The ‘subtle energies’ of our chakras can have a profound effect on our physical, emotional and social life. An understanding of how each chakra interacts with your body can help you master your life. With chakra balance you can keep your energy flow strong and clear, activate the changes you want for yourself, and make a positive impact for yourself and the world around you.
Chakras are energy intersections in the body. As noted in our introduction to the chakras, the numbers of concentrated centers of energy are not limited. In fact, infinite chakras surround and exist within our bodies. Traditional yoga practice focuses on seven main chakras naming the first one Root Chakra, the area just below the base of the spine.
Root Chakra lives in the base, figuratively and literally. Energy manifests from the base of the spine and ascends through each energy center and up through the Crown Chakra. Root chakra has the slowest vibration frequency and has four ‘petals’ that emanate from its center.
This is a solid, square foundational chakra and represents strength, integrity, honesty and the element earth.
The root chakra is also associated with maternal energy; our relationship to mother, including mother earth. This energy drives our attitudes and value system about home, security and money. If we feel stagnated or deprived of this basic energy it will impact our ideas of love, self-worth and even our basic nature.
When Root Chakra is unbalanced or blocked we may feel insecure, fearful and ungrounded. This can manifest in our lives in many ways, from depression, aggression and sadness to unstable home life, financial difficulty and physical problems such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel and prostate issues.
A clear and open Root Chakra allows us to feel confident, grounded, stable. We are actively supported in our community and have our finances in order. Our circulatory and digestive systems function well and our sexuality is vibrant and healthy.
Here are two meditations you can use to clear and balance the Root Chakra:
Barefoot Walking – Because the Root Chakra is associated with the color red and the earth, use a barefoot walking meditation to connect with the overflowing strength, stability and abundance of the earth, feeling it through the soles of your feet. Choose a nature setting that represents abundance. A river ever flowing or trees, each leaf a vibrant symbol of creativity and renewal.
Grounding Stance – This posture plants the soles of the feet firmly on the ground and stabilizes you while strengthening your thighs and pelvis. Stand up straight, knees slightly bent and your feet shoulder width apart. Pull your pelvis slightly forward and sink down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold this posture for 1 - 3 minutes.