Root Chakra
The Root Chakra: Understanding Depression & Anxiety
The root chakra, also known as the Muladhara or base chakra, is the first chakra and is responsible for our sense of security, stability, and connection to the physical world. Sitting at the base of the spine, it is the foundation for self improvement and owning our true self.
What is the Root Chakra?
The root chakra serves as a bridge between our spiritual and physical selves. Like the roots of a tree, it also serves as the foundation for the rest of the chakra system, providing stability and nourishment to the “trunk” and “branches” of our physical body.
When we have a strong sense of feeling grounded, we have the stability necessary for personal growth. We simply cannot evolve or safely connect with the world around us when we don’t feel safe and secure within ourselves.
A Balanced Root Chakra
A balanced and open root chakra allows us to feel stable and connected to the present moment, helping us navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. We more naturally trust our decisions and feel empowered to take on new opportunities.
Because the root chakra governs the flow of life energy throughout the body, a balanced root chakra facilitates the healthy flow of energy to all parts of our chakra system.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of a healthy, balanced root chakra include:
- Healthy sleep patterns
- Overall health and comfort
- High energy
- Good sense of balance and stability
Mental Signs
Mental and emotional signs of a healthy, balanced root chakra include:
- Feeling secure and grounded
- A sense of belonging
- Responsible behavior
- Confidence
- High levels of self-care
- Feeling excitement and joy about life in general
An Unbalanced Root Chakra
An unbalanced root chakra blocks our sense of groundedness and connection to our environment, and can lead to a number of physical, mental and emotional concerns.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of a blocked or unbalanced root chakra include:
- Lower back pain
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue or low energy
- High blood pressure
Mental Signs
Mental and emotional signs of a blocked or unbalanced root chakra include:
- Low self-esteem
- Fear or anxiety
- Feelings of depression
- Lack of motivation
- Aggressive behavior
- Delusional thoughts
- Lack of personal power
- Difficulty feeling “present” in the moment, focusing instead on the past or future
How to Unblock the Root Chakra
Balanced, open chakras are the key to living our most joyful, peaceful, and authentic life. When we nurture and balance our root chakra, we create a strong base for personal growth and a harmonious connection to the world around us.
There are a number of practices that can help balance the root chakra, including:
- Yoga postures to relax the mind and create more flow within the body. Focus on strong lower-body poses, such as the Warrior or Mountain pose to promote stability and grounding. Try this root chakra yoga sequence.
- Engage in physical activities that connect you to the earth, such as walking or dancing barefoot on the grass
- Breathwork to increase energy flow
- Aromatherapy, focusing on scents like cedarwood, patchouli, and sandalwood
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Affirmations
- Eat root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes
- Wear the color red, which is associated with the root chakra
Root Chakra Affirmations
Affirmations can provide the emotional support needed to shift our energy into a more positive, open state. They serve as suggestions for our subconscious, which over time, will also become ingrained in our conscious mind.
To maintain a healthy, balanced root chakra, try repeating one or more of the following root chakra affirmations daily:
- I release all doubts and fear
- I trust myself and my decisions
- I have everything I need, here and now
- I am grounded and safe
- I am worthy of love and respect
- I am confident in my abilities
- I am supported by the earth
- I feel safe and protected in this world
- I am comfortable and in this present moment
- Deep inner peace is my natural state
- I have access to everything I need to survive and thrive
Root Chakra Meditations
Meditation is a powerful tool for opening and balancing the root chakra.
How to begin your root chakra meditation practice:
- Sit in a relaxed position with your back straight and feet on the floor.
- Bring your attention to your root chakra at the base of the pelvis, visualizing roots flowing from the base of your spine down through the earth below you.
- Place your hands on your knees, with your palms facing down.
- Close your eyes, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
- With each inhale, envision the earth’s lifeforce energy flowing through you.
- With each exhale, imagine your “roots” flowing deeper into the earth as you release what no longer serves you.
- Try to hold this intention for 5-10 minutes to start, or simply end the practice when you feel complete.
Remember, the goal of meditation isn’t to clear your mind, but rather to observe your thoughts and how they make you feel. If the above practice feels too formal or unnatural, try a simple walk in nature. Root chakra balancing bonus points if you walk barefoot!
You can also try a guided meditation like this one:
Balancing the Root Chakra in Costa Mesa, CA
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