The Solar Plexus Chakra: Foods for Self-Esteem
The solar plexus chakra represents self-esteem and willpower, and governs the stomach and other digestive organs. This chakra is located in-between the naval and the base of the sternum. By strengthening this chakra you will reach a state in which you can shake off your fear of rejection, criticism and of standing apart from the group. By strengthening this chakra, you will be able to create your own, unique identity.
Manipura, sanskrit for solar plexus chakra, also houses a lot of important internal organs and is vital to our health by way of keeping us balanced. If you are experiencing a blocked manipura chakra you could be overly concerned with what others think, fearful of being alone, insecure and in need of constant reassurance. We also harbor feelings of being angry and judgmental when this yellow center of energy is unbalanced.
There are many foods, herbs and spices which can assist this energy center. Drinking kombucha can assist the digestive organs as well as rices, flaxseed and sunflower seeds. Chamomile, turmeric, cumin and fennel also aid this chakra. Any kind of yellow foods are great to have around. Lemons, bananas, corn and butternut squash are especially good to have on hand for days when the chakra is vibrating at a low frequency.
Recipe: Southwestern Buttnernut Squash
One recipe I really enjoy is for Southwestern Butternut Squash. The following recipe is for two.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 cup of cooked black beans
- 1 cup corn
- Small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow or red bell pepper, diced
- 1 bunch green onion
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Vegan pepper jack cheese
- Cilantro, salsa, and /or avocado for topping
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Halve and seed your squash, and then hollow out each side just enough to form a shallow boat. Brush the squash with some coconut oil and roast with the meaty side facing down for 30-40 minutes.
Meanwhile, sauté your onions and garlic in a pan until slightly brown. Add bell peppers and spices, and sauté for about 5 minutes or so. Add beans and corn and green onions then stir. Sauté a few minutes longer and remove from heat.
Remove squash from oven and stuff it with your filling. Top with some vegan cheese and and any other topping, return to oven for about 5-10 minutes. For the kiddos top with some vegan ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Read the Other Articles in This Series:
Spiritual Cleansing Baths for Healing Your Aura
Regularly cleansing your aura and personal energy is an essential act. Whether or not you know it, you come into contact with various people and environments, all of which have their own energy vibrations. Not all of these frequencies are high and positive.
Thus, your energy field is constantly taking in and putting out vibrations. Some energy vibrations within your thoughts and external influences are low and will bring you down if left unchecked. While our energy body is constantly readjusting itself to bring our energy back into harmony, the negative energies can linger and build up over time. A monthly salt water bath is an easy and very relaxing way to cleanse your aura of negative energy.
We’ve mentioned other methods before, so why a bath? It’s because it’s a great ritual that combines to tie in body and spirit. When you immerse yourself in a ritual bath, you are participating in an initiation to open yourself up spiritually.
Ritual bathing cleanses you from physical and spiritual grime, thus purifying both your body and your aura. It signifies that you are willing to listen to your Higher Self and begin to trust something outside of your rational mind. It indicates that you are open to asking the universe to transform what you believe needs to be changed within yourself.
What is a Spiritual Bath?
We’ve mentioned other methods before, so why a bath? It’s because it’s a great ritual that combines body and spirit. When you immerse yourself in a ritual bath, you are participating in an initiation to open yourself up spiritually.
Ritual bathing cleanses you from physical grime and negative spiritual grime, thus purifying both your body and your aura. It is a signal that you are willing to listen to your Higher Self and begin to trust something outside of your rational mind. It indicates that you are open to asking the universe to transform what you believe needs to be changed within yourself.
How to Take a Spiritual Bath
Taking a spiritual bath is a sacred and rejuvenating practice that can help cleanse your aura and release negative energy while promoting inner peace and well-being. To begin, start by selecting a time when you can have uninterrupted solitude. This first bath is to be used only once a month, as it is very strong. It’s recommended to try it on a Friday close to a full moon for the best results. Energy therapist Lidia Frederico also advises, “DO NOT prepare or have the bath around 6 am, 12 noon, 6 pm, or 12 midnight, including half an hour before and afterward (so NOT between 5:30-6:30 or 11:30-12:30 for both am & pm)!”
Draw a warm bath. Then, add bath ingredients like unrefined salts, optional essential oils (such as lavender or sage), and optional herbs like rosemary or chamomile, which are known for their purifying properties. As you fill the tub, set your intention for the bath, focusing on what you wish to release or manifest. Before getting in, light some candles and play soothing music to create a serene atmosphere.
Step into the water mindfully, immersing yourself completely while envisioning the negative energy dissolving and being replaced by positive vibrations. Take deep breaths, meditate, or recite affirmations to enhance the bath experience. After your bath, allow yourself to air-dry (preferably) or use a robe and towel (just for your head), and dispose of any bathwater down the drain. Feel the newfound sense of clarity and renewal that a spiritual bath can provide, embracing the positive energy that surrounds you.
Benefits of Spiritual Bathing
Though they are different, spiritual bathing or ritual bathing can have great effects on your physical well-being, as well. Here are just a few benefits:
- The skin is an organ of elimination, and a saltwater soak will draw toxins and heavy metals from the tissues.
- The essential trace minerals your body needs are absorbed through the skin to improve health.
- Skin conditions can be aided as bacteria and other debris are also drawn from the skin, leaving the skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.
- Saltwater baths can help relieve muscular aches and pains as well as sore joints
- Circulation is increased, which your body can always use