Although yoga and finances seem like a strange blend at first, yoga is about finding balance between mind, body, and spirit. The issues that create financial problems for most are rooted in a lack of balance, too. Each of the seven chakras are points in the energy wheel of the body and each help govern certain aspects of personality.
The Manipura (Solar Plexus) chakra is the location of the sense of self and physical power. When it is out of balance, low self-esteem is the result. This can lead to a type of rigid perfectionism in which nothing is ever done well enough, often leading to despair and acting out. There is no middle ground. So budgets are abandoned because you didn’t set aside quite enough in the savings plan, or spent more on clothes than you planned—and then the credit cards come out! The money pit gets ever deeper.
Another behaviour mode with low self-worth is co-dependency. You may not spend money on yourself, but you overspend on gifts for friends and family, lend them money by borrowing off your own credit cards, and don’t value yourself enough to look after your financial health. And, just as with the perfectionist, the money stress grows.
When you take steps to rebalance this chakra, you learn acceptance of self and self-appreciation. You will feel the power to make healthy choices, to change attitudes and habits that keep you living in financial fear and anxiety. You will have the strength to create a workable strategy that you can keep to, in order to build wealth (as you define it) and money manageability.
You will be ready to create a financial plan, both long and short-term.
Two yoga asanas (postures) that help balance the solar plexus chakra are the Camel and the Boat. Each will enhance your core strength and flexibility. The Camel opens the body and spirit, revitalizing the mind. The Boat strengthens the core of your physical vessel, the body, helping you steer a steady course.
In part 3 of this series, you'll learn how to save.
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