Solar Plexus Chakra: Center of power, confidence, and identity Sanskrit Name: Manipura Seed Sound: RAM Color: Yellow Sense: Vision Element: Fire Right: To act Statement: ‘I think’ Vibrational Note: E Location: above navel, below sternum Timeline: 14-21 yrs
The third (solar plexus) chakra is vibrant yellow and located just above the navel. The sanskrit name, Manipura means lustrous gem. It is associated with the fire element.This chakra represents our power center and has a masculine quality. It is related to our personal power, self-confidence and “can do” attitude. It regulates our mental agility and ability to differentiate, using inner knowing and gut instincts about people and situations. It governs aspects of our personality and ego including self worth, self-esteem and personal identity, personal power, and freedom to choose. It guides us in what and who we choose to be for our highest good. It may help to get a feel of solar plexus chakra concepts by reviewing these words from The Sevenfold Journey by Anodea Judith:
power will control warrior energy metabolism authority transformation ease humor fire warmth
The statement that embodies the solar plexus chakra is “I think.” Strong self-esteem and self-confidence are needed for developing intuitive thinking skills. The birthright for this chakra is the right to act, being able to move forward and ‘go with your gut’. It involves taking responsibility for our own destiny, and developing a strong inner core of being. The information stored in this chakra is about our personal power, personality, awareness of self (belonging) within a group and within the universe as well as an intuitive knowing what directions to take. Fire is the element associated with this chakra. Fire burns, generating energy just as the solar plexus fuels purpose as well as our metabolism.
A person with a balanced, healthy solar plexus chakra feels confident, in control of their life. One is able to think clearly and give full attention. This person is empowered with a healthy sense of self, which is neither inflated or weak. A healthy solar plexus chakra brings energy, effectiveness, and autonomy. One can assert oneself in a group without dominating power over others. Inner strength and resilience is sufficient to realize dreams and goals, making them materialize into reality. There is a sense of satisfaction, contentment and generosity, moving away from the unhealthy desire to gain power over others.
When the solar plexus chakra is unbalanced we experience issues with power, control and freedom. When this chakra is under-active we tend to be passive and indecisive. We may not feel comfortable being alone. Thoughts may be confused and clouded with too much concern about what others think and there may be hyper-sensitivity to criticism. An underactive 3rd chakra leads to low self-esteem, loss of drive and purpose. There is a loss of our own unique individuality, leading to apathy and emptiness. One easily gives up power and becomes timid and submissive, unable to speak up and get what they really want. When this chakra is over-active, one tends to be domineering and possibly aggressive. They may be a one man show, heavily opinionated and unable to work cooperatively with others without taking over and dominating.
Solar plexus chakra questions for self-awareness:
Do I have a strong sense of self? Do I lack confidence?
Do I honor myself when around others such as family and friends?
Am I able to assert my personal power when I feel wronged?
Do I stand by my beliefs when opposed?
Do I abuse my power, being harsh or difficult with those who are not in a position to challenge me?
What things am I most proud of accomplishing in my life?
Do I respect myself for a job well done?
Am I overly concerned with what others think?
Do I feel a freedom to make choices for myself?
Do I take the right action to achieve my goals?
Physical Associations: The solar plexus chakra is associated with the muscular system, skin as a system, the solar plexus, the large and small intestine, stomach, liver, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, gall bladder, and the pancreas (gland for assimilation and digestion). It is also associated with the eyes, as organs of sight, and the face, representing the image we portray to the world.
Physical ailments and dysfunctions associated with imbalance in the solar plexus chakra: stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, irritable bowel, constipation, weight struggles (either over or underweight), anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, hypertension, insomnia, chronic fatigue, and colon diseases .