Victoria Klein

Three months ago, I wrote about the chakra I chose to focus on during Yoga Teacher Training (check out follow-Up #1 + follow-up #2). 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’s my manipura chakra doing?

Overall, I’d give myself an A :) The past month has been overwhelmingly wonderful, with graduating Yoga Teacher Training, announcing my 1st Yoga class series (on the beach!), + seeking out other teaching opportunities.

I’ve felt this natural sense of direction + determination to find as many was to help other people through Yoga as is possible. I have a habit of stretching myself too thin, so I’m keeping that in my mind + being conscious of how I spend my energy. On that note …

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, my manipura chakra has been balanced over the past month. Naturally, I’ve had my deficient + excessive moments, especially over the past week.

My husband + I found out that we needed to move - I did a lot of research, we saw places, + we signed the lease for our new place in less than 2 weeks … and that’s just half the battle! In exactly 4 weeks, we are moving - it is just across town (5 miles away), but we still have to get all our stuff from point A to point B + change our address on everything!

That whole situation has been taking a lot of my energy away from my Yoga career lately, but I’m slowly finding a sense of balance, devoting my time to Yoga + moving chores equally (+ not multitasking!).

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.

As part of scouting out Yoga teaching opportunities, I’ve begun to try new Yoga studios. Black Sheep Yoga Studio just opened up in Oceanside last month. It is a wonderful space + I had a spectacular class with Kelly Clifton yesterday - she is a gem! As part of the class (which was at 7am), we did a lot of sun salutations + twists, which got me through the rest of the day in a very happy mood. :)

With Yoga Teacher Training finished (wow, seriously!?), I’ll be writing even more about my manipura efforts as I begin my new career as a Yoga Teacher - stay tuned!

How can/do YOU cultivate more self-worth?

(Art Source: spiritualhealingportal.com)