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:
About the Author
Balance Your Seven Chakras Through the Power of Affirmations
As you may realize by now, there are lots of ways to balance your chakras. Did you know that affirmations is one of the most powerful ones? It’s all because our thoughts create our reality, and by regularly practicing positive chakra balancing affirmations, we can achieve results in our lives that we couldn’t even imagine!
If you need a refresher on chakras, the word “chakra” derives from the Sanskrit language and literally translates into “spinning wheel.” Understanding our chakras has its roots even in ancient yogic traditions. There are seven major chakras or energy centers in our body, each of which corresponding to a particular color-coded vibrational frequency in the universe which influences our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When our chakras are perfectly aligned with the universal flow of energy, every aspect of our life becomes harmonious and joyful. In balance with your chakras, you reclaim perfect health, and your love and passion for life is made new again.
Ready to get started? Sit or lie down in a quiet place and focus on the location of each chakra. You can say these out loud, or you can silently meditate on each affirmation; whatever you are most comfortable with. Be sure to visualize a wheel spinning face-up in a clockwise direction in the specific color frequency of each chakra as you proceed:
- Root Chakra
The root chakra is located at the base of our spine and corresponds to the color red. This chakra relates to our basic human instinct for survival, security and stability.
Affirmation:
“I am a divine being of light, and I am peaceful, protected and secure.”
- Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra is located just below our navel in our lower abdominal region. The color of this chakra is a deep, saturated orange and relates to reproduction on a physical level, creativity and joy and relationships on an emotional level and our energy and passions on a spiritual level.
Affirmation:
“I am radiant, beautiful and strong and enjoy a healthy and passionate life.”
- Solar Plexus Chakra
This chakra is located above our navel and directly in our stomach area. The solar plexus chakra therefore plays a vital role in digestion and glows in a bright yellow color. This chakra deals with growth and pertains to issues of the intellect, personal power, control and spiritual evolution.
Affirmation:
“I am positively empowered and successful in all my ventures.”
- Heart Chakra
The heart chakra is located in the centre of the chest and spins with the vibrant green color of spring. This chakra is one of the most important meditation tools for cleansing and clearing spiritual imbalances. The key issues related to the heart chakra are unconditional love, compassion and wellbeing.
Affirmation:
“Love is the answer to everything in life, and I give and receive love effortlessly and unconditionally.”
- Throat Chakra
This chakra is centered in our throat and exudes a pale blue light. The throat chakra governs our ability to express and communicate clear thoughts and ideas. It is also related to truth, maturity, independence and the ability to trust others.
Affirmation:
“My thoughts are positive, and I always express myself truthfully and clearly.”
- Third Eye Chakra
The third eye chakra is positioned in the center of our forehead, between our eyebrows. Also known as the brow chakra, it spins in a deep saturated dark blue hue and helps us tap into our inner guidance and divine vision. This chakra deals with developing intuitive clarity, releasing repressed emotions and attaining self realization.
Affirmation:
“I am tuned into the divine universal wisdom and always understand the true meaning of life situations.”
- Crown Chakra
The crown chakra is located at the top of our head or in the crown area and corresponds to the violet color. The role of this chakra is based in awakening consciousness and attaining enlightenment through the integration of the self into the one universal form of intelligence.
Affirmation:
“I am complete and one with the divine energy.”
