Keep Shining ☀️ How the Solar Plexus Chakra Fuels Authentic Leadership

Tamara Tirjak
Aug 26
5 min read

Updated: Sep 29

Legendary American contemporary dancer Martha Graham believed that the core, the centre of the body, was the seat of power and emotion, and that through its movement, dancers could express a wide range of human experience.

During my training in contemporary dance, I loved working with the Graham technique. Fortifying my core with every contraction and emanating this power out all the way to my fingertips with every release was a powerful experience of control, strength and stability.

Now as a yoga practitioner and instructor, I continue to explore this fascinating part of the human body. I work with core strength not only to support stability in balancing postures, but also to understand how it contributes to vitality, personal power and mental wellbeing on more subtle levels.

Martha Graham – Dancer, teacher and choreographer, whose technique has reshaped the dance world

Yogic science speaks of seven chakras, spinning energy centres along the spine, each governing key aspects of our physical and emotional wellbeing. In the West, the idea of chakras is sometimes dismissed as 'esoteric humbug'. If I can't see them on an MRI, then surely they can't be real, right?

But what if chakras are simply a visual representation of our endocrine and nervous systems, the (almost) invisible control centre regulating most of our body functions and emotional state? That is how I like to view them.

Situated just above the navel, the third of these seven chakras is the solar plexus chakra, or manipura (mani = shining jewel, pura = city), which translates as 'the city of jewels'.

The first (root) chakra provides grounding and stability. That stable root supports the flow and movement of the second (sacral) chakra, feeling safe enough to freely explore our self-expression. Building on these two energy centres, the solar plexus chakra works as the body's powerhouse, providing the energy to manifest your purpose in the world.

Just like the sun, it radiates confidence and determination. It is said to be the centre of convergence for the 72,000 nadis, or energy channels, supplying the whole body with the power generated here.

Element: Fire

Colour: Yellow

Physical body: Digestive organs, pancreas, gallbladder

Processes: Metabolism and insulin production

Intellect

This energy centre governs our ability to think critically and analyse situations.

It gives us a sense of clarity and purpose, and an ability to set clear goals.

Confidence

A balanced solar plexus chakra creates a strong sense of self-worth, making us feel that we deserve our success. We feel empowered to take action towards goals and dreams.

We are assertive communicators and we are able to set healthy and clear boundaries in relationships.

We have that can-do attitude that businesses in a growth phase are looking for. We get stuff done.

Willpower

The solar plexus gives control over emotions, a sense of inner strength and resilience.

It strengthens us with determination and a healthy ambition to achieve more.

Unsurprisingly, this chakra is associated with the element of fire. Fire symbolises action and transformation. Allowing ourselves to grow and become a better version of ourselves means taking action and leaving behind what no longer works for us.

What Happens When the Solar Plexus Chakra Is Out of Balance?

Physically, imbalances may manifest as:

Indigestion
Eating disorders
Ulcers
Excessive weight gain
Diabetes

Emotionally, a blocked solar plexus chakra may present as:

Low self-confidence and self-esteem
Self-victimising behaviour
Difficulty setting healthy boundaries to protect self
Self-doubt, and feeling powerless
Lack of motivation
Lack of direction and purpose, feeling lost

On the other hand, an overactive solar plexus chakra can result in:

Overanalysing (analysis paralysis)
Uncontrolled anger and aggression
Rigid and controlling behaviour
Arrogance and overpowering ego

How to Bring the Solar Plexus Chakra Back into Balance?

There are many ways to support the rebalancing of the solar plexus chakra, helping you to find your sense of purpose and work towards your goals and dreams with clarity.

What is the next big (or small) thing you are going to manifest in this world?

Try a few of the tips below, stick with what feels right, and let me know which ones work for YOU.

🔥 Connect with fire, the element associated with the solar plexus chakra by placing candles and tealights in your home.

🟡 Bring the colour yellow into your home and wardrobe.

🍊 Introduce more yellow foods into your diet, such as corn, bananas, pineapples, yellow split peas, yellow peppers. Turmeric, ginger and lemon are great to keep your digestive fire burning.

☀️ Enjoy the sun if you have a chance for this, in any season, if only for a short walk outdoors. Or try sungazing, the practice of intentionally looking directly at the sun, usually during sunrise or sunset, which can help connect with the sun's energy, potentially leading to increased energy levels and improved mental clarity.

🧘‍♀️ Meditation Practice:

Begin any meditation by grounding into your physical body. Direct your breath into your lower abdomen, and let the rhythmic rise and fall of your belly be your anchor. When your mind wanders, gently return your focus to this flow. I found the practices outlined in Deeper Mindfulness especially valuable for this.
Using your hands, form one the hand gestures for this energy centre, for example the rudra mudra, the gesture of strength by touching the tips of your thumb, index and ring finger together
Rudra mudra, the "gesture of strength"
Chant the seed mantra of this chakra (RAM), or find a track on your favourite music player with this chant. Alternatively, use a track with the Solfreggio frequency of 528Hz, which is said to resonate with this chakra.

😤 Breathing Technique: Kapalabathi breath is a great way to work with the fire element and balance this chakra. This involves short, forceful exhalations with passive inhalations.

💬 Affirmation Practice: Choose an affirmation to repeat to yourself daily, saying it aloud to yourself while looking into your own eyes in a mirror. Repeat this until you start believing it. Or turn it into a piece of lettering art to put on your wall, desktop or phone lock screen to keep reminding yourself. Some examples:

I am confident in my abilities.
I honour my personal strength.
I can create positive change in my life.
I am ready to face challenges.
I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
I can say no when something does not serve me or help me grow.

🙏 Yoga Practice: Regularly include the following core strengthening poses in your asana practice. Warrior III (Virabhadrasana 3), any plank variation (Phalakasana), any side plank variation (Vashisthasana), Boat Pose (Navasana)

Benefits of a Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra in Leadership

Clarity of Vision – Enables leaders to set purposeful goals and make confident, well-considered decisions.
Authentic Confidence – Cultivates healthy self-worth, allowing leaders to inspire trust without arrogance.
Resilient Willpower – Provides inner strength and determination to persevere through challenges.
Empowered Action – Fuels the ability to take decisive steps and turn ideas into tangible results.
Healthy Boundaries – Encourages assertive, compassionate communication and respectful relationships.
Transformational Energy – Embodies the fire of growth and innovation, driving positive change for self and others.