Root Chakra
Chakras are energy centers of the body that reside along the spine. When they are imbalanced, you may feel off in your body and/or areas of your life related to that specific chakra. The root chakra is the first of the seven major chakras of our body. It is the foundation for all others. As a lower chakra, it is connected to the earth and our physical bodies. The root chakra represents stability, family, purpose, security, basic needs to feel safe, and a sense of belonging. What is my purpose? Who is part of my tribe? How do I relate to others? Who is my family? The chakra is associated with the color red and the element Earth.
When you feel a sense of scarcity or lack, it can be translated into a variety of things but center around feelings of isolation, lack of connection, and losing hope. This is when the root chakra is overactive. Oftentimes this sense of scarcity comes from the past and may no longer be true for our current lives. This insecurity is part of your shadow self. The shadow self is where your insecurities, fears, and anxieties lie. (To read more about the shadow self in relation to the root chakra click here.) Other symptoms of an overactive chakra include greediness, anger/annoyance towards people and events, materialism, negativity, dependency on others for stability, stuck in routines, and unable to deal with change. When it is underactive, you may feel fear, instability, disconnectedness, lack of belonging, lack of financial stability, and lack of purpose.
This energy center is also where we hold on to generational trauma and beliefs. Where we connect to our ancestors. If your family has come from situations of great stress, it would be a good idea to revisit how you can release trauma and limiting beliefs. You can do this by researching your family lineage and also asking your ancestors for guidance in meditation.
To balance your energy center, you want to focus on restoring the harmonious and balanced flow of energy. Focus on developing a harmonious relationship with your environment and surroundings to balance your first chakra.
Ways to balance your root chakra:
Focus on grounding: Make sure your immediate surroundings make you feel safe and stable.
Connect with the Earth: Take a walk outside and spend time with plants for sustainable energy flow.
Journal: As you explore your shadow self, write down your findings. (Family, work, relationships, etc).
Yoga: Practice poses that encourage grounding like Mountain Pose, Warrior One pose, and Bridge pose.
Root Chakra Affirmations: Focus on affirmations such as “I feel deeply rooted,” and “I feel safe and secure”.
Foods: Try to eat local, fresh foods that connect you with Mother Earth.
Aromatherapy: Enjoy smells like vetiver, myrrh, frankincense, and grapefruit.
Crystal Healing: Red carnelian, fire agate, and red jasper are wonderful tools for healing. Surround your space with the crystals while you meditate, or you can wear your crystals.
Root Chakra Recap
Color- Red.
Located at the base of your spine.
Element- Earth.
Underactive- You are feeling disconnected or fearful.
Overactive- You are experiencing annoyance and greediness/materialism.
Build a strong foundation and harness courage by connecting with your ancestral instinct and physical body. Your shadow self can be overcome as you ground yourself through the root chakra.
Here are some additional resources on the root chakra!
Well + Good: What are Chakras?
Chopra Center: What are Chakras?
Chopra Center: The Root Chakra
Looking for the other chakras?