Cultivating Inner Strength

It has been interesting watching the 2010 Winter Olympics from a yogic point of view. The athletes are an inspiration to me, not so much through the acquisition of a medal, but through their incredible strength, focus, will and determination.
In the yoga model of the cakra-s (pronounced chakras) these qualities relate to the 3rd cakra located in the region of the abdomen called manipura. This is the seat of agni – the digestive fire. When we have a strong fire we can digest not only physical food but life’s many sensations and experiences. Evidence of a strong digestive fire is our ability to handle life’s challenges as we learn to adapt and grow from those experiences.

Here’s a simple breathing exercise to help awaken the transformative fires of the 3rd cakra. Find a time, preferably earlier in the day, where you won’t be disturbed for 10 minutes. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet planted on the floor and place your hands on your abdomen. Feel the weight of the hands on your belly and their reassuring warmth. Now turn your attention to the breath itself and feel the nourishing and expansive quality of the in-breath and the sense of release on the out-breath. As your breath gradually deepens over a number of breaths, gently firm the abdominal muscles from the public bone to the navel on the exhale (like a zipper). Remember to soften the abdomen on the inhale. Imagine the breath like a bellows, fanning the flame of your digestive fire, as your breath flows in and out. After a few minutes let your breath gradually return to a normal breath. Come to sitting and turn your attention from your practice to the day ahead. You will feel calm, energized and alert. Ready to digest the day!
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