The Fire Within

Who are you?

This is the question the third chakra often prompts us to answer. The third chakra, also known as the solar plexus, is about our relationship with our self - who we are in the universe, our belief in our self and our personal will in the outside world. It is where we take any criticism that comes our way and evaluate it. It is why we use the expression, "punched in the gut."  It is also where we come to really feel powerful in the choices we make and have confidence that we know what is right for ourselves. If we have a breakup or move houses or switch jobs, we will often find this chakra off. Or if we are even contemplating any of these changes we may find our third chakra off balance. The third chakra is also where all social movements start, many people have found with the change in presidency that their third chakra is activated. They feel fired up to stand up for what they believe it. The element associated with this chakra is fire.

Here's the breakdown on what the third chakra governs on the physical, psychological and spiritual levels. First though, where to find it - the third chakra is usually located below where your rib cage opens up.
 
Physical level: It governs the digestive system, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, adrenals and immune system. 
 
Psychological level: When it is in balance we are not easily manipulated or swayed to other's ways unless it aligns with our own. While outside approval is nice, when our third chakra is in balance, it is not necessary for us to act, we feel strong enough on our own. We are able to come from a place of strength and integrity.
 
Spiritual: This governs our ability to face life's obstacles with integrity. We know we can take risks and handle any situation we are faced with. When our solar plexus is open and in balance we can clearly hear intuitive information and act on it. 
 
If your solar plexus chakra is off you may experience the following:

• Difficulty feeling feelings
• Extreme highs and lows of emotions
• Low self worth 
• Workaholic tendencies
• Desire to control
• Addictive personality 
• Stomach ulcers
• Digestive problems
• Judgmental
• Need constant reassurance
• Overly concerned about what others think

Some suggestions for bringing your solar plexus back into balance:

• Visualize yellow light / fire coming out from your third chakra
• Yoga poses: plank, warrior III, bow, child's pose and cobra pose
• Breath of fire
• Affirmations: I determine to treat myself with respect and honor. I am my own person. I am open to receiving all life's good things. 
• Place hand on third chakra envision any criticisms bouncing off
• Essential oils; bergamont, ginger, black pepper, lemon, clove and wintergreen.

A friend shared this video with me and I felt like it's such a brilliant example of a healthy solar plexus ~ hope you enjoy this video and also can feel "Soy Yo" or "I'm me". 
 
Bringing our third chakra into balance will bring the sense of knowing who you are. Here’s to being you in your most powerful form.