Root Chakra ~ Instinctual need for survival

Let’s start with a brief definition. What is a chakra? A chakra (pronounced “cha”-“kra”) is a center of energy. Originating from Sanskrit, it literally means “wheel” by association with its function as a vortex of spinning energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body.

Chakras are energy centers within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. We can commonly count 7 chakras positioned throughout your body, starting from the base of your spine up to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency that is depicted through a specific chakra color, and governs specific functions that help make you, well, human.

The root chakra is the first chakra of where your spiritual journey starts, muladhara chakra signifies our base or foundation. Its energy is directed from the earth element. It represents our feelings of safety and groundedness.

As it’s located at the bottom of the chakra system it lays the foundation for expansion in your life, so it’s situated at the base of the spine. Your earliest memories are stored here, including whether or not your basic needs were met.

Key characteristics

The first chakra is associated with the following functions or behavioral characteristics:

Security, safety
Survival
Basic needs (food, sleep, shelter, self-preservation, etc.)
Physicality, physical identity and aspects of self
Grounding
Support and foundation for living our lives

The root chakra provides the foundation on which we build our life. It supports us in growing and feeling safe into exploring all the aspects of life. It is related to our feeling of safety and security, whether it’s physical or regarding our bodily needs.

Imagine that you’re laying the foundation for a house in which you’re going to live for a long time. A solid foundation embedded in firm soil will provide the stability you need to create a home filled with joy for years to come.

The root chakra is where we ground ourselves into the earth and anchor our energy into manifest world.

Red

The typical color used to represent the root chakra is a rich vermilion red. This is the color used on its symbol to fill its petals. Red symbolizes strength, vitality, and stimulates our instinctual tendencies.

What happens when the first chakra is imbalanced?

At the emotional level, the deficiencies or imbalance in the root chakra are related to:

Excessive negativity, cynicism
Problems with career & relationships
Greed, hoarding
Anxiety
Dissociative behavior
Indecisiveness
Excessive feeling of insecurity, living on survival mode constantly

For a person who has imbalance in the root chakra, it might be hard to feel safe in the world and everything looks like a potential risk. The desire for security dominates and can translate into concerns over the job situation, poor finances, physical safety, shelter, and health.

A blocked root chakra may turn into behaviors ruled mainly by fear. If the chakra becomes overactive, fear might turn into greed and paranoia, which are extreme forms of manifestation of imbalance. Issues with control over addictions, food intake and diet are related to it.

When in balance

This chakra we will feel alert, confident, secure, strong & steady.

A balanced root chakra manifests as a being with a healthy physical body, well adjusted to the family and community environment. Such a person will be diligent, organized and prudent with finances.

Opening the root chakra

There are many ways to open your root chakra. For example, you can engage more in grounding and earth-related activities (for example, connection with nature, gardening, cooking healthy, hiking).

The main idea is to work at growing your ”roots” in a safe and comfortable environment (i.e., surround yourself with earth colors, objects reminding you of nature, stability; or on the contrary, if you wish to feel less stuck, do the opposite).

Yoga for the root chakra can be a more physical way to bridge the body and mind and restore a more balanced energy flow.

Root Chakra Mediation

I am connected to all that is around me.

This connection gives me a strong foundation and does not hold me back.

Security and stability in life allow me to move with both confidence and connection to who I am

How to Balance Muladhara

While meditation does connect you to a higher spiritual plane, it also serves to ground you. You may not always be able to trust that the world will give you what you need to survive, but connection to your higher self and trust in a power higher than yourself will give you what you need to feel safe.

It does not matter if you call that higher power Consciousness, Mother Nature, God, or Spirit. Connection to universal energy will bring you a sense of peace and stability. The animals in the forest have no idea if and when they will find food each day, yet somehow they trust in nature to provide for them.

Are you looking to find Balance in your life with scents? The sense organ that corresponds to the root chakra is smell. While meditating, focus on the tip of your nose to help align the root and bring forth the qualities you need to balance your root chakra.

Ananda Aromamist has designed this earthy scented aromatherapy mist infused with essential oils, blended to assist in keeping balance and provides stability in all areas of life.

Muladhara, our root chakra centers upon our core needs for survival, security and livelihood. I am safe. The Earth supports me, nourishes me, nurtures me. I stand tall on my Ancestors shoulders. I have strength and courage to create a wonderful life and a better world. All is well.