Pranic Awakening: Yogic Breath Practice for The Solar Plexus Chakra
Your inner sun
Your inner sun
Just as our sun is the catalyst for exchanging the energies of creation and powers life on Planet Earth, the Solar Plexus Chakra is our energy nexus. As the sun is the messenger of the gods, this Chakra is our connection between the physical and Spiritual.
The third Chakra is the solar plexus chakra, or Manipura in Sanskrit.
This Chakra, located two inches above the navel, is associated with the color yellow, the elements of air and fire, and the note ‘E.’
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Hatha yoga poses such as Plank Pose and Boat Pose build core strength and cultivate confidence and self-esteem.
Energy from the lower two Chakras, as cultivated by our food sustenance, is colored or given a quality by our sense of self, desires, and emotions.
When the life force rises from these centers to the third Chakra, it is available to the personal will. This energy will be murky if thoughts of self-loathing, fear, anger, and disappointment are present in the mind.
These lower-energy tendencies lead to a weak will and feelings of low confidence and unimportance, which can leave one feeling left out or lost in the world.
Mindful Consciousness
So it is important to practice mindfulness, not catching and running with thoughts, except those you consciously choose to allow and work with.
In the same way, when you have an important phone call, you choose your words carefully. Do this with your inner dialog; you’re having a call with your most dear friend, your personality. Cultivate your thoughts. Excuse thoughts that are not constructive. There is no reason to affirm or confirm a thought that does not serve you.
Realize that all thoughts are all but an energy trail from some distant memory.
Radiance
One must cultivate the mind to imbue energy from the lower chakras with constructive, devotional, and uplifting qualities. One will bring these qualities into the Solar Plexus Center by practicing self-love, acceptance, abundance, and gratitude.
Uplifted higher vibrational energy will then align personal power or personal will with authenticity, develop courage, and trust gut intuition. Solar Plexus Prana, with these positive qualities, supports individuals in overcoming difficulties in life, increasing self-esteem, and fostering confidence to navigate challenges effectively.
When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, there is a harmonious flow of energy throughout the body, fostering a sense of inner strength, confidence, and empowerment. This balance enables you to take appropriate action, make clear decisions, and maintain a healthy self-worth.
Spiritual development is intensified through devotion and gratitude for the Universal Life Force.
Kundalini
In time, this will transmute into an increasing quantity of Kundalini energy. When the Kundalini energy is unwinding and flowing upward through the spinal channels, the Chakras will, in turn, vibrate in intensity and transmit each center’s highest quality, sensation, and emotional pitch upward.
When this occurs, the vitality of the True Self descends through the Crown Chakra and aligns with each of the Chakras. Once completed, the Universal Life Force becomes the dominant presence in the body. The radiance and energy of the True Self dissolve the lower self or personality.
Attainment
The Kundalini unwinding process will only occur once enough tension propels the lower self’s energies to the Higher Self’s vibration. This constraint comforts us that we are in no danger of ‘pushing up’ Kundalini if we are not ready.
The only concern that can arise is an imbalance of energies in the system that may lead to emotional overload and crash. However, just like a vessel, you can fill up again, but the next time, instead of gasoline, use lamp oil. Eventually, you will get the recipe just right.
Breath of Fire or Skull Shining Breath
One of the best breathing practices for cultivating Solar Plexus energy and balance is the Breath of Fire or Kapalabhati breath, also known as Skull Shining Breath.
This energizing pranayama breathing technique involves forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations.
This practice clears the lungs, nasal passages, and the mind, bringing lightness and clarity to the brain’s frontal region.
Kapalabhati offers various benefits, including improving lung function, circulation, mental clarity, sensory perception, memory, digestion, blood purification, and immunity.
It is essential to note that pregnant or menstruating women should not perform Kapalabhati breathing exercises. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions should consult their doctor before starting the training. For example, if you have conditions such as high or low blood pressure, heart disease, hernia, gastric ulcer, epilepsy, vertigo, or migraine headaches, it is recommended that you consult with a medical professional before performing the exercise.
The exercise
For optimal results, it is recommended that you practice Kapalabhati on an empty stomach. This breathing technique involves rapid abdomen contractions during exhalation while allowing passive inhalation to occur naturally.
Starting with a few repetitions and gradually increasing the number over time can help strengthen the abdominal muscles and enhance the benefits of this exercise.
Watch and Practice
Our favorite YouTube video of the practice comes from Abhi Duggal from The School of Breath:
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