Victoria Klein

Four months ago, I wrote about the chakra I chose to focus on during Yoga Teacher Training (check out follow-Up #1 + #2 + #3). 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 “vibrated” this past month?

Overall, I’d give myself a B: pretty good, but a bit distracted as well. As it has been this entire year, there’s a period of just working + chugging along, then the week before I write another post, oodles of things happen!

For example, last week, my husband + I moved to a new apartment on the other side of town. Needless to say, this has kept me quite busy + quite distracted from my Yoga career + my personal Yoga practice. 

Now that we are getting settled + back into our usual schedule, my excitement + focus on my Yoga career has been sparked again + I’m eagerly moving forward.

My 1st class series, 4 sessions of Yoga on the Beach, begins this Friday - a huge milestone in my career! Also, I’ve made contacts at another local Yoga studio, 24 Hour Fitness, + on-base at Camp Pendleton. I’m also contemplating more workshops + classes to propose at my home studio, Yoga Oceanside. Last but not least, I’m expanding my private sessions.

In other words, there’s lots going on behind-the-scenes, which I hope will lead to more Yoga teaching in the near future! :)

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

Bluntly stated, my manipura chakra has been all over this spectrum the past month. Most recently, I’ve been ping-ponging between balanced + deficient.

As I’ve been rekindling my personal Yoga practice, I’ve been more balanced than deficient, but I’m still shaking off the shaking up that relocating brings. As my moving-related to-dos come to an end, I’m back to my Yoga career to-dos + I have no excuse to avoid them!

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.

Lately, I’ve been craving more + more inversions. I’ve also added more lateral bends to my regular routine, along with dabbling with arm balances. Next: integrating back bends as well - can you say Ustrasana!?

I’ll be writing even more about my manipura efforts as I develop my new career as a Yoga Teacher - stay tuned!

How can/do YOU cultivate more self-worth?

(Art Source: spiritualhealingportal.com)