree to tree might fire up some third Chakra energy too.
When I was working on Manipura, what really made me think of Tarzan was his big yell. Your ape friends won't hear you on the other side of the jungle unless your cry comes from your belly. The energy behind that yell comes from - you guessed it - the third Chakra.
Is there a fire in your belly?
just beginning to uncover the fire that's been buried - i can feel that energy in gentle surges.
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