We Didn't Start the Fire!

So we’ve moved on past our Root and Sacral Chakras… We’re getting to the easy part now, right?  Right??  Bueller?? 

Well. Maybe. For some people. For others of us, this is where we really get stuck! In my opinion, our Fire, or Solar Plexus Chakra is most closely associated with the Limbic System. “Okay,” you might say, “But so what?”

So here’s the thing... The Limbic System is in our midbrains. (Ever heard of the gut-brain connection? Well, it’s here!)  It’s where we produce the happy, feel good hormones like dopamine. It’s where our emotions start and tell us if they’re appropriate to express. It’s where we learn what relationships look and feel like, and what attachment and bonding is. It’s where so many things that we think of as ‘personality’ but may actually be trauma responses, get stuck in a pattern. Shame, a common symptom of Childhood Abuse Survivors, PTSD Survivors, and victims of Domestic Violence, gets stored and stuck here... and it is a heavy weight on the Chakra Seesaw.

So if our Solar Plexus Chakra is all balanced...yay us! All is well! 

But if it’s not? Well. Yikes. YIKES!!

So how might an unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra show up?

• Addictions
• Self-harming behaviors
• Failed relationships
• Control issues
• Enabling behaviors

Does any of that sound fun to you? Because to me … not so much! In fact, I’d really rather not! 

But what if you don’t have any of those problems? Well, how about these? An imbalance rarely starts out drastically. They’re subtle and quiet and creep up on us when we’re not looking. This is definitely not a complete list, but some of the most common symptoms look like: 

• Unhealthy or inconsistent sleep patterns
• Stress
• Digestive Problems
• Adrenal Fatigue
• Consistently feeling out of sorts or on edge
• Hyperactivity
• Lack of Energy
• Metabolism Imbalances
• Craving Sour or Citrus Foods
• Feeling a sense of failure at life
• Feeling out of Control
• Finding it hard to say no
• Workaholism
• Constant arguing or stubbornness
• Feelings of shame or unworthiness

Most of us experience some of those feelings sometimes. And that’s okay. It’s what brings full depth to the whole human life experience. It can become a problem, however, when those things keep us from experiencing the life we’d like to live. When our relationships and even our sexuality becomes a cycle of trying to bridge our relationships with our parents, that’s concerning. 

So the good news is … there’s hope! Our habits don’t have to control us. We can respond with love, instead of reacting in self-defense! We can feel empowered and have a strong sense of self, as opposed to holding on to shame. We can use that fire in our bellies to channel that energy up and out and heal ourselves first, and then use it as a bubble of protection while also helping others to heal! In fact, this is a great Chakra to use Sun Salutations for - for that very reason!  Our Summer Solstice Course is a great resource, year round, for learning Sun Salutations (from seated in a chair or supported with a chair - we have both options!) We also offer a course that works specifically on the Sacral Chakra!  If you'd like to dive into this further one-on-one, let’s chat.  We have different options to help you get started!  Email us or book yourself an virtual appointment with Gail!

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