Manipura: Awakening the Solar Plexus Chakra

Written By Lauren Leduc

Personal Power, Purpose, and the Fire Within

As the chakra journey continues, attention moves upward from grounding and flow into the solar plexus chakra, known in Sanskrit as Manipura. This energy center is the seat of personal power, clarity, and purposeful action. It is where intention becomes movement and inner knowing transforms into embodied confidence.

Building on the foundation of the root chakra (stability and safety) and the sacral chakra (creativity and emotional flow), the solar plexus invites a deeper exploration of willpower, discipline, and self-trust. This is the energetic center that asks:
Who am I? What am I here to do? And how do I act on my purpose?

What Is the Solar Plexus Chakra?

Manipura is located in the upper belly, just above the navel near the diaphragm. It is associated with:

  • Element: Fire

  • Color: Yellow (like sunlight or flame)

  • Symbol: A ten-petaled lotus with an inverted triangle, representing transformative fire

Energetically and physiologically, the solar plexus chakra is connected to digestion, metabolism, the pancreas, and nervous system regulation—especially when it comes to task orientation and follow-through.

This chakra governs:

  • Confidence and self-trust

  • Willpower and determination

  • Healthy boundaries

  • Discipline and courage

  • Personal identity and aligned action

Solar Plexus Chakra & Yoga Philosophy

Tapas: The Fire of Discipline

Manipura is closely linked to Tapas, one of the Niyamas of yoga. Tapas is not about punishment or force—it is the inner heat of devotion. It is the steady willingness to show up again and again with intention. This disciplined fire fuels transformation and keeps purpose alive through consistency.

Dharma & Svadharma

The solar plexus is also where Dharma, particularly Svadharma (one’s individual purpose), moves from idea into action. Many people feel inspired but struggle to act—Manipura is the energetic bridge that turns vision into lived experience.

Karma Yoga & the Bhagavad Gita

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is called to act with clarity and courage, practicing Karma Yoga—selfless action aligned with purpose and free from attachment to results. This mirrors the balance of Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (non-attachment): showing up fully, then letting go of outcomes.

Signs of Balance and Imbalance

Balanced Manipura

  • Healthy confidence without ego

  • Clear decision-making and follow-through

  • Empowerment without dominance

  • Strong yet flexible boundaries

  • Warm enthusiasm and motivation

Underactive Manipura

  • Self-doubt and indecision

  • People-pleasing

  • Low motivation or feeling stuck

  • Digestive discomfort

  • Feeling powerless or unseen

Overactive Manipura

  • Perfectionism and control

  • Anger or impatience

  • Overworking or burnout

  • Rigidity and over-identification with achievement

Practices to Strengthen the Solar Plexus

On the Mat

  • Core work: Boat Pose, Plank, Forearm Plank

  • Twists: To release stagnation and ignite inner fire

  • Warrior poses: Embody courage and strength

  • Backbends: Camel, Bow, and Bridge (supported by core engagement)

  • Breathwork: Kapalabhati or Breath of Fire

  • Sun Salutations: Honoring Surya, the sun, and inner heat

Energetically, practices may include visualizing light or flame in the belly, lengthening the inhalation to expand the diaphragm, and focusing on inner strength rather than outward appearance.

Off the Mat

  • Journaling about goals and purpose

  • Establishing and honoring boundaries

  • Taking one small, courageous action

  • Eating warm, spiced, nourishing foods

  • Creating a supportive morning routine

  • Celebrating small wins

  • Saying no to what drains energy

  • Gently facing what has been avoided

Affirmations for Manipura may include:
I am strong. I trust myself. I act with purpose. I can do hard things with grace.

Personal Power with Compassion

True empowerment is not domination. A balanced solar plexus supports power with others, not power over others. This chakra invites leadership rooted in humility—showing up as the person you once needed, acting with integrity, and releasing ego-driven ambition.

Strength and softness are not opposites. When discipline is paired with compassion and surrender, inner fire burns steadily rather than destructively.

Reflection Prompts

  • Where in my life do I feel powerful?

  • Where am I giving my power away?

  • What action is my intuition asking me to take next?

  • What fear am I ready to release in 2026?

  • What does confidence feel like in my body?

Continuing the Journey

For those wishing to explore the chakras more deeply, Lauren Leduc’s book Embody Your Inner Goddess offers a week-long exploration of each chakra, blending philosophy, embodiment, reflection, and daily practices.

Yoga teachers interested in advanced energetics, sequencing, and intuitive leadership can also explore the 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training offered through True Love Yoga, where each chakra is studied in depth as part of a month-long immersion. Learn more about teacher training here:
👉 https://www.trueloveyogakc.com/yoga-teacher-training/

To listen to the full episode and explore more teachings on yoga philosophy and energetics, visit:
👉 https://deepen-your-practice.castos.com/

Lauren Leduc
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Sankalpa, Consistency, and the Path of Mastery