chakra three - MANIPURA - transformation

"What is this life flowing in our bodies like fire? What is it? Life is like a hot iron. Ready to pore. Choose the mold and life will burn it."
- Mahabharta

Color ~ YELLOW

Sound ~ RAM

Element ~ FIRE

Sense ~ VISION

Location ~ NAVEL REGION, SOLAR PLEXUS

Sanskrit ~ MANIPURA (lustrous gem)

Principals ~ Willpower, Immortality, Fame, Freedom, Personal Power

Systems ~ Digestive (intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen), Muscular

Yoga Focus ~ vigorous flow, warrior poses, twists

Manipura, the 3rd chakra, deals with transformation, motivation and "will power". Manipura is where our life's purpose meets our life force. Knowing our life's inner and outer purpose motivates us and gives guidance to the will of our power. Being empowered, having a healthy ego, self esteem and respect for the other, eliminates the dynamic of winner vs. loser.

When we say "I AM !" as a complete affirmation without a need to add something, we are then able to see the completeness, the "I AM !" in all beings. This way we have full esteem for ourselves and others, our energy will not over power the other, but instead the energy will be free to empower, lighting the spark which starts the fire which is the impetus for transformation.

The foods and activities suggested below are a few of the simple changes that can bring holistic benefits to our lives.

This is the time to address any personal addictive behaviors, including issues you have with food. Seek out programs or people that can help.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Don't be afraid of being too RADICAL ~ ALL of the significant people in history were considered RADICAL in their time (e.g. Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Susan B. Anthony, Albert Einstein, Jesus, Buddha, John Lennon, Eve...)

3rd Chakra Activities

Challenge yourself with vigorous, healthy activities like running, biking and dancing. Try steam therapy or shvitzing (Oy! Sweating is so good for you!)

3rd Chakra Nutrition

Foods to add

complex carbohydrates ~ pastas, breads, cereals, rices

lean proteins and nuts

yellow curry

Foods to avoid

alcohol and other artificial stimulants
caffeine (green and black teas are much healthier for you than coffee)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

What percentage of responsibility do I take for my OWN life?

How to I deal with CONFLICT?

Is there always a winner and a loser in a discussion or situation?
How can everyone WIN?

Am I able to say NO when NO is the "right" answer?

"Finding and living in alignment with the inner purpose is the foundation for fulfilling your outer purpose. It is the basis for true success."

-Eckhart Tolle (A New Earth)

RAM...RAM...RAM