The Solar Plexus

Starting at the center of your belly button, and extending to your breastbone- where your two ribs connect in your chest, the Solar Plexus Chakra (the third chakra), is one that represents a very important aspect in your life: identity. Stemming from identity and defining your self-confidence, and personal power, the Manipura translates into "lustrous gem", and often regards the feeling of intuition ("gut feelings").
Have you ever been in a situation where you have this feeling that something just is not right? A situation where you already know something is going to go extremely well, or another when something is going to go extremely poorly? It is not something you have to think about, but rather a feeling you just have? THIS is what the third chakra represents; a feeling of personal power or personal confidence that becomes a physical feeling of wisdom and sureness. The solar plexus is in the exact location of that feeling. Because of the location and use of the solar plexus, many often refer to it as the warrior of chakra, simply stating that you, as a person, have the confidence to overtake anything in your life and the universal intelligence to know the truth. When your third chakra is balanced, you will feel nothing short of a sense of sophistication and shrewdness amongst personal strength and power.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced

The solar plexus chakra can become overactive when the power we have in our own life begins to extend to other lives, meaning the feeling of wisdom becomes too much. Once the chakra becomes too energized, our reactions inside become quick and powerful; however, those feelings typically lean toward negative energy. They could include quick anger, the need to control and manage others and situations, greediness, as well as a lack of compassion and empathy. Physically, you may experience issues within your digestive system, or even an imbalance in your internal organs such as your pancreas, appendix, liver, and kidneys.
An underactive third chakra, although, can also be significantly problematic. When your own personal power is taken away from you, or in many cases, unnoticed and pushed aside by yourself or another individual, a lack of energy may be present. Signs of need and want increase, along with feelings of insecurity, timidness, and indecisiveness.

Balancing Your Third Chakra

To balance this chakra, you must be aware of what you are feeling, how you are feeling, and your actions/reactions to those around. Opening your heart and extending compassion and empathetic responses is just the beginning. Refocusing your emotions, the way you see yourself and others, and kindling a sense of kindness within must be considered. Concentrate on purifying your personal strength and power; extend to those around.
If, for some reason you are feeling unbalanced and "under the weather", generate a list of talents and abilities YOU possess. Remind yourself of your confidence and your ability to succeed in every aspect of your life; empower your "gut feeling" by creating positive, personal affirmations and moving forward. This will take low energy and turn it into something beautiful.
Each person on this Earth possesses Universal Intelligence; the idea of an all-knowing being beneath the societal-driven human fabricated by this world. The solar plexus encourages you to find that intelligence and stick with it, regardless of what you were taught and the situation you may be in.
Listen to your intuition-- we were born with it for a reason!

Thanks for reading, stay tuned!