The Root Chakra, formerly called Muladhara, is our first energy center. This chakra is located at the base of our spine all the down to the perineum. It is important to balance this chakra before balancing the others, from an energetic standpoint because it is the grounding or foundation of our energy center.
The Root Chakra is like our roots, similar to that of a tree or plant, securely grounded and self reliant. This Chakra deals with the physical and survival needs, such as safety, security, basic survival needs, aspect of our identity, self-preservation, and sex drive.
If you are not properly grounded (or rooted into the ground) you simply can not balance the other chakras properly. All chakras are either balanced or imbalanced i.e. over-active or under-active.
How to tell if your chakra is balanced or imbalanced?
If your root chakra is in balance:
You are more likely to feel secure in your world and daily tasks will seem effortless. There is very little doubt about your place in the world, your relationships, money or career. You will feel that you belong and in harmony with the world around you.
If your root chakra is imbalanced:
Over-Active Root Chakra:
If the root chakra is over-active you more likely to experience anger, frustration, annoyance, and maybe aggression towards people and events in your life. It may be difficult for you to understand your place in the world and find harmony with life. You may express dependency characteristics, looking for security and stability from other people, a job/career, and have very rigid or no boundaries. You may find any form of change difficult, becoming controlling and greedy, manipulative; also cam exemplify impulsive or materialistic behaviors, attempting to find your value or worth through the accumulation of things. Over-eating over drinking. Substance abuse. Self-loathing or low self-esteem and lack of love and compassion towards yourself and others. Some may experience an over-active sex drive. Physically, you might have symptoms of digestive problems, lower back issues, hip pain, ovarian cysts in women or prostate issues in men.
Under-Active Root Chakra:
If your root chakra is under-active you may feel disconnected from the world around you, including from your body. You may have no or very little boundaries. You may feel fearful, anxious or restless with life; lacking desire or drive. There may be difficult establishing healthy relationships or friendships. You may be withdrawn and socially and emotionally unavailable to those around you. Substance abuse. Escapism. Consequently, you may suffer with depression, anxiety, and lack focus, not eating. Financial troubles. Security or stability issues.
What causes Root Chakra imbalances
Root Chakra imbalances typically can start in childhood, When one or several aspects of our basic needs are not met, such as lack a in home finances, food, shelter, or affection can a create a blockage or imbalance. Living or growing up in a toxic environment where one was in a constant fight or flight instinct response. Lack of support or grounding, feeling like one does not belong. Fear or the inability to be one’s self, feelings of suppression and oppression, living or experience a state of danger, sexual abuse, emotional and physical abuse can cause an imbalance in the Root Chakra.
How to balance your Root chakra
As the foundation Chakra it is best to focus on taking care of your survival needs first. Knowing that you are HERE in this life for a purpose, even if you may not feel it YOU must KNOW IT and ACCEPT IT. Start by focusing on your breath, practice breathing techniques that focus strictly on the inhale and exhale of your breath. Take time each day focusing on your connection to your present moment, to Earth, and the Universe. I personally had an under-active Root Chakra. I felt disconnected from this life, my body, and the many people that I had around me. I could literally be in a room full of people and feel alone. Practicing focus on the Breath helped me feel connected to life, like I was meant to be here; and with each breath I felt my life force feel renewed and restored. During my breathing practices I would where Red to help usher in the vibration of that color. At the time when I began working to heal my Root chakra I did not have any healing crystals or other spiritual tools. All I had was my mind made up that I was ready for change and I resourced whatever I had on hand.
Also, the Root chakra deals with the physical aspect; I always enjoyed dancing, so I would have a full solo dance party; playing all my favorite uplifting jams. The music and movement not only uplifts the spirits, but also helps release feel good chemicals through out, aiding in the healing process. I later started doing yoga and Pilates with out having to leave my home, thanks to YouTube! From there I started journaling more, I always journaled, however, this time with the intent to focus on my Root chakra healing. I wrote out my trauma experiences and then rewrote how I would have wanted that experience to have went. I literally was reprograming my experiences.
Another huge part of my healing was connecting with nature. Finding a tree and leaning your back against it is quite healing. Trees are full of years of earth wisdom and energy. Also, I began gardening, I started out with hanging flowers in apartment. The act of caring for nature allowed me to see my own need of nurturing and care; and be receptive to it.
Below you can find an Affirmation to help assist you in your journey to Healing you Root Chakra. Please share with me in the comments How do you balance your Root Chakra? Catch me in the next post on The Sacral Chakra
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