3rd Chakra; Fire, Ego & Identity

Chakra Three: Manipura

Fire, Ego identity, oriented to self-definition

According to Sacred Center.com, “this chakra is known as the power chakra, located in the solar plexus and rules our personal power, will, and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When healthy, this Chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity, and non- dominating power”. http://www.sacredcenters.com/chakras/

So what is your body trying to tell you? To find out, look no further than inside of yourself. Get centered. Breathe. Trust yourself. How has your energy been lately; appetite for life? The Chakra’s are energy centers within the body corresponding to vital organs and if they become blocked, our body’s effectiveness is greatly diminished; adversely affecting clarity/focus, stamina, and routine bodily functions. So it is imperative that we tune into our Chakra’s regularly and clear out any negative thoughts or feelings.

To find out, look no further than asking yourself some pointed questions.Where do your passions lie? Are you confident in your own SKIN? How about in your life? Do you hold yourself back, live small, and play it safe? How we think about ourselves radiates out into the world who will treat us according to how we treat ourselves. So with that in mind, what are YOU going to do to connect with your fire (identity/passion) within?

To help get you started, Sacred Centers.com suggests “developing core strength to increase your sense of personal power”. Below are some exercises to help you feel your solar plexus and ignite your power house!

In general, stomach crunches (modified sit-ups) are always a good bet for creating abdominal strength. But the best is working in plank pose.

Start by lying on the floor, face down. Place your hands below your shoulders, arms straight. Lift the entire body off the ground, toes curled under, body and legs one straight line, parallel to the floor. Hold for at least one minute. For added challenge balance on your forearms, elbows directly underneath the shoulders. For even more challenge, alternately lift each leg of the floor and hold. ~ Sacred Centers.com~

Loving your body means maximizing your personal awareness of SELF and fully accepting the beautiful Spirit you are!

* Let me know if this post helped you connect with your Solar Plexus? If not, keep reading, as this one article post is in no way comprehensive and therefore, there will be many others throughout the month.

Release and Let Go!

Sometimes we forget to breathe. I have become increasingly aware of this in  myself lately. Why? Perhaps we’re carrying tension from the anxiety of others or within ourselves from a lack of forgiveness or acceptance. Pent up negative emotions take the breathe of life away from us only allowing a fraction of what is truly needed to embrace the fullness of life. Yet, we can take our power back through mind body practices like yoga or Tai Chi and defy that which takes our breath away by breathing deeply regardless of how we feel or think.

This weekend I learned of such an amazing practice called Sign Chi Do; The Art of Moving Prayer. Utilizing American Sign Language, prayer, and some Tai Chi basics, this practice helps to facilitate deep breathing, increased focus, centering, and a release of emotions. It helps the student come into the present moment with ease and grace while moving the body gracefully and purposefully. The various prayerful routines invoke deep feelings that otherwise lay quietly beneath the surface. While practicing this intimate routine with others for about two hours, I felt an incredible release of emotions thru my tears early on that grew into peace, joy, and serenity. Afterwards, I was fully aligned in mind, body, and Spirit. It is something one must truly, experience for themselves as words cannot adequately do justice.

Go to the website, http://www.signchido.com/ , and get the special book and DVD offer with Healthy, Happy, Holy routine and music for just $19.95. I am ordering mine this week and look forward to adding this to my daily Spiritual practices. I am not an instructor or paid for my testimony, nor do I have anything to gain. I merely feel called to spread the word about this sacred practice that I shall enjoy for the rest of my life. This really will help you to release and let go of whatever may be blocking your energy, enthusiasm, or passion for life. What have you got to lose?