Victoria Klein

A month ago, I wrote about the chakra I chose to focus on during Yoga Teacher Training. For a refresher, here is what manipura (the chakra I chose) is all about:

Chakras are vortexes of energy, often symbolized by circles or wheels. A common misconception is that chakras are either “open” or “closed”. In actuality, they vibrate with energy - we either have a deficiency or an excess of energy in a chakra, or they are balanced.

I chose the 3rd chakra: manipura (represented above). 

Manipura (translated as “lustrous gem”) is located in the solar plexus + often associated with the color yellow + the transforming energy of fire.

Its purpose is to generate energy + will; personal power; form a clear purpose; self-definition; ability to choose your intentions + cultivate a plan to accomplish them; healthy ego.

So, the question begs to be asked: How am I doing!?

The past month has been quite busy with Yoga Teacher Training + developing my new Yoga teaching career. I also ran my 1st 5K + my husband has been really busy at work (FYI: he’s a Marine). 

Amongst all that sudo-chaos, I’ve found that I’ve had a rather focused mind, knowing what needs to get done, what I want to do, + making it all happen.

It’s an odd feeling really - is this what is like to be truly passionate about what you do + loving your life? Is this the exciting side of “adulthood?”

We exhibit different characteristics when each chakra has balanced energy, a deficiency, or an excess. For manipura, they are as follows:

Balanced: responsible/reliable; good self-discipline; positive sense of self; confidence; warm, energetic, spontaneous, playful, humorous; able to take risks

Deficient: passivity; lack of energy; poor digestion; tendency toward submission; low self-esteem; weak will; poor self-discipline

Excessive: dominating; controlling; competitive; ambitious; hyperactive; stubborn; compulsively driven; attracted to sedatives

Overall, I’ve found my manipura chakra to be balanced this month, though I did have 1-2 days of both deficiency + excessive-ness. 

During my deficiency times, all of the changes going on this year caught up to me, along with the realization that I am getting older, and therefore, my body + my mind are changing. I finally came to the (positive) realization that said changes are neither good or bad - they are just part of the overall change that is life. You either ride the wave or drown in the ocean! :)

During my excessive times, I micro-managed everything that I did, and in turn, tried to do the same for my husband. I’d have a hard time focusing on 1 thing at a time + compulsively ate too much chocolate (mmmm, endorphins). My Yoga practice + a good run or 2 helped me realize that I was merely nervous + scared about what the future will bring. Instead of trying to control everything + medicate with chocolate, I should embrace the fear + help it drive me forward. :)

For manipura, recommended Yoga asanas are twists (my favorite!), lateral + back bends, and sun salutations. In terms of opposites, a balanced manipura means cultivating self-worth.

Hooray for Yoga! Since I’ve been attending anywhere from 2-8 Yoga classes a week (as part of apprenticeships for YTT), I’ve gotten a hefty dose of Yoga practice in the past month. There’s certainly been a lot of twists + lateral bends, which give the fantastic sensation of wringing out nasty anything + opening the lungs and heart for the fresh beginnings of Spring.

This month has been quite eventful + my manipura chakra has been buzzing with healthy energy. I can only imagine what the next month will bring! :)

I’ll be writing even more about my manipura efforts over the next few months of Yoga Teacher Training + beyond.

How can/do YOU cultivate more self-worth?

(Art Source: spiritualhealingportal.com)