Tend the Fire

We’re continuing our series on Unity Consciousness and the chakras. Having considered the first two chakras, we now reach the solar plexus. As the energy center of personal will, Manipura Chakra poses the greatest challenge to the quest for Unity. “Personal” can mean individualistic while “will” can be stubborn, two qualities that leave little space for the openness needed for inclusion. Also, this is the chakra of the fire element; when fire burns too hot it is all-consuming.

We can gain some perspective, however, if we look at the solar plexus chakra in relationship to the other chakras. As the third chakra it follows the root and the sacral. Root is associated with the earth element, grounding, and the sense of being rooted in a family or tribe. The sacral chakra is water element, flowing creativity, sensuality and pleasure. When these first two are functioning well, the solar plexus chakra becomes the catalyst for knowing ourselves and claiming our power as a unique individual. In this context, fire cleanses, purifies, motivates and burns off what we’re leaving behind. This can be exciting!

Because the solar plexus encompasses the middle abdomen where the hot organs of digestion are located, yoga twists are the best way to activate this part of the body. Bonus: Your digestion and elimination will improve too!

Knocking at the Gate of Life is a chi gung movement that stimulates the organs and calms the nervous system. Stand with your feet shoulder distance or more apart, knees slightly bent. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides and stay easy in all the joints. Twist the upper body while the arms swing from side to side. It’s okay if the arms bounce off the body as you twist because this adds to the stimulation. Breathe easily as you practice for 1-3 minutes. At the end stand still and notice how it feels like the body is still moving.

Reclining belly twist (Jathara Parivarthanasana) can be held for several minutes on each side which will bring release to a tight lower back. Lie down on the back with knees bent and feet on the floor. Slide both hips to the right. Straighten the left leg, place the right foot on the left leg, then use the left hand to rotate the right leg to the left side. Only twist as far as you can while keeping the right shoulder on the floor. You can also use a block, blanket or bolster under the rotated leg. After several minutes, return to the starting position and practice on the second side.

Ask yourself: For what do I “burn”? What am I passionate about?
What needs to “burn off” so I can give myself completely?
Knowing that each person has an inner fire, how can I support others in tending their inner fire?