Screen Shot 2017 11 24 At 13.33.28

manipura

“Manipura cakra is as radiant and bright as the sun dominating the dawn.” Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā 3.75

 

Practising, learning, writing about and teaching yoga inspired by the cakra has been magical this term, but as one student observed – ‘we aren’t exactly going through them in order are we?!’ It has indeed been a wandering odyssey and (for me at least), a good thing to explore the topic freely.

 

The manipura (the city of jewels) is the cakra at the navel. Here we can own our personal power. Here is the home of willpower, courage and commitment to see things through.

 

In honouring the energy of the cakra we find a zest for life, able to adapt and change if necessary, with enthusiasm. It is associated with the fire that transforms:- food into energy and ideas into action. We may need tapas (heat, discipline) to stay in our own strength and fulfil our potential in the world. Finding the balance between giving our power away and projecting it too forcefully, is the project here. This is the golden yellow world of the manipura.

 

“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” Michelle Obama

 

If you are practising at home you might like to explore twisting postures and consider whether your diet is nourishing your energy.