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Posted August 28, 2010 4:30 PM

Plug Your Navel

This is a great physical exercise to do to simply create basic core support as you move through all of your yoga poses. But, it is also a powerful energetic practice to do to help you get on track with your purpose in life.

As you focus your attention consistently on your navel center, your whole being will begin to organize itself around your core. And, this is a good thing because your physical core houses your energetic core which houses your emotions, instincts, and your essential or authentic self that knows at all times what is best for you.

When you are disconnected from your core, you may feel a lack of direction or purpose in your life. Rather than being responsive to what your inner-knowing is telling you through your emotions and instincts, you live your life based on what other people need and want. When the day is done however, this can leave you feeling very empty.

Each time you override or ignore the messages arising from within, you deplete yourself of vital life force energy, repress emotions that in time will make you sick, give your power away causing you to feel like a victim, and stray from your purpose in life.

So, you might be wondering, where do I start? On your mat! Next time you are practicing bring awareness to your navel center and place an imaginary marble inside it. Gently contract the muscles surrounding your navel as if not to let it fall out. You will find this especially helpful in poses like Plank, Warrior III, and any posture that challenges you physically.

Throughout your practice you are likely to forget about your navel engagement. Whenever you realize this has occurred, re-engage, but do so mindfully. How do you feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually when your navel is engaged? How do you feel when it is not engaged?

When your mind wanders from your navel center do you feel less physically strong? This makes sense since your abdominals provide a tremendous amount of physical power and support for your whole body. Additionally, be aware of all the thoughts that arise to match your physical vibration. Do you hear, "I’m weak" "I can’t do it" "This is too hard" "I’m not strong enough"?

When you once again reengage your navel, how do you feel? Do your thoughts change? It requires a certain level of sensitivity to experience these subtle inner shifts in body and mind during your practice, but everyone is meant to be connected to themselves in this way. In fact, fulfilling your soul’s destiny is dependant upon it. Be patient as you explore opening up the channels to witness and communicate with all of yourself.

Now, this practice is just as fruitful off the mat. The next time you are relating to another person, notice your navel. Place an imaginary marble in it and gently hold it in place by contracting the navel inward. The effort you apply should not inhibit your ability to breathe or relax. Do you feel more defined boundaries between you and the other person? Are you conscious of how you are feeling even as you listen attentively to what your friend is sharing? You want to develop the ability to know what your "in-the-moment inner response" is to the world around you at all times.

Before you say "Yes" or "No" to another’s request, refer to your navel for input. If you don’t feel clear, say "Maybe" or "I don’t know". Then, spend some time listening inwardly to get in touch with your authentic feelings, instincts, and knowing about what it right for you. Try not to think about it, this is a feeling activity.

Are you someone who feels aware of what your inner feelings and instincts are telling you but you feel fearful of acting on them? Say this statement outloud or silently to help you gain the courage to follow your inner truth.

Sit in a relaxed position and take a deep breath in and out.

State:
"If there is anyone or anything right here, right now that is keeping me stuck and/or standing in my way of true freedom and liberation to follow my path, I declare that they are no longer allowed to stand in my way from this liberation and freedom that I seek. I declare to all unbeknownst to me that this is my birthright, to be rightfully aligned and in sync with my center, my truth, and my path to freedom. Here and now I readily dispel any and all contracts, vows, and agreements from me and from others that are working against me and my freedom to live for myself first and then for others. I honor and respect those that have come before, but I now step fully into the light of freedom and make a pact to myself to be clear in my knowledge of who I am, what I want, and how to go about the fruition of those things."

Relax, breathe, and know all is well.