This chakra, as its name suggests, is situated in the solar plexus,
over the adrenal glands. Related to the fire element, the solar plexus
chakra rules our metabolism and therefore the digestive system which
pays a major part in the metabolic process. Its fiery energy brings
us light, warmth, energy and power - it's our 'get up and go' and
will centre - and so it's here also that we feel the lack of those
things (such as butterflies when we're nervous). Traditionally, it's
believed that all the major psychic currents in the body run through
this centre. When you talk about your gut feeling, this is where it
originates.
If your solar plexus chakra is not balanced, you may feel powerless
and withdrawn, too scared to put yourself forward in life and unable
to accept responsibility or take positive action. Conversely, you
may have an excessive need to dominate and control others. You can
often tell how healthy the solar plexus chakra is by looking at
your physical body shape in this area - whether your body expands
or contracts here is an indication of too much or too little energy
in the solar plexus. Digestive problems, diabetes, hypoglycaemia
and stomach ulcers are all signs that the solar plexus chakra needs
balancing. Self-esteem is also rooted here, connected to the power
and strength of your own will and power illustrated by the extent
of your self-confidence.
Boosting your solar plexus chakra
As this is the fire chakra, you have the perfect excuse to get out
and enjoy the bright light and warmth of the sun to connect with
solar plexus energy.
Wear something yellow
Yellow is the colour of the solar plexus chakra, so wearing it will
help to put you in touch with its fiery energy. If yellow doesn’t
suit you, try carrying a sunny yellow crystal, such as citrine,
honey calcite or sunstone.
Food for thought
Listen to your body. Do you often feel cold, maybe even lethargic
and sluggish? Do you crave hot and spicy food and prefer hot drinks?
In this case your body is telling you your fire energy is low and
is asking you to provide it with more heat. Delicious curries and
hot herbal teas are perfect! If, on the other hand you're often
overheated or feverish with a quick temperament and lots of energy,
you're more likely to want drinks from the fridge and salads to
calm the fire down a bit. Juices, cool water and lots of raw vegetables
and fruit will help you then.
Developing solar plexus fire
• Practice meditation to gain a greater sense of who you are
and what you are here to do. Your will is strongest when you are
relaxed, happy and in touch with yourself.
• Be disciplined by doing something that you really don't
want to do but you know has to be done (like going to the gym!).
Knowing when to yield your own will to a greater purpose is an important
lesson.
• Do something different to break through old habits and behaviour
patterns. If you're usually active, slow down and try being still
for a while. If you're normally sluggish, get active. Coming out
of your safety zone is a sure way to wake up your power chakra!
• Be aware if you're holding onto anger and find a safe and
effective way to release it - whether that's pounding it out on
a treadmill or talking it through with a qualified therapist. Blocked
power within yourself is often blocked anger.
Making the sun
Stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart and arms stretched
up over your head as far as you can. Take a deep breath and stretch
up even further then slowly bring your arms down to your sides,
with palms facing downwards, stretching out as far as you can all
the time. About half way down you'll feel as if you're pushing against
a force, which you can imagine to be some block you want to work
through. Feel your hands pushing the block away as the solar energy
streams out through your fingers and surrounds you with a bright,
powerful glow.
©Semele Xerri
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