Healing the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura, is located in the belly just above the navel. Associated with the color yellow, its flowering is enhanced with the use of crystals such as citrine, amber and yellow topaz (which incidentally is the birthstone for the month of November). The solar plexus chakra favors sunny foods such as lemon and grapefruit, and encourages the intake of Vitamin C to help it flourish. Activities to stimulate it can include competitive activities such as sports or martial art, theater or debate, or qi gong. It is where our beliefs and values, personal identity, and sense of self-worth dwell. It is the voice that tells us, we are good enough. Manipura means “lustrous jewel,” highlighting the multifaceted brilliance of each person’s personality.

Guided Meditation

1) Begin in a sitting position, with your spine as straight as is comfortable and your legs folded beneath you (or, in a chair, with feet flat on the ground.

2) Take several deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you prefer to breathe only through your nose or mouth, that’s okay too. Use the breaths to relax your muscles and your mind. Keep your belly soft. Let your hands rest palm-up on your knees in the posture of “calm abiding.” Close your eyes and let your mind drift.

3) Picture the Manipura blossom, or simply a globe of yellow light within your belly, expanding outward with a gentle glow. Enlarge the globe and intensify the color. Let your body relax and feel the warmth of the bright yellow color envelop your body.

4) When your image of the chakra’s light is steady and strong, allow your mind to drift. The animal commonly associated with the Manipura is the lion, with an archetype of the peaceful warrior. Picture yourself as a fierce lion, proud and strong; or as a warrior, ready and able to defend yourself and to stand up for what you believe in. Feel the strength from these images flow into your body. Feel your spine straighten as you gather confidence from the conviction in your beliefs. Look back with new understanding on the challenges you have faced up to this point, and congratulate yourself for those occasions when you have acted with integrity and honor. Remind yourself that you must be true to yourself first and foremost, and to have faith in your own beliefs and your own inherent value. Rest quietly and reflect on the brilliant facets of your personal identity. This is you; a physical manifestation of the perfection of your spirit. Be proud of yourself, and know that you are enough. See how brightly you shine. You are unique and pristine, a gem worthy of protecting. You have the personal power to accomplish your goals, and assert your right to the life you want. Remind yourself of this feeling of innate pride, worthiness and personal integrity once more, and rest in the knowledge of what you have learned. Practice feeling comfortable in your own skin.

5) When you feel you have finished, and feel strong and content in yourself, withdraw from the scene you have created in your mind. Bring your attention once again to the yellow sphere in your belly. Intensify the light and color, and wrap your body in the warm glow. Feel the chakra blossom as you acknowledge your worth and personal dignity. When you feel you are finished, seal the chakra with a cho ku rei (sketched on the air with a fingertip, or mentally) and, continuing to breathe deeply, come out of the meditation.  You will need a few minutes to become grounded once again. Enjoy this time.

Affirmations for the Solar Plexus Chakra

I love and accept myself.
I stand up for myself.
I stand up for my beliefs.
I choose things that are good for me.
I choose to associate with people that promote my health and happiness.
I am authentic.
I am in control of my own life.
I am strong and fully aware of my strength.
I seek opportunities for growth.
I am proud of my achievements.
I express myself freely.
I appreciate and honor myself.
I am at peace with myself.
I am worth my weight in gold.