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!
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Spiritual Cleansing Bath Rituals 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 sending 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 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 ties together the physical body with the inner spirit. When you immerse yourself in a ritual bath, you are participating in an initiation to open yourself up spiritually.Â
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 Cleansing Bath Ritual?
A spiritual cleansing bath ritual is a sacred, intentional practice for releasing negativity, stress, and emotional heaviness while inviting balance, healing, and renewal. Unlike an ordinary bath, this ritual taps into the energy of natural elements—purifying salts, soothing essential oils, and gentle herbs or flowers like lavender or rose petals—chosen for their nurturing and cleansing properties. As you immerse yourself, you set intentions to let go of what no longer serves you, creating space for peace and clarity. Adding meditative touches, like mindful breathing or visualization, deepens the experience, allowing you to feel the water’s gentle energy carrying away worries. It’s a moment to honor yourself, cleanse from within, and step out feeling lighter, refreshed, and energetically renewed.
How to Perform a Cleansing Bath
A cleansing bath is a sacred, rejuvenating practice to clear your aura, release negative energy, and invite inner peace and well-being. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose the Right Time: Pick a bath time when you can be alone without interruptions. This powerful bath is best done once a month, ideally on a Friday close to a full moon for enhanced effects. Energy therapist Lidia Frederico advises against taking it around certain hours: avoid 6 am, 12 noon, 6 pm, or 12 midnight, as well as 30 minutes before and after these times.
- Prepare the Bath: Draw a warm bath and add unrefined salt. For an extra touch, add essential oils (like lavender or sage) and herbs such as rosemary or chamomile, known for their cleansing properties.
- Set Your Intention: As the tub fills, think about what you want to release or bring into your life. Light white candles and play soft music to create a peaceful environment.
- Immerse Mindfully: Step into the water slowly, immersing yourself fully. Visualize negative energy dissolving, replaced by a flow of positive energy. Deep breathing, meditation, or repeating affirmations can help deepen this experience.
- Conclude the Ritual: When you finish, let yourself air-dry if possible, or use a towel just for your head. Drain the bathwater, imagining it carrying away any residual negativity. Embrace the clarity and positive energy you’ve invited into your space.
Allow yourself to carry this renewed energy forward, feeling grounded, uplifted, and aligned with your highest self.
Physical BenefitsÂ
A spiritual cleansing bath ritual can benefit not only your spirit but also your physical well-being. Here are a few key benefits:
- Saltwater soaks help remove toxins.
- Minerals support overall health.
- Skin feels refreshed as impurities clear.
- Relieves aches and sore joints.
- Boosts circulation for a body refresh.
This ritual offers a harmonious way to nurture both body and soul, inviting healing and renewal from within.
