Manipura

(I've been working on my Chakras for a while now, and I feel like it's an ongoing process, but that I'm really starting to understand the process and myself a lot more...here is just a bit of what I've learned for you to start your own practice and healing...)

What are Chakras?
 Chakra's (pronounced Cha-kra, like chocolate chip...thanks Sam and Kaoverii!) are mental and emotional energy centers placed along your spine. Asana's (yoga poses) were invented to help heal and release blockages within your chakra system. ANYONE can work on their Chakra's- without going against their religious beliefs.  Learning about your chakra's gives you access to your bodies physical responses so you can minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive ones!
 There are currents of energy that course throughout your body - like a road map they are plentiful, but there are 4 main highways...the first two are-
 The upward current-Mukti or the freedom path runs from the earth and rises through the body toward ever more awareness.
The downward current Bukti or manifestation  starts at the crown of your head and goes down towards the earth growing more and more specific until it manifests on a physical plane.

Peoples issues are almost never physical but always tied to mental or chakra energy. Heal that and heal yourself.

Manipura is the Solar Plexus or Naval Chakra. This chakra is involved with self-esteem, a “warrior” energy.”  It gives the power of transformation, governs digestion, metabolism, can take risks, assert our will, take responsibility for our life. It controls actions such as ambition, possession and conquest.As the seat of digestive fire, this Chakra regulates the function of the Pancreas and digestive organs. Blockages in this center can cause many health problems such as digestive disorders, circulatory disease, diabetes and fluctuations in blood pressure.This is where you also hold your guilt, shame, and annoying behaviors. 

Many people hide behind substance abuse when this chakra is out of whack...spinning in place and never getting anywhere...

 I recommend journaling everyday, and also meditating and doing asana's. While working on your Manipura Chakra ask yourself a few questions while sitting grounded comfortably and concentrating on the chakra such as...

* How do you control yourself? What issues do you have with control?
*How can you channel you energy into something more productive?
*What can you start doing TODAY, to move forward?

When you meditate, focus on your tummy(naval) picture a bright shining light feeling you up, warming you up, and ridding you of darkness. Picture upward flow, un blocking the angst and weight that sits there.

If you feel as if this is a journey you can't handle on your own, you're welcome to email me ( happysappytrees@gmail.com) with questions and comments. I would be happy to help in any way I can. I'm no expert, but,  I have been working on myself since I realized I was alive. It's a never-ending journey and I'm constantly being taught by others around me as well as my subconscious. You can never have enough knowledge or growth! I'd love to hear about your journey!

 I will be offering an on-line workshop based on healing, art,  chakras and intuition starting in January. I hope that you will join me for that as well!