Does anybody need a confidence boost? This week’s classes are centered on improving your confidence and enhancing your willpower. By turning your attention and focus on your navel or Manipura Chakra, you’ll stoke your inner fire or “tapas” and step into your personal power.
According to yoga philosophy, we are made of three bodies, the physical, subtle, and the causal. The subtle body mirrors the physical body and consists of energy channels called nadis. The seven primary chakras flow along the Sushumna Nadi, which runs along your spine. In Sanskrit, chakras mean wheels of light and each one relates to different emotions and states of being. The Manipura chakra is the third chakra, located at your solar plexus. Yes, that means plenty of core work will do the trick!
When you’re feeling self-assured, courageous, and shining your brightest, your Manipura chakra is steady. Clear signs of imbalanced Manipura show up as acting arrogant and bombastic or on the flip side, being plagued by self-doubt and insecurity. Life isn’t a straight line path and we all have periods where we question ourselves or over-estimate what we can accomplish. No matter how you’ve been feeling, focusing on your solar plexus will shift you back into balance.
To balance Manipura, try twisting asanas (postures) like Parivritta Trikonasana (Twisting Triangle) and seated and supine twists. Another physical benefit of asanas emphasizing your center is that they stimulate your internal organs and improve digestion and elimination. When the prana in your body is flowing freely, you feel lighter and more joyful.
Core strengthening asanas like Navasana (Boat Pose) and Phalakasana (Plank Pose) will both stoke your determination and protect your spine. Your center is considered the powerhouse of your being––not just physically but emotionally. Another way to focus on building a more powerful center is through balancing postures, which require you to engage your core. The attention to muscular engagement gives your Manipura chakra a boost.
Another way to increase your self-confidence is through guided meditations and practicing mantras like “So hum” which means “I am” and boosts your ego. Trust your gut feelings and stimulate your solar plexus energy with us this week! This week’s classes were specifically created to build your self-confidence, strengthen your core, and help you show up feeling your best. Enjoy!
Kristin Gibowicz - What's Wrong with Being Confident?
Dana Damara - Chakra Flow Series: Manipura Chakra
Denelle Numis - Manipura Movement Flow