Victoria Klein

Two months ago, I wrote about the chakra I chose to focus on during Yoga Teacher Training (check out Follow-Up #1). 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 … how am I doing?

In terms of “forming a clear purpose” + my “ability to choose intentions + cultiuvate a plan to accomplish them” … I’m on the right track :)

With Yoga Teacher Training nearing the end (just 3.5 weeks ‘til graduation!), I’m gearing up to start teaching on a regular basis. I’ve got 2 different workshop/class series ideas I’m developing proposals for (to be presented to the studio owners) + I’m eager to simply keep teaching + improve my teaching style.

I have no idea where my Yoga teaching career is going to go. I don’t know where I’ll be or what types of classes or workshops I’ll be teaching in a few years … but what I DO know is that I love teaching Yoga + I am open to any + all opportunities that come my way as a result of my new career.

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

Similar to my 1st follow-up post, I had moments of both deficiency + excess in my manipura chakra over the past month, but on the whole, I was quite balanced. Also, my “off” moments we’re shorter than the month before.

I believe that a lot of that has to do with self-care. I haven’t been running as much as I was when training for my 1st 5K, but I have been doing lots of Yoga + ensuring that I take time to wind down every day.

As I continue to integrate running back into my weekly schedule (+ begin training for my next 5K starting Monday, May 28th), I think my manipura chakra will experience even longer periods of balance.

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.

My goal lately has been to be very aware of my feet (I’m also working on my running form) + to strengthen my back. Ironically, the last day of the most recent weekend of YTT, I injuried my left SI joint doing, what else, a lateral back bend - go figure! 

My SI joint is feeling much better now, but it only reinforces how much I want to work on strengthening my back. Along with strengthening, I also need to stretch + open all areas of my back, which means more manipura-esque twists + bends are on the agenda :)

I’ll be writing even more about my manipura efforts as Yoga Teacher Training comes to an end + I begin my new career as a Yoga Teacher.

How can/do YOU cultivate more self-worth?

(Art Source: spiritualhealingportal.com)