Manipura-Solar Plexus Chakra Introduction

What & Where

Manipura is Sanskrit for “Lustrous gem”.  This chakra is where the upward flow of earth energy meets the downward flow of cosmic energy.  It is ruled by fire and the Sun’s energy.  This is where matter and form meet willed action.  The pancreas is the gland of this chakra.  It produces insulin and regulates metabolism.  When we are imbalanced in this chakra, we usually have problems with metabolic processes.  It is located just below the sternum and above the naval and sits over the stomach and the nerve ganglia under the diaphragm.

Main Function

“From earth to water to fire!  Our dance grows, impassioned now as we reclaim our bodies and reach through emotions and desire to find will, purpose, and action.  We grow in Strength, we feel our power rising from our guts, descending from our visions, releasing joyously from our hearts.”—from “Wheels of Life” by Anodea Judith, PhD.

This is where the conscious acts originate, and we move from the strictly physical realm of survival and relationship, to the combined physical and mental level of willed action.  This chakra is where we overcome the fixed inertia of the first two chakras, and like the driver hitting the golf ball we go into action. 

In the second chakra we experience the pain and feel like victims when something bad happens to us.  This is good because we get in touch with our needs, but we need to be able to move from this victim attitude in order to make positive changes to protect ourselves.  If we adopt the attitude that others are responsible for our happiness, then our only hope is that others will change, and we cannot control this.  We need to take responsibility for ourselves and effect the changes necessary to assure our happiness.  Don’t get the idea that there aren’t situations in this world that won’t victimize us, and that there are systems that are unjust; however, our reaction to, and our attitude towards these things will be the difference between becoming a victim or awakening our higher self.

You are the architect of your world.  Everything in it is there because you manifested it by your actions, or lack of action.  Feeling powerless is not the lack of the ability to manifest, but failure to recognize that you are responsible for the creation of your world.  You manifest everything in your world simply by keeping your mind on something.  Do you worry that you are too fat?   Do you spend time thinking about this, fretting; if so, that fretting is like praying for more fat.  Think thin thoughts, think abundant thoughts.  Engage you I AM that I AM, and create your world the way you wish it to be.  There are lots of teachings about how to do this, look at a few.  My favorite is “Wishes Fulfilled” by Dr. Wayne Dyer.

 
“This center is directly related to self-value, a primary quality in our relationships with others and the world around us.  If we fail to honor ourselves and know that we are worthy simply because we exist, our sense of personal identity is weak.  Consequently this chakra deals with self-esteem, confidence and freedom of choice.  It reflects how we see ourselves and exercise our innate power.” ~~Quote from “The Book of Chakras” by Ambika Wauters
 
When one acts from ones personal identity the chakra quickens.  When we allow others to label us, and act in ways just to please others, we deny our selfhood and this chakra becomes unbalanced.  If we are labeled a certain way, and we act only from those labels we are denying our personal identity and avoiding contact with our higher self.  Forming healthy attitudes about who we are, and establishing contact with our higher, spiritual self, allows us to act from personal power and confidence.  This helps us establish and connects us with our innate sense of worth.
 
We don’t need to prove our worth to anyone, as we were born perfectly worthy.  We are value incarnate.  Once we are cognizant of the fact that we are worthy simply because we are alive, we free our life’s energy and force for living.  Any time we deny our worth we give away our power and deplete this chakra, which denies us of love, kindness and respect, and opens us up for manipulation and exploitation.  If we honor ourselves we open ourselves up for respect, kindness and goodness to come our way.  We will act in ways that will place us in situations where we are valued and honored.
 
Gut feelings are generated from this chakra, like butterflies, or a tightening of the whole area when you feel something is wrong.  Our emotions are processed through this chakra, where fire energy burns them up.  Like real fire, the ashes need to be swept clear occasionally in order for the fire to continue to burn properly.  One should strive to rise above the negative emotions, without becoming emotionless or uncaring, but to acknowledge, understand and then release them.  This way the chakra is kept in equilibrium and resists emotional stress.
 
Balancing this chakra helps us not to succumb solely to our head ruling our heart; our left logical side of the brain overwhelming our creative, intuitive, right side.  Balance is the key.  On the societal level this chakra relates to interacting with the world at large as an individual without drowning our personal identity.  This is societal interaction as a whole; outside our “tribal” (root chakra) or “partnership” (sacral chakra) interactions.
 
Related Bodily Functions
 
The associated body parts of this chakra are the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine and muscles.  Ailments caused by an imbalanced or dysfunctional solar plexus chakra are indigestion, acid stomach, acid reflux, ulcers, hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, weight carried around middle and diabetes
 
Over Active
 
Angry, controlling, workaholic, judgmental and superior acting
 
Under active
 
Overly concerned with what others think, fearful of being alone, insecure, needs constant reassurance.
 
Balanced
 
Respects self and others, has personal power, spontaneous, uninhibited.
 
Symbol
 
It is a ten-petal lotus.  Within it is a downward-pointing triangle surrounded by three T-shaped svastikas that are symbolic of fire.  The ram fire God Agni is also depicted.

Svadistthana—The Empress/Emperor Archetype

When you start to shed the martyr archetype you will find that you become comfortable with the good things that come your way in life.  The Empress knows how to enjoy life, and knows that she deserves to be happy and have nice things.  You allow good things into your life.  Pleasure, ease and well-being are enjoyed as you allow yourself to be sated by life’s enjoyments.  Knowing when enough is enough is also part of this, as you listen to your body for the clues that say you are satisfied, and need no more.  Knowing what satisfies you by listening to your body, will protect you from relying on the material things of this world for a substitute for love.
 

The Archetype is comfortable with its place in the world and how their life unfolds.  They have abundance, because they draw it to themselves by letting go of the idea that it is undeserved.  This archetype is comfortable in this world, but does not always have an active spiritual life.  “Its appetite is nourished by life itself and it can have a passionate temperament as well as a jovial sense of humor.  It invites people to come close and it is always welcoming, coaxing people to share in its bounty.”

 

This archetype always exudes the attitude that there is plenty to go around, and that they will always be provided for.  The home is where the heart is for this archetype and they will enjoy making is look nice and sharing hospitality with others.  They enjoy food, drink and pleasures of the body, but understand the limits for good health and conscience.  There is an air of serenity about them and their surroundings that envelops those around them in the warmth of love.

 

The archetype is drawn to things that make it feel good and give pleasure; music, good food, beauty of the country and city, attractive clothes and surroundings. 

The Myth of the Archetype

 

Although this archetype is happy, there is much more to be developed within us.  Many of us are brought up to believe that what we have is the sum of who we are.  If we have many worldly possessions, we are considered worthwhile.  On the other hand, if we have nothing we are considered worthless.  Let’s look at this objectively in terms of this definition of worthwhile.  If a worthwhile person were to lose their job, and as a result their house, would they be a different person?  Let’s say a destitute individual living in a shelter suddenly inherited a million dollars, are they a different person?  The answer, of course, is a resounding No?  So it is very important to love yourself as you are, and not to measure yourself by the strictly materialist society that we have become.

Once you can love yourself, and who you are right now, and place your welfare in the hands of your higher spirit, you will find the Empress/Emperor Archetype available to you.  You will find not only abundance, but spiritual rewards coming to you.

An Activity to Increase Vitality

Move your body in a flowing manner; lift an arm in a graceful upsweep.  Feel the muscles of your body as the arm moves up.  Now lean the body into the upsweep of the arm and feel the muscles respond to your will.  Feel the gracefulness of your movement.  Now follow that movement with the graceful kick of the leg, and place the foot on the floor and follow with your body.  Sweep your other hand around to the back in a smooth graceful motion, and follow this with your leg and body.  Feel those muscles respond to your will, feel the gracefulness and pleasure of the movements.  Continue with the random smooth movements for a few minutes, all the while concentrating on the feel of the muscles movements and the gracefulness, and beauty of the body that is capable of such a range of motion.  Feel the pleasure of the flow of vitality that fills you as this activity continues.  Do this as long as you are able.

Try doing this a few times in a week.  Let me know how it feels.

Confirmations

This is a litany of Confirmations.  These confirmations engage the eternal "I am that I am" in all of us.  It allows you to manifest these things in your life.  You may add any I AM statements that you wish, but avoid using statements such as "I will be"  "I wish to be" or any other derivatives of these type of statements, as the are confirming that you are not yet whatever follows.  You really are all these things, you have to be.  You just can't see it as your minds eye is so tightly shut that you are blind.  This is your eye opener.  You are these things, you can't help but to be, as you are a chip of the creator and have that creative power.  Whatever you believe and confirm about yourself is what you will create for yourself; the good, the bad and the ugly.  You are the Architect of your world, so build wisely.  You are all these things listed and more, it is true, you are that, Amen, so mote it be.

 

• I am beauty.
• I am abundance
• I am happiness and contentment.
• I am sexy.
• I am happy.
• Life is sweet.
• I am prosperity and love having money.
• I am joy.
• I am relaxation

Svaddisthana—The Negative Archetype-The Martyr

The martyr will often take some responsibility for their own situation, which is different than the victim.  However, they are not strong enough to take steps to change their situation from suffering to the happiness that all of us deserve.  This often happens because at some level they believe that they do not deserve to be happy.  They will sacrifice their needs and wants so serve those of others.

Like the victim they feel helpless to change their circumstance.  They will stay in situations that are not wholesome or healthy, and depletes their well-being.  This is because the martyr feels they are not entitled to happiness, therefore it can suffer for years.  Often the martyr feels they are doing “what is best” for their children and spouses, by always serving their needs, and denying their own needs.  This can often lead to bitterness and anger; this is especially true if those the martyr suffers for do not acknowledge the sacrifice the martyr is making.  In denying their true self the martyr gives up its own needs and want, and sets itself up for heartache and bitterness.

This next section is a small quote from Ambika Wauters Chakras and the Archetypes:

“Our culture validates sacrifice and sometimes encourages people to give up their dreams for the sake of others.  Nothing will disempower a person quicker than feeling they must give up their dreams for someone else’s happiness.  Whether it is done for approval or because of a desire to be loved and looked after, it diminishes a person when they do not choose to live their own lives.’

‘Many people collude with the martyr to carry on suffering rather than to take the risks which will transform its life.  Families and friends unconsciously (or consciously in some cases that I have seen-added by Shatril) encourage the martyr to continue its tasks of looking after others so that they are free of the responsibility of having to do it”;( i.e., taking care of aging parents with little or no aid from other siblings. Added by Shatril) –End quote

When the martyr looks like it may break out of the mold, others may make all kinds of negative remarks and actions that are really saying “go back to the way you were, because we don’t know how to handle this new you”.  It scares them to watch the martyr break the pattern because they may then have to learn to do for themselves and find ways to attain for themselves those things which had previously been provided through the sacrifice of the martyr.  All the pressure to return to previous behaviors may return the martyr to its proper place.  It is not easy for martyrs to change their pattern; those who have benefited from their sacrifice often collude to keep them in “their place”. 

Another aspect of the long suffering martyr is its ability to pass their behavior down to their children.  This is down through blame and guilt which then breeds dysfunctional adults.  Most people do not want the think that someone has sacrificed for them, and lots of negative energy such as blame and guilt is generated when the martyr exercises its power to punish others for its sacrifices.  They have suffered so other should also.

“During my seminars when I ask the audience how many can relate to being a Rescuer, a servant, or a Martyr, most hands go up.  Many people resonate to this trilogy because our culture has replaced its emphasis on the virtues of the rugged individual with obsession about victimization.  These three archetypes are patterns of disempowerment, but don’t confuse occasional feelings of martyrdom or a few incidents of rescuing people who were in emotional or financial crisis with an archetype.  We have all helped people, and we have all had “martyr attacks.” ~~Caroline Myss in Sacred Contracts.   We will find that upon occasion we have all exhibited and will continue to   upon occasion exhibit characteristics of all of these archetypes, and this is normal.  What is undesirable is to live ones life out in a negative archetype that controls ones life to the detriment of our mind, body and soul.  This very thing is what can be prevented by the exercises that are provided in this and all the other exercises provided in these lessons.

To move away from the martyr is not easy.  This archetype is often respected and encouraged by society and the people who benefit from its sacrifice.  The first step here is to deeply examine this pattern within you.  Accept that you always have a choice.  You can choose to remain where you are, or choose to step outside of this pattern.  The second thing you need to know is that all people deserve to be happy!!  Everyone deserves to be Happy!!!; including you.  Sometimes we need to realize that the risk of change is worth the effort.  Suffering can be a way for someone to feel special, and with the emphasis that our society puts on martyrdom as a positive way to be in life, it may be hard to move away from that long suffering archetype to something that is healthier for you emotionally and physically.

The choice to be happy is available to us all.

Recognizing the Martyr

Answer the following questions.  Be ruthless in your examination of your answer, and be totally honest with yourself.

• Is it better to give than receive?
• Is someone else more worthy to receive good things than you?
• Do you feel that you are entitled to happiness?
• Do you feel that you deserve the good things in life?
• Is it necessary to sacrifice to have the good things?
• Must you suffer a chronically bad situation to have the good things?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to consider the possibility that you may be operating from a Martyr Archetype.

Exercises to break away from the Martyr Archetype

“The position of the Martyr can be stuck and entrenched.  This is because the Martyr truly believes it is doing the right thing for itself even at the expense of its aliveness and well-being.  It thinks sacrifice is good for the self.  This leaves a large residue of anger and resentment for everyone to deal with and invites contempt and difficulties.  Through sacrifice the Martyr hides its inability or unwillingness to develop its life.  It gets caught in rescuing and fixing other people’s lives, often giving up its own creativity, sexuality and health to do this.  Perhaps worst of all, the Martyr expects sacrifice in return from others as acceptable behavior, when in fact sacrifice erodes people’s potential for a rich and fulfilling life.”  ~~Amibika Wauters in Chakras and their Archetypes.

1. Recall a time when you felt like a martyr.  How did you feel?  Write down on a piece of paper what emotions you experience when you recall this situation.
2. What did you gain and what were your expectations when you made this sacrifice?
3. Do you resent this sacrifice?
4. Are you willing and able to take responsibility for this situation without guilt or self-recrimination.  Your ability to do so will aid you to avoid this situation again.
5. Can you accept your need for love and appreciation?  Can you accept that your willingness to sacrifice yourself was an attempt to win love and approval from others?  Can you accept that you needn’t sacrifice yourself to be loved?  Love belongs to you simply because you exist.  If this is too difficult for you to accept give some thought to your feelings of entitlement to love and happiness.

Meditation to Release the Martyr Archetype

 Ground and relax is whatever method suits you.  Play music or burn incense if you choose.  When you feel relaxed and calm begin this visualization.

Visualize a situation in which you felt like a martyr, where you felt you were sacrificing your creativity and happiness for someone else or a cause.  Feel the emotions that this visualization brings up.  Are you angry? Resentful? Disappointed? Unbelieving?  Feel them to their fullest, now say (aloud or in your head) “I am (define the emotion) at you (the person or group) for not seeing what I sacrificed for you.”  Say it until you feel that you have been heard by those who have caused this emotion.

Now imagine that you have been recognized for the sacrifice.  Imagine that the person or group is saying:  “I/we see what you have sacrificed and are grateful to you for this.  I/we release you from this need so that you may do what is necessary for yourself.”  Repeat this until you are convinced of its validity.  Once you are convinced say “I release this into the Earth so that this energy may be recycled in a positive way.”

Repeat this process as many times as you feel necessary to release yourself from the bonds of the Martyr.  You should also use it whenever you feel yourself slipping into this archetype.

Activities to Thwart the Martyr

The quickest way to keep the Martyr at bay is to do those things that you enjoy.  Do things that make you happy, and that are rewarding in and of themselves.  Listen to your inner spark of the divine when it suggests some activity that you will enjoy.  And to the degree that you can without being carted off to jail for child neglect stop the sacrifice of yourself and your creativity for others.  As often as possible do something that you enjoy, such as visiting friends, talking on the phone, write a poem, paint, craft something. 

Do the confirmations for this chakra.

The positive archetype will be posted soon.