Unbalanced: Manipura

Name:
The literal translation of manipura is "city of precious stones" or "city of the sun." In English, manipura is translated as the "navel solar plexus chakra."

Associations/Characteristics:  identity, self-esteem, "power-center" of the body, inner drive, digestion, metabolic systems, processing of energy, assertion of personal power, risk taking, following gut instincts, making decisions
 

Basic Information:

Color	Element	Location	Foods	Flower Essence	Gemstones and Crystals	Essential Oils
Golden yellow	Fire	Abdomen	Complex carbohydrates (e.g. whole grains)	Chamomile, goldenrod, pink yarrow	Citrine, jasper, topaz	Black pepper, ginger, peppermint

This is a meditative manipura video that walks you through an interesting visualization session, though the narrator's voice is a little irksome:

Unbalanced Physical/Emotional Issues:

Physical	Emotional
Digestive problems	Low self-esteem
Food allergies	Feelings of uncertainty
Diabetes	Tendency towards perfectionism
Ulcers	Fear of rejection
Liver problems	Indecisiveness
Arthritis	Resentment

This is a helpful pose teaching Virabhadrasana I; all the warrior poses are very beneficial for the manipura chakra:

 

Balanced physical/emotional issues:

Physical	Emotional
Physically energetic	Ability to see tasks through to completion
Feelings of vitality	Ability to trust one's instincts
Flexibility	Strong sense of identity and self respect
Regular blood pressure	Willingness to persevere

This is a combination meditative and informative video with different facts about the chakra and an exotic, pulsating sound track:

Yantra Symbol:

Manipura is represented by a downward pointing red triangle, the fire region, within a bright yellow circle, with 10 dark-blue or black petals, like heavily laden rain clouds.

Personal Reflection:
I chose manipura as my unbalanced chakra because I exhibit many of the "unbalanced physical/emotional issues" associated with this chakra. In fact, almost every one of the emotional issues listed in the above table are to a certain degree evident in my life. I suppose the primary problem- which in turn causes things like feelings of uncertainty and rejection, indecisiveness, etc- is my tendency towards perfectionism. I've long been aware of my habit of setting almost unrealistic standards for myself, which tend to generate frustration and stress. However, especially at such a competitive and intense environment like Punahou, this habit has been proving difficult to break. I need to embrace the fact that there really is no such thing as perfection; I should strive for excellence and not the fictitious "perfection" imagined by society.

This the 3rd movement of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata," which to me is the embodiment of fire and vitality.

References:

1. http://books.google.com/books?id=Yxto0VWMh-4C&pg=PT38&lpg=PT38&dq=manipura+chakra+deck&source=bl&ots=7dOp-icRZW&sig=SRpxHcn_UK6N__qoZaeup7EoIgU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_mOTT77nKOWIiAKH9qgu&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false

2. http://www.soul-guidance.com/houseofthesun/chakras.htm#Manipura,%20or%20Navel%20Chakra

3. http://theresaann.hubpages.com/hub/manipura-the-navel-chakra

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipura
5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxt1RBMJRwg&feature=related 
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot0eq3O86_g
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qCAgBduhKg
8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSulR9Fymg

Balanced: Anahata

Name:
The literal translation of anahata is "singular sound." In English, anahata is translated as the "heart chakra."

Associations/Characteristics: balance point between physical and spiritual chakras, represents compassion and love, emphasizes the "we" instead of "me," conveys the message of "following your heart."

This video consists of a very exotic "OM" sound that somehow sounds joyful:

Basic Information:

Color	Element	Location	Foods	Flower Essence	Gemstones and Crystals	Essential Oils
Emerald green	Air	Center of chest	Leafy vegetables (e.g. kale, spinach)	Holly, poppy, wild rose	Emerald, jade, rose quartz	Mint, jasmine

Unbalanced Physical/Emotional Issues:

Physical	Emotional
Asthma	Grief
Pneumonia	Heartache
Heart disease	Jealousy
Cardiovascular problems	Suspicion
Thoracic spine	Depression
Problems with back and shoulders	Isolation/loneliness

This is a really helpful tutorial on Ustrasana, which opens the heart's center:

Balanced Physical/Emotional Issues:

Physical	Emotional
Feeling fit and athletic	Sense of compassion
Healthy heart	Willingness to share and help others
Easy breathing	Hope
Immense physical energy	Inspiration

This video is a walk through meditation for anahata with a really helpful voice over:

Yantra Symbol:

Two intersecting triangles form a six pointed star which is a lotus symbol with 12 petals. There are two interconnected triangles in the symbol. One is pointing upwards while the other points downwards. This represents balance.

Personal Reflection:
I chose anahata as my balanced chakra because I feel that I can easily detect the physical/emotional signs of a balanced heart chakra in my life. At times, of course, I do feel rather melancholy and a bit lonely. However, I primarily accredit these feelings simply to adolescence and the challenges of life in general. For the most part, I approach each day with an open heart: I try to feel compassion for others and make it known that I am willing to help. Perhaps this chakra is more in balance that the navel solar plexus chakra because I often engage in activities beneficial to anahata; I volunteer regularly and enjoy inspirational books and poetry.

References:

1. http://www.soul-guidance.com/houseofthesun/chakras.htm#Anahata,%20or%20Heart%20Chakra

2. http://amethystrising.com/HeartChakra.htm

3. http://summoningspirit.homestead.com/Chakras.html

4. http://healthy-ojas.com/systems/chakra-ajna.html

5. http://www.yuuki-mitsukai.co.uk/products/articles/anahata-the-heart-chakra/
6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Uht4u4gEo 
7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GlYa7-jfR0