Sparking Your Inner Fire

By Nancy Ruby

The MANIPURA CHAKRA is directly related to selfconfi dence and self-esteem, and plays an integral role in developing autonomy, our identity and individualism. The third chakra is also the home of willpower, the ego’s favorite hangout, and the source of most of our “gut” instincts. It has a driving, fi ery energy that propels us out of inertia and into action so we can accomplish our life’s goals. This energy center is all about personal power.

SELF-DETERMINED

A healthy third chakra translates into self-confi dence and warmth, with a vigorous (but not overbearing) amount of self-esteem. You respect yourself, take pride in who you are, and know how to say “no.” You know who you are as an individual and you’re not dependent or defi ned by others’ ideas about you. You’re able to meet life’s challenges responsibly and have enough self-discipline to work hard, which makes you successful at reaching your goals, as well as setting new ones.

WHO, ME?

But when our third is on overdrive, you might be the life of the party, dominating the scene with your personality and will. You might manipulate, control and work the situation the way you want so you’ll benefi t the most. You can be egotistical, quick to anger if things don’t go your way, quick to argue or fi ght or lie or defend “your side.” And oh, how you have a need, always, to be right.

BALANCE YOUR THIRD CHAKRA

To get this chakra healthy you’ve got to laugh deep in your belly and do some vigorous exercise. Build a powerful core and you’ll feel powerful. Do things that help you take healthy action and build up your self-confi dence. Create an action-oriented plan to help you take steps toward achieving your goals. If you are naturally competitive and your day is already crammed with nonstop projects and activities, go the other direction. Try toning down some of your excessive extracurricular activities and perhaps add some calming, restorative yoga or walking meditation. Consider cutting out a few activities and spend more quiet time doing absolutely nothing with yourself. If you sense you need to be the center of attention, try backing out of the spotlight a bit, perhaps letting someone else rule conversation. Pay attention to how it feels to not to be so active or at the center all the time. If you are not sure how you come across or how you might appear to others consider asking them. Sit down with your friends, family or colleagues and have them honestly describe how they experience you. It might not be easy, but it can be very revealing and cathartic

OWN YOUR POWER

Know that you were born to Be All That You Can Be and you have every right to shine as a powerful, selfdetermined, self-defi ned spiritual super heroine who is not afraid to kick some serious ass. Know that the more you develop and expand your Self, the bolder, brighter, more colorful and empowered you will become. American

Nancy Ruby runs YogaMotion Wellness Academy in Bozeman and describes herself as an educator, joyologist and lifestyle engineer. She has been sharing her teachings in yoga and wellness education for the past 40 years. Ruby currently specializes in supporting the health and wellbeing of Baby Boomers and beyond.