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Our center and true self

Last week was all 3rd Chakra as we focused our attention to the center of our being. Both physically and mentally. The 3rd Chakra or our Mani Pura Chakra is located around our navel in the solar plexus region. And it is the seat of our sense of self, our will and determination and the place where we generate heat and the impetus to act.

Pranayama (breathing) exercises like bastrika or kapalabhati, which both use the belly like a bellow, generate lots of heat in the body. They are great techniques to stimulate the mind and body, especially on a cold day or when you are feeling sluggish in the mind.

Holding plank pose for a few extra breaths is a great way to stay connected to your center. When we start building heat in the body, our mind automatically focuses a bit more. We feel the power of our will and determination rise to the surface. All other things fall away.

Move through your practice with your attention on your navel center. Moving your navel up and in towards your spine helps to step forward from down dog to a low lunge as well as lifting up in to bakasana (crow pose). In the warrior poses drawing your navel in and up enables you to lift your chest higher, holding your torso more erect. Especially in Warrior 3 using your navel will allow you to stay balanced and focused. In trikonasa (triangle pose) or uttitha parsovokonasana (extended side angle pose) use your belly to hold your torso up so as not to collapse your weight to your lower arm.

Inversions are a great way to connect to your center. Going upside down can be very disorienting and scary. Our heart rates go up and we can easily panic when our world flips upside down. Focusing your energy in and breathing reminds us that no matter what goes on in our lives all we have to do is redirect our awareness inside. The one thing that can never be taken away from you is that deep sense of self. Though we may have moments of feeling lost and unsure of who we truly are, our center and our true selves are always present. It is a matter of letting everything else fall away.

Tonight - Cultivating a forgiving heart!

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