This week is CHAKRA WEEK!
That means each day, I will be talking about the different, main
seven (7) chakras, starting at the 1st (the base of the spine) and working our
way up to the 7th, (the top of your head).
Each day, I will post the basic chakra information and history at the
top of the post then talk about the chakra of the day - so if you read the first post, you know now that you can skip the top
part and move on to the end of the post. It will be done this way so
that the entire information can be accessed no matter where you start reading.
What are the chakras?
Chakra is a Sanskrit word for a series of circular energy centers
in and around the body. Chakra means "wheel" or "rotating"
ring. The chakras are positioned where energy channels join in the body and
work as "transformers" that control the energies of the body. Often,
only seven (7) chakras are described and they coincide with important glands
and nerve centers, but the exact number and location depend on the tradition a
person follows. In Buddhism, there are four primary chakras. In many forms of
Hinduism, there are seven. These seven chakras are believed to be connected via
nadi, or energy channels. Some talk about 12 and according to the teachings of
Dr. Sri Amit Ray, there are 114 chakras in the human body. These are split into
the 7 major chakras, 21 minor chakras, and 86 micro chakras.
We will talk about the main seven main chakras that align along
the spine, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The
spheres run along the spine, but extend through and past the front, back, and
both sides of your body.
Chakras are a spinning vortex of energy that is not seen by the
human eye but can be seen, felt, and sensed with intuition. This invisible
healing energy, called prana, is a vital life force, which keeps us vibrant,
healthy, and alive.
Chakras store the energy of thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences,
and actions. They influence and direct our present and future mindset,
behavior, emotional health, and actions. The life force in each chakra can be
processed, transmuted, and released so that we consciously manifest what we want
to call in, rather than experience more of the same. Chakra healing is the
intentional practice of connecting with our stored energy, so we may understand
how our past is influencing the present and the future.
They are spinning disks of energy that should stay
"open" and aligned for optimal emotional and physical well-being. If
there is a blockage, energy flows are restricted.
History of Chakras:
The earliest written record of chakras comes from the Vedas, which
are ancient Indian texts that describe the philosophy of yoga. The precise age
of the Vedas is unknown, but they are thousands of years old. Over time, the
concept of chakras evolved, influencing various Hindu and Buddhist traditions
and healing therapies. They belong to a set of beliefs known collectively as
Tantra. In the early 20th century, European spiritualists and occultists began
publishing books about aspects of Tantra, including chakras. Today, these books
are the basis of the Western understanding of chakras.
Today is all about the Solar Plexus
The Solar Plexus is the Third Chakra. It is also called the Manipura chakra and it’s the area from the navel to the breastbone. The third chakra is our source of personal power and our relationship with ourselves. It is also the key to building a strong sense of self.
When the Solar Plexus is open and active, you are confident and have a good self-image, a clear sense of personal identity and purpose, and you feel empowered to take action towards goals and dreams. It increases your ability to make decisions with ease and trust. It gives you a willingness to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. It gives you clarity of mind, and control over emotions, and supports courage and gut intuition.
The Solar Plexus is usually blocked by shame and low self-esteem. It can cause perfectionism, feeling powerless, power-hungry, and low self-esteem. It can cause you to be critical of yourself and others. You may have doubt and mistrust towards the people in your life, constantly feel lazy, have difficulty setting boundaries, and have a self-victimizing mentality. It can also cause heartburn, IBS, and indigestion.
A healthy and balanced chakra is essential for success in various areas of our life, including health, relationships, and spirituality. You can open your solar plexus chakra with meditation, visualization of the color yellow, working on your core strength, laughter, yoga (Classic forward bend, Bow Pose, Half Spinal Twist, and Cobra Pose), trying new things outside of your comfort zone, sunbathing, setting goals, and spending time around a campfire. Again, each chakra also has an associated mudra, or hand gesture, and even sounds that can help you engage with the energy of that chakra.
Element: Fire
Chant: RAM
Color: Yellow
Symbol: It is a downward-pointing
red triangle, signifying the tattva of fire. The triangle is within a bright
yellow circle, which has ten petals
Crystals: Yellow crystals such as
citrine, topaz, Tigers Eye, Bumble bee Jasper, yellow jasper, and Amber
Food and Plants: Chamomile tea, corn, squash, yellow peppers, bananas,
lemon, honey, whole grains, oats, legumes, cinnamon, rosemary, and fennel. Grapefruit,
cedar wood, black pepper.
Affirmations: I feel calm, confident, and powerful. I feel ready
to face challenges. I honor the power within me. I am open to new ideas. I don’t seek the
approval of others. "I can" statements.
Always start with awareness!
Create a "fix it" list for yourself. List all the things about yourself you are trying to fix, change, or improve upon. Then review the list and note all the things on the list you judge yourself harshly for. Review the list again, and note whether you believe any of the things on the list make you unlovable. Using the list, identify how each thing on that list has served you. Have these qualities protected you? Are they connected to parts of yourself that you like? Can you find a gift in each one of the things on the list? Identify one thing you want to do in your life that you have not yet pursued because you believe you don't have the talent or skills to be successful. Note the dialogue that prevents you from doing it, and do it anyway. Do it with the intention of failing. Let yourself fail and discover how liberating it is to live imperfectly.End Note:
The Solar Plexus chakra is our source of personal power and our relationship with ourselves. It is the key to building a strong sense of self. It is important for you to know how amazing you are and working on the Solar plexus chakra helps you realize that! Get out there and do some new things!
If you are interested in any of our solar plexus crystals,
we have all of them available listed above! Just check out our Facebook Group!