The Root Chakra

Sanskrit: Muladhara

Location: Base of spine

Color: Red

Element: Earth

Aspect: Security

Body part: Spine and legs

Asana suggestion: Yogi squat/Malasana

Mantra suggestion:  “I am exactly where I am meant to be.”

Mudra (see photo below): Shuni mudra

The root chakra is your foundation. Just like root systems ground trees and plants into the earth, your root chakra grounds you in your primal beliefs and instincts. Your root chakra is your first chakra; pulling the energy and power from the ground allowing you to grow and work towards enlightenment.

Imbalance symptoms: Ever wonder what happens to any negative emotions or energies you have? Well, you root chakra is in charge of taking care of these. If your root chakra is clear and balanced, then these negativities are transformed in this chakra and expelled back into the world. So, if your root chakra is blocked or out of balance then it can’t do its job. Therefore you may feel a lot of stagnate negative energy, thoughts, or emotions.

Ways to balance it out: The best way to tap into this chakra is to feel the grass between your toes. Enveloping yourself in nature and feeling your connection with the earth through the soles of your feet can give you a sense of grounding. If you can’t get all the way outside, try sitting in front of a window when the sun is shining through it. Close your eyes and do a 5-minute mediation or listen to nature sounds.

When your root chakra is in balance: Your root chakra is your foundation, and just like so many other things in life, a stable and solid foundation is needed to build and grow. When your root chakra is balanced and unblocked you may find it easier to tap into your other chakras. Having a solid base in your root chakra will ease the process of taping into the higher chakras. You will experience feelings of stability and a sense of grounding in your physical, mental, and emotional bodies.