The Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra: Restore Your Sense of Purpose
The solar plexus chakra, or “Manipura” in Sanskrit, is the third chakra, and the seat of our personal power and confidence. “Manipura” translates to “shining gem,” hinting at this chakra’s potentially fiery, passionate energy.
Located along the spine, approximately two inches above the navel, it’s responsible for our sense of mission and purpose. It’s where we assert our individuality and take control of our lives.
What is the Solar Plexus Chakra?
The solar plexus chakra is the center of our personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. Represented by the color yellow and the element of fire, it’s often depicted as a bright yellow, spinning wheel of energy.
While other chakras address our emotions, communication and intuition, the solar plexus chakra is all about personal strength, motivation, and courage. It plays a key role in how we interact with others and the world around us. A healthy, balanced solar plexus chakra empowers us to make decisions and assert ourselves.
A Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra
When our solar plexus chakra is balanced, we feel a sense of self-worth, inner strength, and positivity about our potential to reach our dreams.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of a healthy, balanced solar plexus chakra chakra include:
- Healthy digestion
- Healthy-looking skin
- Reduced stress
- High energy levels
Mental Signs
A strong, balanced solar plexus chakra leads to feelings of:
- Confidence
- Empowerment
- Motivation
- Self-worth
- Self-assuredness
An Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra
An unbalanced solar plexus chakra greatly affects our feelings of power and self-worth and can lead to a number of physical, emotional, and psychological concerns.
Physical Signs
Physical symptoms of a blocked or unbalanced solar plexus chakra include:
- Digestive issues
- Fluctuations in weight
- Fatigue
- Allergies due to a weakened immune system
Mental Signs
Mental and emotional symptoms of a blocked or unbalanced solar plexus chakra include:
- Feelings of low self-esteem
- Lack of motivation
- Nervousness
- Insecurity
- Difficulty setting boundaries
- A sense of powerless
- Procrastination
How to Unblock the Solar Plexus Chakra
It’s important to remember that because our body’s chakra system is interconnected, imbalances in one chakra can affect others as well. A solar plexus chakra healing practice can help us activate and balance this powerful energy center, for the health of our body’s systems.
There are a number of practices that can help balance the solar plexus chakra, including:
- Yoga postures to relax the mind and create more flow within the body. Try this solar plexus yoga sequence from My Vinyasa Practice
- Meditate on the color yellow to activate the chakra
- Spend time in the sun
- Breathwork to increase energy flow
- Practice positive affirmations
- Engage in activities that make you feel confident and in control
- Physical exercise (to “shake up” your energy!)
- Avoiding processed foods and sugar
Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations are a powerful tool for transforming our energy, creating a more optimistic and receptive mindset. They act as a gentle reminder to our subconscious, gradually imprinting themselves into our conscious awareness.
To maintain a healthy, balanced solar plexus chakra, try repeating one or more of the following solar plexus chakra affirmations daily:
- I radiate confidence in everything I do.
- I am ready to face any challenge that comes my way.
- My confidence is unshakable, and I am deserving of good things.
- I trust my inner knowing to guide me on the right path.
- I am the creator of my destiny.
- My energy illuminates my life with positivity.
- I embrace joy and optimism.
- I feel motivated to pursue my purpose.
- I am ambitious and capable.
- I forgive myself for past mistakes, and I learn from them.
- The only thing I need to control is how I respond to situations.
- I can create positive change in my life.
- I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
- I know my worth and will not make myself smaller to suit others.
- I am motivated, persistent, and successful.
- I hold the key to my own happiness.
- I love the person I am, inside and out.
- I am perfect, whole, and complete.
- I dismiss any thoughts or feelings of comparison.
- I am worthy of happiness and success.
Solar Plexus Chakra Meditations
Meditation is a powerful tool for opening and balancing the solar plexus chakra.
How to begin your solar plexus meditation practice:
- Sit in a relaxed position with your back straight and feet on the floor. While you may also lie down in meditation, we suggest sitting for this chakra. Keeping the top of your head upright will create an easier pathway to source, after all!
- Place your hands on your knees, with your palms facing the sky.
- Close your eyes, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
- As you breathe, direct your attention to the area just above your belly button.
- Envision a glowing, radiant yellow or golden light swirling around your navel and along your spine, slowly increasing in size as you get deeper into the meditation.
- Try to hold this intention for 5-10 minutes to start, or simply end the practice when you feel complete.
Remember, the goal of meditation isn’t to clear your mind, but rather to observe your thoughts and how they make you feel. If the above practice feels too formal or unnatural, try it while laying in bed before going to sleep, or while on a walk in nature.
You can also try a guided meditation like this one:
