Are you ready to tap into your superpowers and dedicate time and energy to creating a strong center? Sure, a toned belly, healthy spine, and looking good without a shirt are tangible physical benefits of intelligent core training. But the true benefits of strengthening your center run much deeper than mere aesthetics. Learning to cultivate your personal power located in your Manipura (Navel) Chakra will aid you in burning through layers of insecurity and help you build a true sense of your authentic self.
Yoga is an excellent path to access your “inner fire,” and step into your greatest sense of self. Through asana, pranayama, and mantra meditation, you can ignite your self-confidence, self-discipline, and willpower. Kind of like firing up your superpowers! Sound good?
In yoga, we refer often to the Subtle Body, which is basically a blueprint of the physical body. Prana or energy flows along the Sushumna Nadi from the Muladhara (Root) Chakra at the base of the spine to the Sahasrara (Crown) Chakra located at the crown of the head. Each of these energy centers embodies different qualities and personal characteristics. It is essential to keep these in balance physically, emotionally, and mentally. So read on to learn how you can create a strong core, inside and out.
The Manipura is the third of seven chakras and is the center of your ego and personal power. It is the seat of Tapas, or your fiery passion and discipline. Tapas is the third of Patanjali’s Niyamas from the Yoga Sutras and means to burn and evokes a sense of fiery passion and discipline. By working your core, you are stoking your own inner radiance and power to achieve your dreams.
When you are out of balance, you can act from a place of excessive ego or arrogance or on the flip side, a place of insecurity and doubt. A healthy navel chakra helps you be proactive instead of reactive or stagnant. Through focused core training you not only keep your sense of ego healthy, but also maintain a healthy spine, improved posture, and enhanced digestion.
This week, try out these four classes to build your inner power and your physical strength. During practice and throughout the day, consider using mantras like: I have full command of my personal power and I act on my desires and motivation. Ignite your superpowers of self-discipline and confidence and shine your brightest!
1. Angela Kukhahn - 15-Minute Core
2. Claire Petretti Marti - Nothing but Core 5
3. Mark Morford - Firestarter
4. Cicily Carter - Manipura Chakra: Core Flow