DAY III The Solar Plexus Chakra
Three weeks ago, I spelled Chakra wrong. 5 months ago, I couldn’t walk up a hill without getting winded. Now I’m running further than I have in my life. My buddies are asking what I’m running from. Today I’m running from my unhealthy past and into the sun.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the next wheel of energy stacked atop the Sacral and Root Chakra. For some of my biker friends this is the first Chakra you can see. Literally, from the guts hobbling around Sturgis I wonder when the last time some people saw their shoes. The Solar Plexus Chakra is yellow for those of you chasing the rainbow. Today I’m riding into the sun to the Badlands and run further than I did yesterday.
It’s time to wake the neighbors. I would never fire up Trigger at this hour back in my hood but reveille at Sturgis is in my hands today. The bike is loaded with running shoes, running shorts and yellow food. No Cheetos, Doritos or Corn Pops but bananas and yellow apples are in the saddle bags today. It’s fun trying to exercise and eat well surrounded by outta shape bikers who just look confused when they see me loading the bike. Vitality and passion aren’t in the eyes of my overweight hotel neighbor as he itches his belly. The sun isn’t up yet but the residents of the Inn will be as soon as I crack the throttle.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the hub dealing with strength, power, confidence and personality. Running has become my medicine and source for recharging this core energy. Located in your gut this Chakra when strengthened can help alleviate back pain and assist digestion. Pretty important if you like sitting on a motorcycle all day.
The ride to the Badlands is just under 100 miles and the speed limit out here is 80. The miles go down quick but the bugs hurt a little more. The sun is up and the moon is in my rearview mirror. The low sun casts my own shadow at an unfamiliar angle. Reminding me to breathe in the splendor. The scene would be even more amazing if the landscape wasn’t littered with Wall Drug signs. The rolling hills look deceivingly soft with high yellow grass. The landscape again is disrupted by a Wall Drug sign offering 5 cent coffee. Now I’m interested.
The Solar Plexus Chakra corresponds to self esteem and personal power. Riding solo at daybreak was my escape from the rally and a way to restore my energy depleted by the crowded streets of Sturgis. Running has restored confidence in myself and reminds me to keep going. If you lose confidence in yourself, the Universe is against you. Being confident and knowing who you are comes with the work and that becomes addictive. My latest addiction is fitness and has given me a new conviction. I glance at the speedo and remind myself I won’t be convicted for blasting down the hiway at 83mph. Trigger is feeling the suns power and her Sacral Chakra or camshaft is balanced.
Wall Drug isn’t open yet so I guess I’ll have to get a bumper sticker next year. More bummed about the five cent coffee.
Cruising the open range and into Badlands National Park. Signs inform me that at any time a Big Horn Sheep could appear. That would be some irony to get taken out by a sheep. The Ram is the animal associated with the Solar plexus Chakra. Strength, confidence and power are not what I need from a road goat this morning. Pulling off onto a dirt trail I make my way towards what looks like the rim of a canyon. There’s not much out here, perhaps that’s why it’s the Badlands? I came here for my run and meditation but this website needs photographs. I’m confident I can manifest a photographer but there’s not much time, I’m here. A lone camper is sitting on the edge of the canyon ahead. Maybe it’s resident knows how to take a photograph?
After switching from my leather biker gear to my annoying jogger outfit the lone occupant of the camper steps out into the brilliant morning. “Hey buddy do you think I could get you take a picture of me running?” I guess I’m pretty good at manifestation. After explaining Safety Third Blog and why I need some jogging photos for the site this guy hands me his business card. David Julian is a professional photographer with a focus on wildlife and nature. The Universe is kind.
So many things in life you have little control over. I’m learning to manage what I can and my health is on the forefront. Running is inexpensive and is integral in moving energy through your body. I’m not running marathons or plan to but I stomp the terra hard.
Today isn’t about how I got into running but I look forward to sharing that story later. The adage “you have to learn how to walk before you can run” is so true. I walked trails and hiked to build strength and confidence before I realized running is natural for most bipeds.
Doing the work is necessary if you feel like your Solar plexus Chakra is outta whack. Now inside my own head and listening to the voice telling me “I have the power”. There’s a steep trail ahead and in a pursuit to make today better than yesterday, I need to run.
Safety Third
Thank you, David! And for any photo critics…he used my antiquated phone to take the pic.
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