What does it really mean to step into your power? In spiritual circles, there can be a lot of talk about coming into your power and stepping into your purpose. While these ideas can be motivating, they can easily be misunderstood if we don't really understand the energetic center that governs them: the solar plexus chakra.
In episode 598 of Soul Elevation, I explore the role of the solar plexus chakra, how it influences our sense of identity and purpose, and why true empowerment requires a healthy balance between the ego and the soul. Rather than rejecting the ego altogether, I share why both our human will and our spiritual will are essential parts of fulfilling our mission in this lifetime.
The solar plexus chakra is the energy center located in the upper abdomen, just below the rib cage. It is associated with personal power, confidence, self worth, motivation, willpower, identity, and purpose. In many spiritual traditions, the solar plexus is considered the seat of the will. It is the energetic center through which we make choices, take action, and move through the world as individuals.
Because it governs our relationship with power, the solar plexus plays a major role in how we express ourselves and pursue our soul's purpose.
Ego & Spirit
It's important to recognize that power can arise from two very different sources: egoic power and spiritual power.
Egoic power is driven by the limited self that feels separate from everything in creation. This is the part of us that operates from fear, lack, insecurity, comparison, or the need for validation. When we are acting primarily from the ego, our decisions tend to revolve around protecting ourselves, controlling outcomes, or proving our worth.
The ego is not inherently bad. It actually serves an important function in human life. However, when it becomes disconnected from higher wisdom, it can create imbalance.
Spiritual power comes from alignment with the Higher Self. This is the aspect of us that sees the bigger picture and understands our connection to something greater than our individual identity. Spiritual power is rooted in purpose, service, compassion, authenticity, and trust. When our spiritual will is informing our actions, we feel more aligned, inspired, and connected to our soul's path.
The healthiest expression of the solar plexus occurs when these two forces work together.
Signs of Imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra
When the solar plexus lacks energy or becomes blocked, it can manifest in a variety of ways, like low self confidence, people pleasing, always folding to the will of others, always needing external validation, lack of purpose, and fear of being seen. When the solar plexus is weak, we find ourselves shrinking and contracting rather than expanding into who we are meant to become. We may look to others to tell us what to do instead of trusting our own inner guidance.
On the other hand, the solar plexus can also have excessive energy. This can manifest experiences such as being overly controlling, aggressive, dominant, excessively competitive, judging others, being self centered, and narcissistic tendencies. This is where the ego dominates the spiritual will. Instead of expressing authentic personal power, we use power to control situations, people, or outcomes.
True empowerment is never about overpowering others, but becoming aligned with our highest expression.
The Misunderstanding of "Speaking Your Truth"
A commonly misunderstood aspect of personal growth is the belief that speaking your truth means saying whatever comes to mind without filters. While honesty is important, spiritual maturity requires discernment. Be mindful of the difference between speaking truth with compassion and expressing frustrations from a wounded ego.
Many people begin a journey of empowerment after years of suppressing themselves. As they start finding their voice, they can sometimes swing to the opposite extreme, mistaking criticism or bluntness for authenticity. True personal power doesn't diminish others.
The highest expression of the solar plexus allows us to communicate clearly, honestly, and compassionately while remaining aligned with our deeper values.
Why the Ego Is Not the Enemy
Something I see a lot in spiritual teachings is the ego being portrayed as something to eliminate or transcend completely. I see the ego is a necessary part of the human experience.
Without the ego, we would lose much of the motivation and individuality that allow us to function in the physical world. We use the ego to help us take action, have goals, create, build relationships, express our unique gifts, fulfill our purpose, and generally keep our feet on the ground in this realm we have chosen to be in.
I disagree with the narrative of destroying the ego to become spiritual. Our design is to for the ego to be in partnership with the soul. When the ego serves the Higher Self rather than attempting to lead independently, it becomes a powerful ally.
Many spiritually minded people become so focused on transcending the physical world that they unintentionally disconnect from the very reason they came here.
Make no mistake: You are spirit. But you are also spirit with a human body.
You came into this lifetime with a physical body, a unique personality, and specific gifts for a reason. Your soul did not come here simply to observe or to bypass the human experience. It came here to express and contribute. The human experience itself is part of the spiritual journey.
The ego, when healthy and balanced, provides the drive and structure to bring your soul's purpose into tangible reality.
Aligning the Solar Plexus with Your Soul Purpose
You realize a beautiful opportunity when your solar plexus comes into balance. You:
- Trust yourself
- Honor your intuition
- Take up space confidently
- Pursue meaningful goals
- Express your gifts authentically
- Act from both courage and compassion
You no longer need to dominate others, and you don't hide yourself. Instead, you stand firmly in your truth while remaining connected to your higher wisdom. This balance allows your personal power to become a vehicle for your soul's expression.
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