The Solar Plexus Chakra: What It Is and Why It Matters for Kids

Our inner sun fuels our confidence, energy, and the ability to shine

This inner sun is known as the Solar Plexus chakra, one of the body’s energy centers in yoga and mindfulness practices. While the idea of chakras might seem complex, they’re really just tools to help kids connect with their emotions, energy, and sense of self.

In this post, we’ll dive into what the Solar Plexus chakra is, why it’s so important for kids, and how you can help nurture it to support their growth and happiness.

What is the Solar Plexus chakra?

The Solar Plexus chakra, also called Manipura, is the third of the body’s seven chakras. It’s located in the upper abdomen, near the stomach, and is represented by the color yellow—like a glowing sun inside the body.

This chakra is all about confidence, willpower, and self-esteem. It’s the energy center that helps kids feel strong, capable, and ready to take on challenges. When it’s in balance, the solar plexus chakra allows kids to shine with enthusiasm and courage.

Why is the Solar Plexus chakra important for kids?

The Solar Plexus chakra plays a crucial role in a child’s emotional and mental well-being. A healthy Solar Plexus has several benefits.

Build Confidence

A balanced Solar Plexus chakra helps kids believe in themselves and their abilities, encouraging them to try new things without fear of failure.

Empowered Decision-Making

This chakra fosters independence, allowing kids to make choices and trust their instincts, whether it’s picking an activity or solving a problem.

Increased Energy and Motivation

Think of it as their inner battery! A healthy Solar Plexus chakra fuels their enthusiasm for school, play, and friendships.

Signs of an imbalanced Solar Plexus chakra in kids

Ideal health is when all of the chakras in our system are working actively and efficiently. Sometimes, specific energy centers get tired or blocked, and we rely more heavily on other energy centers to help.

When we use one energy center to compensate for another, one chakra becomes overactive while the other stays underactive. We can recognize over- and under-activity in the Solar Plexus chakra by observing both behavior and the physical body.

Overactive Solar Plexus

When the Solar Plexus chakra is overactive, it means that there is an underactive energy center nearby and the child is using the Solar Plexus to compensate.

• Aggressiveness: Being overly controlling or bossy with peers or family members.
• Perfectionism: Intense focus on succeeding, to the point of frustration or breakdowns when they fall short.
• Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still or constantly needing to be in charge or take action.
• Arrogance: Displaying a sense of superiority or being dismissive of others’ feelings or ideas.
• Frequent Tantrums: Emotional outbursts stemming from frustration or unmet expectations.

Pay attention to the wellbeing of the Sacral chakra – responsible for creativity, emotions, and relationships – as well as the Heart chakra – responsible for compassion, a sense of belonging, and decision-making.

Underactive Solar Plexus

A Solar Plexus that is depending too much on other energy centers manifests in a variety of ways.

• Low Self-Esteem: Struggling with feelings of inadequacy or frequently doubting themselves.
• Shyness or Withdrawal: Avoiding social situations, preferring to stay in the background.
• Indecisiveness: Difficulty making even simple decisions due to fear of failure or judgment.
• Lack of Motivation: Appearing unenthusiastic or disinterested in activities they usually enjoy.
• Over-Accommodation: Being overly eager to please others, often at the expense of their own needs or preferences.

Physical symptoms such as digestive issues or stomachaches, and low energy or fatigue often indicate an under-performing Solar Plexus chakra.

How yoga and mindfulness support the Solar Plexus chakra

You can help your child engage their Solar Plexus chakra through fun and easy yoga practices, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities. Engagement of this energy center is important, especially if the Solar Plexus is underactive.

Yoga Poses

Poses that strengthen posture, lengthen the spine, and engage the abdomen work muscles near the Solar Plexus energy center. Sequences that bend and flex this part of the body particularly engage the chakra.

• Warrior Pose: Builds confidence and strength.
• Boat Pose: Engages the core and promotes a sense of stability.
• Sun Salutations: Energizes the body and connects with the chakra’s fiery energy.

Breathing Exercises

Encourage kids to practice deep belly breathing. Have them imagine a glowing yellow sun in their tummy expanding with each inhale and radiating light with each exhale.

Try 3-part breathing! Air from the inhale first fills the belly, then expands the chests, then lifts the collarbone. Air from the exhale releases the collarbone, collapses the chest, and empties the belly.

Positive Affirmations

Teach kids to say positive affirmations regularly. Have them choose their favorite affirmation as a Mantra of the Day (Week, Month), and encourage them to use it during mindful activities.

• “I am brave, strong, and confident in who I am.”
• “I make good choices and trust myself.”
• “I shine bright like the sun and share my light with others.”
• “I can do hard things and learn from my mistakes.”
• “I am proud of myself for trying new things.”
• “My thoughts and feelings are important, and I speak them kindly.”
• “I believe in myself and my unique talents.”

Mindful Activities

In addition to meditating with positive affirmations, daily life offers simple ways to nurture this energy center in kids.

• Play in the Sunshine: Spend time outside, soaking up the natural energy of the sun.
• Get Creative with Yellow: Let kids draw, paint, or craft using yellow tones to connect with the chakra’s color.
• Journal Together: Use prompts like “What makes me proud of myself?” or “What’s one thing I’m really good at?”

Help your child connect with their inner strength

The Solar Plexus chakra is a powerful energy center that helps kids feel confident, energized, and ready to shine. By introducing simple yoga poses, mindfulness exercises, and fun activities, you can help them keep this inner sun glowing bright.