Another pose that helps to balance the Solar Plexus Chakra is Boat Pose or Navasana. This pose may appear to be easy, but when held on pause can strengthen the abdominal muscles, and create focus for the mind. As all Yogi’s know, Yoga is a great way to align body, mind, and spirit.
Today we learn further about our Solar Plexus Chakra and how to balance it using Boat Pose.
Day 9 – Boat Pose
by Brit Labonte, Alek Parkinson and Christi Silbaugh
Your Solar Plexus Chakra is the seat of your will power, control and centre of action and decision. The verb associated with this chakra is “I Do.” The element associated with your Solar Plexus Chakra is fire, which shines bright and yellow. This is your gut instinct, your intuition. When you feel like something is off, or you have butterflies, this is a message from your third chakra.
The main challenge for the third chakra is to use your personal power in a balanced manner. What does this mean? It means consciously harnessing the energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra. It means being proactive rather than reactive, or inactive.
People with excessive third chakra energy react to life circumstances, they have emotional outbursts, and are often stressed out. When your Manipura is blocked or deficient you are often passive and inactive, allowing life to pass you by while doing nothing.
Strong third chakra people reflect the ability to move forward in life with confidence and power. They make conscious choices and choose to act.
The message of the Solar Plexus Chakra is the power to choose. You can choose to achieve your life purpose or you can lay flat and simply live out your past experiences
A pose that helps to balance your Manipura or Solar Plexus Chakra is the Boat Pose. Traditionally in India this pose is based on the idea that your body is a boat that transports you through the tumultuous seas of life, ever further toward God and enlightenment.
What starts as just a pose can not only strengthen your core, and your legs, but also strengthens your mental focus, and stamina. This pose helps carry you to “the other side” of an event or a life change. You begin with your feet on the floor on one side of the shore, and end in the same way on the other side. In between your body lifts, it may sway, and you need to guide it.
Observe your breath throughout. Can you keep it steady? Can you keep your gaze calm even if the journey gets rough sometimes?
George seems to be navigating the seas of life perfectly! It certainly is a dog’s life, especially when you add in yoga!
As with any exercise program you must know yourself and understand your own health before attempting.
Photo Credits in order:
Feature Photo: Double Trouble Boat Pose SUP by HydrateYogaSUP
Boat Pose in Tulum by Tawnie Leake @TawnieLaraye
Boat Pose in the Grass by Deb @MyLifeMyYoga
Boat Pose with a Twist by Tahnee Cattaneo @Tahcat1204
Boat Pose on the Tracks by Robyn Shea @RobynSheaYoga
Bulldog Boat Pose by @BullDog_George from BullDogsofNewYork
