If you feel scattered, perhaps anxious and unfocused, it may be a sign that need to find tools to help you feel more grounded. And it may be a sign for you to connect with the energy of your root chakra, the grounding foundation to all the chakras. And the root of everything you need to thrive.
As you may know, the chakras are the body’s energy centres in the yogic tradition, originating in India possibly as far back as 3500 years ago. They were first mentioned in the ancient spiritual texts called the Vedas. There’s a lot of wisdom in this system! “Chakra” in Sanskrit translates to “wheel”. You can imagine the 7 chakras as 7 spinning wheels located in seven spots along the spine, from the root chakra at the very base of the spine up to the crown chakra at the top of the head. Each chakra is associated with a different colour as well as with different organ systems, different aspects of our physical, emotional and spiritual journey.
Your root chakra, called Muladhara in Sanskrit (मूलाधार), is the first of the 7 chakras and where everything begins. It’s your foundation for well-being and stability, for a sense of balance and harmony, for self-empowerment. It is located at the very base of your spine and is related to the Earth element which represents stability, safety, and security in our lives, and the trust that our basic survival needs (food, shelter, belonging) will be met.
Even the word “root” communicates a sense of stability and also of connectedness. Trees with solid and deep roots can withstand the strongest winds. Trees with shallow roots tend to be blown over more easily. I love that trees grow together in communities in their forests and woods, each tree independent and unique and also invisibly interconnected through their roots with everything that surrounds them. Peaceful. Harmonious.
Like the trees, we need strong roots to thrive.
Your root chakra is like the foundational energy that supports and nourishes your everyday life. If your root chakra is balanced, you will feel stable, steady and secure, grounded and focused, flexible and resilient, and also connected to your self and others. You may also have a deep sense of connection to the earth and to nature.
When it is unbalanced, you may feel scattered and distracted without knowing why. You may feel unsafe or insecure, possibly fearful or anxious. You may have trouble sleeping, fatigue, weight issues, and possibly constipation or other bowel issues.
Here are 8 ways to connect with and to balance your root chakra, so that you can remain more grounded.
1. Root chakra yoga - In your yoga practice, bring extra attention to whichever part of your body is in contact with the ground - where you are rooted and receiving the stability of the earth element; in a seated posture focus on rooting down through your sitz bones; In a standing pose, focus on grounding the four corners of your feet evenly to create stability. Throughout your practice, honour the earth below from which your physical body is ever created. Certain poses are particularly helpful to connect with your root chakra and to cultivate that sense of feeling grounded, steady and strong.
2. Meditation- Meditation is a very grounding practice. Think about how you sit for meditation. I prefer to sit on meditation cushions, in a classic meditation pose, so that I feel more closely connected with the earth and with the ancient roots of the practice. Sitting in an upright chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor can also feel grounding. To connect with your root chakra during meditation, visualise the colour red while you gently but deeply inhale and exhale.
3. Walking meditation - Walking meditation can be an alternative to seated meditation, or a practice in and of itself. I find it to be quite a soothing and calming form of mindfulness meditation. It is also a way to connect with the beautiful planet we live on. To see and feel it. To appreciate it. To marvel. And to reconnect with our own true nature. Learn about Walking Meditation HERE.
4. Chant “LAM” - Each chakra is connected to a specific bija mantra and the root chakra is connected to “LAM”. So chant “LAM” over and over to help balance and awaken your root chakra. You might do this during your meditation.
5. Connect with Earth element - Walk in nature, practice earthing, get your hands into the dirt in the garden, enjoy the blossoming trees.
6. Wear red - Red shoes, red dress, red scarf, red lipstick… Colour can shift your frequency and really affect how you feel. And it can activate any of your chakras. The root chakra is associated with RED. Red is vibrant and joyful, strengthening and encouraging, uplifting as well as grounding, inspiring and auspicious. I am a huge fan or red shoes. They always make me feel happy, confident and grounded.
7. Work with red crystals - To connect with the root chakra, work with red crystals such as garnet, red jasper, ruby. These are said to connect with the Earth element. Keep these on your practice altar, your desk or carry them with you in your pocket.
8. Root chakra affirmations - Try any of these affirmations to help you feel more steady and grounded. These are suggestions, please use any variations or any other words that help you feel better connected to your root chakra.
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