Balancing Manipura Chakra in the Natural World
*This is the 4th blog in my chakra series related to emotional/physical/spiritual wellbeing. Here is a link to the first in the series, a brief overview of the chakra system. If you are not familiar with the chakra system I recommend reading this first: https://www.alicebluetherapy.com/blog/processing-trauma-through-the-chakra-system
Fire burns in nature just as it does in our third chakra, Manipura. The Agni(Sanskrit word for fire) within us lights our digestive system to burn through what we need to, emotionally and physically. In nature, flames engulf the forest in a clearing of dead trees and brush that are ready to be transformed. Within our own system, the flames of Manipura chakra burn away excess food, toxins and beliefs that are no longer serving us. This is the home of our courage, confidence and willpower, located directly below our rib cage in the solar plexus. When this chakra is in balance, we feel strong and courageous, with energy to move towards our goals and dreams. We set necessary boundaries with ease. Manipura glows with the shade of golden yellow, the color in the center of a flame. When we work with the powerful energies of Manipura in the natural world, we see our own strength and innate power reflected back towards us. Akin to the radiating strength of the sun, our capabilities are limitless.
Trauma in Manipura
When this chakra is out of balance, we may feel timid or weak, misaligned from our true power. Our Agni isn’t as bright or expansive as we need to step into the true form of ourselves. Trauma in Manipura could be related to experiencing bullying of some form, either at home or elsewhere. The weakening of our center can also result from an abusive relationship, where one partner constantly overpowers the other. When a toxic relationship has weakened our faith in ourselves, our true power isn’t gone, just lying dormant, waiting for the re-lighting of our Agni. Recognizing the re-igniting of the flame is ultimately relieving and invigorating, but can be scary if we haven’t felt the depth of our power in a long time.
The wilderness is an expansive space to unleash and balance Manipura chakra. Often, this chakra exudes more power than we are used to, or even recognize that we are carrying. It can feel impossible to unleash the force of our flame within the four walls of the indoors that separate us from the trees, the sky, the ground, the rivers and rocks. There just isn’t enough space inside a building for the multitudes that lie within us. The third chakra needs a place to expand, so it’s fitting to step outside into the wilds of the natural world to feel our energy in this chakra.
Finding Your Deepest Courage Outside
So we step outside into the mysterious safety of the natural world, and we can feel our feet on the ground, and the reality of the sensations in our body. Our power is there, waiting for us to breathe in fresh, untethered air to stoke the deep flame within us. Here are a few activities to do in the wilderness (could be in your backyard wilderness) to get the fire burning brightly again:
Observe an animal or plant for 5-20 minutes. Intention: Notice the freedom this being exudes and how they live in courage and confidence
Lie in the sunshine (Best to do this in the morning when the rays aren’t too strong, also be mindful of length of time)
Create a nature art representation of you at your most courageous with found beings (i.e. rocks, leaves, fallen branches)
Make a fire in a fire pit outdoors (Ensuring you are following safety precautions and honoring ALL burn bans in your area), stare at the flames and notice the shapes they take, observing the wisdom of fire
Chant “Ram,” the Sanskrit mantra to balance this chakra
When we are working with the 3rd chakra, there is a focus on strengthening our personal power, which impacts the interconnectedness of all humans. When we are able to speak and act in our deepest courage, others are welcomed and inspired to connect to their own power. Healing the wounds of Manipura with wilderness therapy helps us to gather the strength to live in our ultimate purpose.