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Yoga for the third chakra: Ignite personal power
The third chakra, located at the belly or solar plexus, relates to our sense of personal power and will. It’s the center where we literally digest food and figuratively digest life experiences. Yoga for the third chakra typically involves firing up the core and strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Boosting your sense of personal will diminish problems like people pleasing and helps you create the energy to actualize your deepest desires. You’ll also develop insane core strength and enjoy more balance.
Your guide to yoga for the third chakra.
Navasana (boat pose)
This asana fires up the core like no other. To modify, keep the knees bent, calves parallel to the floor. Hold for anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute before releasing, or five to 10 breaths. You could make this pose dynamic, inhaling as you lower the feet and shoulders to the ground before exhaling back up into the full pose.
Uttihita Chaturanga Dandasana (plank pose)
This pose is a fabulous core strengthener. It’s gentle enough for just about everyone to do and a relatively safe pose because it’s supported and doesn’t involve movement. Make sure your wrists align with your shoulders and press the floor away to take weight out of the wrists. Hold this pose as long as you can, preferably anywhere from 30 seconds to one minute or five to 10 breaths.
Vasisthasana (side plank)
Another great core builder, access this pose from plank pose. Shift your weight to the left hand while rolling onto the outer edge of the left foot. Make sure your shoulder feels okay — adjust as needed. Ideally, the feet should be stacked on top of one another, but feel free to leave one foot on the floor for support. For a super gentle option, bend the top knee and place the foot on the floor. Repeat on the other side for the same duration.
Uttanpadasana (leg lifts)
This move is an ab killer. Leave the hands under the hips for support while raising and lowering your legs until your abs burn. Try for 10 or 20 rounds and see how it goes.
What are your favorite ways to fire up your sense of personal power? Share your tips in the comments below.
