SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA (3rd Chakra)

This week we'll be focusing on the Solar Plexus Chakra.  This is quite a dynamic energy centre that can be pretty intense.  It's located just above the navel, so physically in our asana practice, we focus on the abdominal muscles.  I've found working with the quote by Benjamin Franklin "Energy and persistence conquer all things" is helpful as it reminds us that moving forward and pushing to our edge (persistence) is just as important as resting and conserving our resources (energy) in order to truly discover how far we can go to achieve our goals and find what is possible for us.  A balance of flow and movement combined with stillness in child's pose or downward dog allows us to continue our forward momentum.  

Solar Plexus Chakra
Sanskrit	Manipura (lustrous gem)
Location	just above the navel
Color	bright yellow
Element	fire
Symbol	inverted triangle
Purpose	personal power, passion, transformation
Verb	I CAN
Demon	shame
Yoga Postures (to support & open centre)	- Phalakasana (plank pose) - Navasana (boat pose) - Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2)

Movement and stillness is important when working with this energy centre, but we can also do some work with the breath.  The following breath technique targets the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Tejas Mandala Pranayama for the Solar Plexus Chakra

*** this breath technique comes from the Gitananda Yoga tradition

*** this breath technique uses a breath retention, so should not be practiced by those with hypertension, heart disease, asthma, ulcers or when pregnant.  If you are new to a pranayama practice, breath retentions can be intense, so please STOP if you feel any strain, irritation or cramping

This technique involves a three-part breath:

• inhale for a count of 6
• hold the breath (with the lungs full) for a count of 6
• exhale for a count of 6

Continue this pattern for at least 9 rounds.  For an audio recording of this technique along with a visualization to further enhance working with the Solar Plexus Chakra, you can click here to visit my site.

Happy moving & breathing!  Enjoy building up the fire of forward momentum through movement and stillness before we move to the more gentle, loving presence of the fourth chakra.

See you on our mats!

Roxanne