Do you find yourself navigating through life events, but your actions seem chaotic, and the results don't match your efforts? Are you striving for goals but often forget about yourself? Perhaps you frequently blame life circumstances and fate for your failures. To discover answers to these important questions, we invite you to explore the complex yet fascinating area of the solar plexus, where you will encounter power, vital energy, self-confidence, and inner strength.
The solar plexus is a part of the nervous system located between the chest and the navel. This intricate network of nerve fibers influences all the organs in the abdominal cavity. The formation of the solar plexus involves the vagus nerve, supported by the dynamic duo of endocrine glands - the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) and the pancreas (found in the upper part of the abdominal cavity, crossing the spine).
The energy of the solar plexus and the organs and glands in this area is related to personal power, individual needs, and the survival of ego in relation to the other and to the collective. Here, we encounter our vital energy, self-confidence, personal freedom, and identity. It is from this place that we draw strength for various commitments and goals. This area supports us when we strive to achieve our objectives, holding the energy of will, intentions, and change.
This region is often associated with fire, symbolizing the spark of life that turns will into action. This spark, our inner will, is born when we come into the world.
How does power manifest in the body?
Power is experienced in various ways, and each person forms an authentic relationship with it. It often appears through strong emotions such as anger and aggression. In the face of threat, the adrenal glands flood the body with stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, putting us in a "fight or flight" state. Blood flow to the intestines is restricted. Stress elevates blood sugar levels. The pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb and use available glucose for energy. The body prepares to run or take a fighting stance. In these moments, our power manifests through anger and aggression, with the goal of restoring safety. We feel a sense of "I can."
Enthusiasm, excitement, and joy are also strong emotional states related to vital energy. Similar to the "fight or flight" state, in these states, adrenaline acts on the heart, causing it to beat faster. More blood flows to the muscles, preparing the body for increased physical activity. In these situations, we often play, compete, and engage with others. We feel our strength and trust in it. Our power is expressed in connection with others.
Why do we lose touch with our power?
Let's look at the process of birth. As mentioned earlier, our inner power is born when we are born. It is the moment when, pushing against the uterine wall and fully extending our legs, we begin our journey into this world. This movement is actively supported by the solar plexus area, especially the pancreas. If the birth process is disrupted, for example, during a cesarean section (which is sometimes necessary), we may not experience the primary impulse of power. Or we may experience a lack of trust in ourselves or our power to be born. This lack of self-confidence or confidence in our power can be carried with us throughout life.
The feeling of not trusting our own strength could also be shaped by how we were raised in infancy. Our solar plexus area, especially the adrenal glands, may have been heavily taxed if we were placed in a sitting position before we could sit on our own or made to stand when we couldn't stand by ourselves. Sitting and standing when we are not ready can be very taxing practices for the adrenals and kidneys. These experiences may form a sense that to achieve our goals, perform essential tasks, or make changes in life, we need the intervention of others. In these crucial moments of life, we may trust others more than ourselves.
How to recognize that we have lost touch with our power?
We may recognize the loss of connection with our power when we:
Experiencing anxiety and tension in the solar plexus area.
Feel active, constantly moving through life events, but our actions are chaotic, and the results do not match our efforts.
Strive for a set goal but completely forget about ourselves.
Blame life circumstances and fate for failures.
Lack vital energy for relationships, work, or enjoyable activities.
How to regain the connection?
The fire within us, hidden in our bodies, warms, activates, and provides energy. To reclaim the connection with our power, we must:
Play! Play is not only an excellent exercise that helps the nervous system climb the steps described in the polyvagal theory, but it also helps build confidence in our abilities in relationships with others.
Be in the sunlight or by the fire. Being outdoors and enjoying natural sunlight or the comforting warmth of a fire allows us to replenish refreshing energy and warmth provided by nature.
Place your hand on the solar plexus and breathe deeply. In this position, feel the center of your body. Let the warmth of your palm travel to all extremities.
Eat a balanced diet.
Sleep and rest more.
Want to learn more?
Reach out to Ingrida Danyte at ingridadanyte@gmail.com, a dedicated Somatic Movement Therapist, and start embracing your path to healing today.