MULADHARA The Root Chakra also known as Muladhara is located at the base of the spine at the tailbone, it is associated with the element earth and is linked to your ability to feel grounded, safe, trusting and feel/create stability in your life. It is the foundation of the entire chakra system and the starting point for our spiritual development. The Muladhara Chakra is an important center for grounding it allows us to have a strong connection to the earth, it also provides a solid foundation for experiencing the energies of all of the chakras.
All material things are represented by the first chakra: the body, the earth, material and money. This chakra helps us to manifest the physical items which we need to stay alive and healthy. When it is balanced, we experience feelings of safety and courage. Blocks in the root chakra are associated with fear, anxiety, instability and insecurity. The adrenal glands operate under the Muladhara Chakra system and therefore the “flight or fight” system of reaction may be over reactive whenever changes come.
When the energy at your muladhara chakra is balanced and flowing freely, you feel safe and secure in your life. You tend to be fully present in the moment and connected to what is going on around you. You relate in healthy ways to the people who share your life. You are blessed with good health because your immune system is functioning properly, and your skeletal system supports you. Your earthly needs, such as food and shelter always seem to be provided. The muladhara chakra is related to your sense of being part of a relationship, with yourself, family and community. Its energy enables you to provide for your own needs and for those who may be dependent on you. Working with the energy of your muladhara chakra can assist you in connecting with your body in a healthier manner. It enhances your ability to eliminate what you no longer need or want in your life, including negative thoughts and emotions. It can help you to free yourself from prejudices and intolerances that you may have held for a long time, or even enable you to release yourself from negative ways of looking at the world that you may have `inherited` from your family.
When we explore the personality of this energy centre we can go from a place of feeling not good enough, you may feel disconnected or even threatened by your surroundings. The other end of the scale you can feel that everything is just in place, you have a big sense of trust with yourself and everything around you.
DEFICIENT You tend to be a fearful person. You lack discipline, suffer from restlessness, crave constant change. You may feel ungrounded. You are often unable to settle down, make commitments or sustain healthy relationships. You feel disconnected from your body.
EXCESSIVE You might feel stuck in life. You tend to be sluggish, heavy, overbearing, overburdened. You hoard things. Your thinking is in terms of black and white; you see other as being either with you or against you. You may suffer from constipation. You frequently feel depressed. You are obsessed with physical security. You are preoccupied with routine and fear change.
BALANCED
You will not worry about money
You will have no fear of control
You will have a connection to the earth and every environment
Less worry and fear
Increased libido
You feel grounded, secure and safe.
When the root chakra is out of alignment, you may find yourself busily bouncing from one thing to the next in a rush without appropriate attention or intention. I've mentioned while teaching in classes you can feel so overwhelmed its as if your feet don't touch the ground! This can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and stress. Sliding to the opposite end of the scale again, its imbalance can result in a feeling of lethargy, being stuck, feeling unable to take action, and manifest intention.
CREATE BALANCE
There are many wonderful ways to create a balance with our Root Chakra energy, as I mention ROOT what springs to mind? Trees, nature and earth. This can be one of the most valuable ways of helping you find calm within your day. Taking time out in nature is so beneficial for your body and mind, it can be a relaxing place where you can just walk, walk and keep walking. I feel in nature it gives me plenty of time to think, process understand and just feel spacious.
If you're practicing Yoga, focus on poses that will enable you to feel grounded, seated postures and postures that are close to the mat, child's pose, sphinx, reclined twist, these are just a few that can help you stretch into the body but also calm the mind. As well as relaxing into stillness we can also build strength, if you're moving through a stronger practice, hold your standing postures for longer, and STILL. Find the edge of challenge and stick with it, the root chakra is about strength, safety and structure, you can create this in your body by adapting your practice!
Affirmations are always a wonderful way to heal subliminally, you can write it on a note, you can set your alarm notifications with a quote (I actually think there are positive affirmation apps that you can download!) These can be words, quotes, statements and intentions that will keep your mindset in check and inspired to move away from stagnation or negativity, here are just a few:
I am safe in my environment.
I am connected to myself and the earth.
I have everything I need within me.
I have a deep connection to my body. I trust myself and others.
I acknowledge my anxieties with kindness.
I deserve and receive support whenever I need it.
I am secure in my personal space.
I release any fears with mindfulness.
I am strong to face discomfort.
I relax in knowing I am safe, secure and stable.
The colour for Muladhara Chakra is RED, certain times in your life you may be drawn towards the colour red, it may be your favourite colour! Wearing red, red gemstones and red foods can all give you a sense of grounding and warmth. Essential Oils related to this Chakra are Sandalwood, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Cedar, Clove, Ginger and Frankincense (my favourite!).
So next time you are feeling a little anxious, tired, overwhelmed take a few moments to stand still, notice things as they are, what are your triggers, how do you feel deep down inside of your heart and gut. Find slow and gentle movements where you can allow yourself to be heavy and connected to the earth. Be barefoot (especially outside, and yes you know I even mean in the rain and mud!) a stomp your feet, feel nature providing a safe environment for you to be yourself. Trust the process of life and you will loosen your grip of expectation, embrace what comes and goes, allow that to become a part of who you are.
Feel everything.x
Allow yourself to surrender to the earth underneath you.
Thank you so much for reading, I will be sharing lots of practices this week and next working with the Root Chakra. I cannot wait to guide you.
V x