Manipura Chakra: Awakening the luminous gem within
Welcome gentle souls,
I honour the power within me.
The Manipura chakra, the place of the lustrous gem. I love this imagery, as it speaks of the radiant light that lives within each of us. It is our seat of self worth, our confidence, our inner sun.
Associated with the element of fire, Manipura embodies transformation. Fire has the remarkable ability to change one thing to another, it creates reactions that can transform water to steam, wood to ash and possibility into action.
The bridge between the grounding wisdom of the lower chakras and our expansive awareness of the upper chakras. It is our centre of discernment, clarity and self-belief. When it is balanced, we are able to move through life with purpose and direction, nourished by each experience and guided by a healthy sense of self.
Manipura is closely connected with our solar plexus, our fight or flight response, our digestion. This dense network of nerves that sends signals to our abdominal organs. It is the intricate communication between the gut and the brain. That feeling of butterflies in your stomach before an important discussion or that sinking sensation in the pit of your stomach when something doesn’t feel right. This is your intuition, your gut feeling, this is your inner wisdom.
Our emotional experiences throughout our lives, leave an imprint upon the body. Stress, anxiety and unresolved emotions can show up as digestive discomfort. When we feel powerless or struggle to set healthy boundaries or we habitually place the needs of others above our own, it may be because the energy of the manipura may be depleted.
This chakra invites us to explore the relationship we have with ourselves. Do we trust our instincts? Do we honour our needs? Do we believe our own self worth?
A beautiful way to connect with Manipura is through breath, awareness, sound and gentle touch. It is starting with looking at the relationship you have with yourself.
Sit quietly and place your hands over the space between your navel and the lower part of your breastbone, this is the area to focus on with your breath and your attention. Notice the movement of breath. You can massage gently here in a clockwise direction or simply place one hand over and allow yourself a moment to settle into stillness. As you breathe imagine a warm golden light glowing at your centre, like the gentle radiance of the sun.
The seed mantra associated with Manipura is RAM (pronounced rum). Chanting this sound creates a vibration that resonates throughout the body, helping to awaken and energise this chakra. You might softly repeat RAM…RAM…RAM…
Allow the sound to kindle your inner fire and resonate throughout your body, reminding you that strength and wisdom already reside within you.
‘As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.’ Marianne Wilson
Until next time,
Blessings,
Taken by Lesley Tilson
With immense thanks for this beautiful sunrise shot taken in Amersham.
Stephanie
May your light shine brightly.