image source: Unsplash
The root chakra is our foundation. Where it all begins, and the foundation we build upon. It is the first of our lower/physical chakras (our sacral and solar plexus belong to this group) — those concerned with earthly matters. Our sense of safety and security begins here. Think of your root chakra as soil. When soil is well nourished, seeds have the capacity and ability to grow, to break past the soil and rise to meet the sun’s warmth. When the soil’s conditions are not optimal, the seed’s growth becomes stagnant, and they may not grow to their full potential.
The root chakra develops from ages 0-7. Our most tender and impactful years that have the most influence on how we view ourselves, the world, and who we will become. Because the root chakra is our base, if this chakra is not balanced, the rest of the chakras may likely have some imbalances too. The beautiful thing about the chakras is that they can always be tended to and balanced.
In tending to our root chakra, we can begin the process of cultivating (or strengthening) our inner security and well-being while fostering self-trust and safety within ourselves. Inner child healing which consists of acknowledging the things we didn’t receive as children (our most tender wounds), and giving ourselves the love, nurturance, and security we needed and still need alongside the freedom to explore the world is a good place to start. Connecting with nature and grounding into her healing energy is a beautiful way to bring calmness into our life, body, and mind.
These practices allow us to become more present in the way we interact with life. They allow us to feel more at home in our body, and slowly open us up to experiencing life at a greater capacity. To hold whatever we experience whether it's joy, anticipation, love, etc. in all of its fullness. These practices can fill us with peace and the knowing that when life gets hectic, we can always find home and stability within ourselves and among the beauty, softness, and stillness of nature.
Sanskrit Name: Muladhara
Location: Base of Spine
Element: Earth
Color: Red
Wear the color red, eat red foods, work with red crystals to strengthen this energy center
Affirmation: I am safe
Mantra: LAM
Practice chanting this. The vibration of this sound is said to activate and cleanse this energy center
Sound: ‘uh' as in cup
Practice chanting this sound and focus on the vibration of the sound in your body
Frequency: 396 hz
Releases fear & guilt. Meditate or listen to this frequency (can be found on Spotify or YouTube)
Aromatherapy: Try earthy essential oils to ground and calm like Frankincense, Cedarwood and Sandalwood
Today’s Practice: Take a deep breath and tune into your body/root chakra. What can you give yourself today to feel more supported, secure or grounded? This can look like: taking a pause to reconnect with yourself, giving yourself a moment to rest and recharge, connecting with a loved one, crossing something off your to-do list that’s been on your mind, taking a break from your work day to go outside and feel the gentle cooling breeze or warm sun on your skin. Give yourself whatever you need today.