Spiritual Wellness: the 3rd Chakra

You will notice that the chakras are somewhat like building blocks. The 1st chakra is about belonging to a group and family traditions. The second chakra builds on the first chakra and has to do with the quality of our relationships. The 3rd chakra again builds on the first 2 chakras and is about your sense of security, self esteem and our ability to make decisions for ourselves. Self esteem in particular is an area that many of us have issues with and develop anxiety issues around.

The 3rd chakra is located at the Solar Plexus, about 1” below our ribs. It is located in the pit of our stomach. It’s where we get our gut instincts from. Organs associated with the 3rd chakra include the abdomen, stomach, kidney and adrenals.

I experienced major self esteem and security issues when my 1st husband and I separated. I was afraid and anxious and my flight and fright response kicked in and lived with me for many many years, resulting in adrenal fatigue.  My breathing pattern changed completely, something that I wasn’t aware of until someone brought it to my attention. But no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t take a deep breath – you know, the kind that makes your stomach rise. It felt like I had a ton of bricks weighing down on my chest.

With the help of mediation and participating in The Art of Living weekend seminar I learned to breathe again. I try to practice my breathing meditation daily – it’s a great way to start my day and brings a sense of peace and happiness.