Flavie Fournial Causse
Coach and yoga teacher, for over 10 years.
In search of inspiring methods and approaches from coaching, personal growth, yoga philosophy, Reiki, neuroscience, NLP, EFT… with one goal in mind, to bring more consciousness and balance into everyone’s daily life, making it exceptional. “Well, in one’s body, in one’s mind, and with others is my motto”.
The literature around the chakras has been a revelation for me, the common thread, and the crossroads between all my learnings.
Today, I share a bit of this fascinating world of chakras through my classes and retreats, making it tangible through simple exercises and experiments that bridge the gap between a world of matter and the world of subtler and more spiritual energies. Often overlooked, delving into the chakras means delving into self-discovery and self-awareness, into something greater than oneself, into the connection between the body, mind, and universe to live in harmony in the world.
We are spiritual beings experiencing human life.
In our world of distractions, noise, and disorder, it’s difficult to be attentive to what’s happening within us, it’s difficult to let go of bodily desires, material desires, performance.
Welcome to the Manipura chakra, the Solar Plexus chakra.
his is the chakra from which WE ACT and WE HONOR WHO WE ARE. “Mani” means jewel, and “pura” means city, hence “The City of Jewels.” It is the chakra of our inner sun, the perfect balance between strength and wisdom, sensitivity and reason. It represents our inner creative power, the ability to realize our aspirations. It is also our ego and self-esteem.
The Inner Fire
Manipura helps us to assimilate and digest through our inner fire, not just food, but also the events of life, our thoughts, and emotions.
In yoga, the balance between matter (first chakra) and movement (second chakra) generates body heat (the fire of the third chakra, Agni). Joints lubricate through movement, cells metabolize in muscles, and movements can become increasingly intense. Increasing strength through muscle use enhances willpower in life.
Chakras are not the source of energy but the organizers. Energy exists in the body and needs to be properly diffused. If our inner fire is powerful enough, it gives us the spark to accomplish what we desire in life. To maintain this fire, we must train, discipline, and focus on our life intentions. These intentions come from consciousness (higher chakras) and meet the energy rising from the lower chakra
Our Will in Action and Our Creative Power
While the activation of the body is the goal of the third chakra, mastery is its ultimate aim. With this power, we can save or destroy our world. Therefore, we must skillfully transcribe our life intentions by setting our goals and focusing on what we need to accomplish to reach our aspirations.
This chakra represents our ego and self-esteem; it is the driving force behind our social success and fulfillment. It is particularly emphasized in Western societies, often becoming very active and sometimes disharmonious, manifesting as a dominant ego, selfish, manipulative, or even tyrannical behavior.
It is a chakra full of contradictions and conflicts, constructed by confronting our initial parental references with who we think we are, who we would like to be, and what society
and others expect from us. Here reside feelings of shame, fear of criticism, rejection, all of which block its energy.
When well-balanced, this chakra brings confidence, self-discipline, a sense of freedom, autonomy, and control. It gives us faith in ourselves and a just attitude towards others. Its qualities radiate and positively influence those around us.
For most of us, our consciousness remains blocked at this chakra level, entangled in basic emotions. We do not want or cannot make our energy radiate beyond the first three primary chakras to access higher consciousness.
Our state of mind largely depends on the amount of light this chakra lets in.
When blocked, our mood is unbalanced and dark, our self-esteem suffers, and our negative self-talk perpetuates the blockages.
Improving Energy in the Solar Chakra
Explore your role as a “victim” and feelings of powerlessness. Honestly and in writing, answer the following:
– What are the “misfortunes” of my life, and to what extent do I attribute them to “others” or external events? Why?
– On whom do I offload some of my responsibilities? Why?
– Do I victimize certain people around me? How?
– Reflect on what makes you cling to your victim role.
Here lies your personal power.
Meditation to Connect with the Solar Plexus Chakra
Start by tapping or massaging 2-3 cm above the navel. Take a deep breath and on the exhale, release all fear, anxiety, pain, and expectations. Direct your breath to the solar plexus chakra and visualize a round yellow light pulsing and expanding.
Flood yourself with this light.
As you dive deeper into yourself and feel calmer, ask your Solar Plexus chakra what it needs at the moment, or repeat affirmations like “I have confidence in myself,” “I am strong.” Inhale-Exhale.
Activate Manipura’s Energy with Yoga Poses and Breathing
- Bhujangasana (Cobra)
- Dhanurasana (Bow)
- High Lunge with twist
- Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle)
- Kapalabhati Pranayama (Breath of Fire)
Wishing you a beautiful discovery of your inner sun.
Namaste