As we continue in this series on leading from your chakras, or energetic centers, it’s inspiring to explore the possibilities through this lens. Of course, you’re probably not walking into your next team meeting announcing, “I’m leading from my third chakra today.” But when we pause to consider what each energy center symbolizes and holds, it opens a deeper understanding of how we show up as leaders.
The third chakra, often referred to as the solar plexus chakra or Manipura, is the center of personal power, identity, and inner fire. Located in the upper abdomen, it governs our sense of self, confidence, willpower, and the ability to take purposeful action. Energetically, this chakra is associated with transformation—how we take in experiences, digest them, and turn them into meaningful direction. When the third chakra is balanced, there is a steady sense of self-trust, clarity in decision-making, and the courage to move forward without force or hesitation. When it is out of balance or blocked, it can show up as either over-control, burnout, or perfectionism. It can also result in self-doubt, indecision, and lack of direction.
In the nonprofit sector, leading from a balanced third chakra means embodying confident, grounded leadership without tipping into ego or depletion. Nonprofit leaders are often driven by deep passion and purpose, but that same passion can lead to overextension or trying to carry everything alone. A balanced solar plexus allows a leader to hold a strong vision while also empowering others. Decisions do not have to be made from urgency or pressure, but from alignment and discernment—asking not just “What needs to be done?” but “What is truly mine to lead?”
I remember in my 20s, while starting a nonprofit, I would measure my worth by how many hours I could work and how much I could accomplish each day. I would challenge myself with longer and longer to-do lists, almost as if my value depended on how much I could squeeze into a single day. If I finished everything, I felt accomplished—but if I didn’t, I felt like I had somehow failed. Looking back, I realize that this approach was rooted in my 3rd chakra energy—my desire for control, achievement, and proving my personal power—but it often left me depleted rather than empowered.
It took time to learn that true leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about leading from clarity, intention, and aligned energy. When we shift from measuring our worth by productivity to cultivating inner steadiness, we unlock sustainable impact—for ourselves, our teams, and the missions we serve.
Leading with a regulated third chakra also supports sustainability. Rather than constantly reacting to needs, they can prioritize, delegate, and create structures that support long-term impact. This balance fosters resilience—leaders are less likely to burn out because they are not proving their worth through overwork. Instead, they lead from a place of being enough, recognizing that their value is not tied to how much they produce, but to the clarity and integrity they bring to their work.
For today you can say to yourself or softly out loud:
“I trust myself, I honor my limits, and I lead with purpose.”
“I lead with clarity, confidence, and aligned action.”
“I am a clear, confident, and intentional leader, creating impact without overextension.”
Or creating one that works best for you.
Balancing through color: Leaders can surround themselves with yellow tones in subtle ways: a scarf, journal, workspace accents, flowers, or artwork that evokes warmth and fluidity.
Visualization practices: During meditation, imagine a soft yellow glow in the upper abdomen, gently expanding with each breath and restoring a sense of warmth, safety, and flow.
Sound: The seed mantra for the second chakra is “RAM.” (sounds like RUM) Chanting it—silently or aloud—while breathing into the upper belly supports emotional flow and energetic balance. Music like drumming, or Tibetan singing bowls, can be igniting in a good way.
As always would love your comments. Try one or all of these and see if it can help you keep another important energy center in balance.
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