We look at the chakras, our primary energy centers within the body, in order to understand ourselves better. Each has its own properties and each works in conjunction with the ones below and above. When individual chakras are functioning optimally, and all are coordinated, humans express themselves in a healthy way. This essay looks at the third chakra, its properties and how it functions.
The first chakra, our root, is principally involved with security, stability and physicality. We build the foundation of life through the recognition and development of our basic needs. This chakra is about us as individuals. In order to function well, we must be grounded (feet planted firmly on the ground) to know and accept our physical presence in the world. Our second chakra, the sacral center, introduces us to life within and outside ourselves. We must begin to consider not only our individuality, but the presence of others as well, in order to integrate differences, change, and movement. We become aware of emotions and desires. For this chakra to be balanced, there is a need for motion on a basic physical, emotional and mental level. Too much motion overwhelms this chakra and too little constricts it.
The third chakra is the solar plexus center. It is concerned with how we express ourselves in the world. Are we bold or timid? Do we go after what we want, or shy away from taking care of ourselves. When we speak of fire in the belly, it is a reference to the level of motivation we feel in our lives. “As we put together matter [first chakra] and movement [second chakra], we find that they create a third state, energy. If we rub two sticks together, we eventually get a spark that can ignite a fire. In the physical world, we call this combustion. In the body, it relates to metabolism. Psychologically, it relates to the spark of enthusiasm that ignites power and will; in our behavior, it is the realm of activity.” [1] The third chakra, sometimes called the ‘navel chakra’, is our power and will center. Its purpose is to transform our natural state of inertia, the second chakra tendency to maintain the status quo, to a more active state that manifests our needs and wants.
Our self-esteem is an important aspect of the third chakra. It dictates how power and will are expressed. “Self-esteem comes from a realistic sense of self… Initially this comes from the body and the physical identity. This gives us our edges and boundaries. Next it comes from the second chakra and our emotional identity, which brings aliveness to our experience of self, and keeps us happy and in touch. Thirdly, self-esteem comes from trial and error as we reach out, take risks, succeed and fail, and in doing so, gain a realistic sense of our own abilities.”[2] High or low self-esteem forms from the proper or improper functioning of the first and second chakras. If our basic needs are met, we feel secure, and our emotional development is positive, self-esteem will be strong. On the other hand, any weakness in the development of the first two chakras will have a detrimental impact on self-esteem. The severity will be influenced by the degree of imbalance in these chakras. Thus, how we express our self-esteem becomes the basis for the functioning of our will.
Our will helps make things happen. It helps us to know what foods we want to eat, the car we choose to drive, the trips we want to take. It is influenced by the first two chakras. With a strong foundation, our emotional needs met, and high self-esteem, we exert our will to benefit ourselves in a healthy way. We show confidence, assertion, discipline, and a zest for life. When self-esteem is low, there is a tendency toward doubt. This interrupts the momentum needed to push forward in life, causing us to feel stymied and powerless. Unfortunately, old patterns continue to be reinforced as long as we tolerate them, and are unaware of, or are resistant to the importance of change. Healing this chakra requires 1) recognition of undesirable situations, 2) realization of the damage lower emotions foster, 3) the awareness of unmet needs and desires, 4) overcoming resistance to change, and 5) overcoming reliance on the opinions of others. Restoring our will to health can help us move mountains. “Will is the realization that we can regard each challenge as an opportunity to awaken our highest potential.” [3]
Finally, our power is about how we direct the energy of the solar plexus. There are two kinds of power, Anodea Judith tells us in Wheels of Life. The first is “power over”, which involves the domination of one over another. This is a common understanding of power, which often leads to unhappiness and dissatisfaction. However, a second type of power, “power within”, is a much healthier expression. This power is personal and universal. It embodies confidence in self and enthusiasm for life; it is a distinct expression of our personal freedom and autonomy; it expresses itself as a willingness to change for one’s greater good; and it holds personal responsibility for society’s good. So when self-esteem and will are weak, so is our power. Our horizons are limited. Instead of growth and expansion, we remain attached to patterns and behaviors that give us comfort in their familiarity, but often keep us in a state of discontent.
No one wants to feel powerless. But if we are conscious that we are, there are ways to change. It takes a lot of work, commitment, and a great deal of time to make corrections, but it is possible and it is worth it. The third chakra can be like a mighty and powerful lion, who takes care of himself and his pride, or it can be like a timid sheep, who lives life in a limited fashion. Which will you be?
1. Judith, Anodea: Wheels of Life, Llewellyn Publications, Woodbury, Minnesota, 2015. p. 152.
2. Ibid. p. 164-5.
3. Ibid. p. 170-1.
