Not Everyone Is Going To Like You: How the Solar Plexus Chakra Can Help You Shine On With Your Beautiful Self No Matter What Others Think
This is part three in a three part series on how chakras can help you get through the holidays (the New Year included.) Chakras get a lot of flack for being new agey, woo-woo and very impractical and there IS a lot of ungrounded chakra-talk going on out there. But, what happens if we set those judgements and preconceived notions aside and re-frame chakras as a way to learn more about ourselves and how we can feel more confident and centered in our daily lives? If you’ve experienced self-doubt and -loathing, if you’re not sure about your purpose, or you hold judgements about others I encourage you to read on. You might be surprised what your Solar Plexus has to say.Not Everyone Is Going To Like You: How the Solar Plexus Chakra Can Help You Shine On With Your Beautiful Self No Matter What Others ThinkHave you ever had a moment when you were soooooo excited about something that you wanted to share it with your friends or family? Maybe it was a thought-changing concept from a new book you read, a potential career change, a training you were taking, or a new activity that made you feel great. You were excited because it stirred something deep in you, got the wheels of change moving, and you wanted to share it with people who would be excited for you.Think back. You’re bubbling inside. You start sharing your enthusiasm with your peeps convinced they will get just how awesome this new thing is and will join you in your semi-junior high-like enthusiasm for this newfound love and joy.A few heartfelt sentences into your conversation you notice you’re being met with a blank stare, the sound of crickets, or worse, a comment like, “That’s a really bad idea. Why would you do that?”Your gut sinks and you realize that the person you thought “got you” doesn’t really get it.There are a couple of ways I’ve seen this situation unfold once a person hits this point in the conversation. People usually have one of four internal responses:
“Well, shoot, maybe this is a bad idea? This person has known me for a long time. Maybe this is just a phase. I won’t look into that job.”
“Screw you. If you don’t get how awesome this new lifestyle is, it’s because you’re not evolved enough.”
Ignoring or repressing that your conversation mate has completely tuned you out.
“OK. I’m noticing there is a disconnect on this subject. I’m going to take a deep breath. Ask myself if I truly love the ideas from this new book. Look at the ideas from both sides. See if there is a way to make it relatable to this person’s life. If it’s still not happening, that’s okay. I can love these new ideas and they can still be my friend or family. I’m going to keep exploring these ideas and find another friend to talk to about this so I can be supported in this new venture.”
The options mentioned above usually involve (1) abdicating one’s power, (2) Us v. Them thinking, (3) sheer bliss, ignorance, or sociopathic tendencies - you choose what fits best for you, or (4) centered action. Ideally, we all want to be acting from our centered place, respecting and honoring our growth and changing needs while allowing the same space for others, even if that means once-common interests are growing apart.However, if you’ve ever been in a relationship, had a family of origin...or you’re human, then you know there is a lot tied up in how we react to and feel about the people who mean the most in our lives. We can cognitively know it’s okay that our partner doesn’t give two hoots about yoga, but there is a very human part of us that jumps in and starts whispering, “If they really cared about you, they’d care about yoga because it’s been so life changing for you. Heck, they should be doing yoga, too. Yes, then they’d know what your talking about. It would help them, too. Then all would be well in the world!”This is where awareness and strengthening of the solar plexus chakra comes into play. The solar plexus is physically experienced in the core, slightly above the navel and under the ribcage. (Remember the gut-sinking feeling?) It represents your power center - your Core Self. This chakra is all about who you are: your self-esteem, your willpower, self-discipline, and your personality.When this area is physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually strong, you have a sense of your personal power and purpose, you have confidence without squashing others, and you’re responsible, reliable, and warm or charismatic.When this area is out of balance you may feel low self-worth and strongly criticize yourself. You worry about what others think and sink into despair and negativity. Solar plexus imbalances can also manifest in the opposite extreme of being overly judgemental, quick to anger, or an intense drive at the expense of your health or other people. When this chakra is out of balance you may see symptoms in the physical body like digestive issues, eating disorders, diabetes, pancreatitis, liver disease, ulcers, gallstones, and food allergies.This is a lot to think about and who hasn’t had a low self-esteem day or doubted a decision? But, when we think about our lives from the perspective of the solar plexus, we are asked to think about owning our true gifts, strengths, and talents. Are we sharing what we were put on this earth to do or are we hiding it because of what others might think? Are we inadvertently squashing our friends’ and loved ones’ dreams because they make us feel uncomfortable by changing directions, believing something different, or owning their power and strength?When we choose to grow, explore, and get closer to our truth it can rattle other people, especially those closest to us. However, as we strengthen the solar plexus chakra we gain a sense of confidence in ourselves, we can hold onto our truth, and know that we have a purpose and a reason for being on this earth. When we get more confident and centered in ourselves we are less rattled and reactionary to others. With a strong solar plexus we hold compassion and understanding that everyone has their own path, perspectives, and experiences. As this new year begins I invite you to answer a few questions. In exploring the answers you might find you change up a few things. Not everyone is going to like it, but I can guarantee your soul will thank you for listening to it.
What is one thing I deeply want for myself in 2015?
How do I feel in my gut when I think about that one thing? (If you notice you pop into your head, it’s not your truth speaking. What’s your heart, gut, or body telling you?)
What is one action I can take to make that happen?
Who can I tell to support me or help keep me accountable?
In the comments below, I’d love to hear the answer to your questions, how I can help, and how you or others have responded when you’ve ma