Root Chakra Centering Exercise:
My awareness moves to my perineum (between the anus and genitals). I sit with my spine straight yet relaxed in calm awareness sensing the nature of this aspect of my energy system.
I feel its presence, a subtle enlivening energy. Sometimes I see colors, but not today, so I visualize this first chakra as a swirling red vortex with its small end becoming part of my physical body. I sense it opening as I visualize its most distant end as a blooming lotus flower.
I send an imaginary tap root down to the heart of mother earth. I imagine it going through the soft soil and around rocks and stones, absorbing nutrients as it goes. Along its way there is a crystalline steam of pure fresh water. My root soaks up its enlivening moisture.
As it reaches the earth’s heart it absorbs the warm energy of her creative glow. I intend for my root to nourish me: basking in the energy it brings, soaking up the moisture and nutrients, feeling nourished and grounded.
I feel safe and secure knowing I am a part of the earth and its great abundance. The earth is my home, I belong here.
I conclude my meditation by taking a deep breath feeling more centered and present.
Root Chakra Key Functions
The root chakra’s main functions are survival and grounding. Located near the base of the spine it forms the foundation on which all of the other 7 major chakras rest.
It is associated to the earth and connects with the etheric field of the aura (the closest layer to the physical body).
It relates to your physical, material nature and supports physical health. It fosters your ability to focus and to provide for your material and financial needs.
When it is open and healthy you feel connected to the earth and its rich abundance. You feel a sense of belonging to the earth and your tribe—humanity. You know that you have a right to be here and to have things (including money).
Your energy grows and flows freely in trust of the spiritual nature of an abundance attitude, versus a scarcity attitude that contracts your energy in fear of not being enough or having enough.
Dysfunction in this chakra 1 may lead to physical health problems, particularly bowel problems, degenerative arthritis, and adrenal dysfunction.
Helping Your Root Chakra
Your energy system (including the chakras) acts as a whole even though it’s comprised of various elements with different functions. It works best when your energy is balanced and flows freely.
Energy healers and the spiritual traditions have long used the chakras to support natural healing. They found that you can release blockages in chakras and promote their energy flow with a variety of techniques.
Here are some promoting root chakra health that Anodea Judith, PhD recommends in Wheels of Life:
Centering Exercise and Deep Relaxation
These meditations, like the one above, bring your awareness to your physical body and your connection to the earth. Through focusing on physical sensations with an intention of letting go of troubling thoughts, you become more relaxed and present to life.
Examples:
- Body Scan
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Centering Exercise
- Chakra Meditation
Yoga Postures
Hatha yoga, one type of yoga, is a series of gentle stretching poses and breathing exercises. Hatha yoga balances the body and mind as well as stimulates the internal nerves and organs. The poses help align the body supporting optimum function and relieving stress and pain.
Examples:
- Knee to Chest Pose
- Bridge Pose
- Head to Knee Pose
Body Movement and Contact with the Ground
Almost anything you do that puts you in contact with the earth is grounding. These simple exercises also stimulate the piezoelectric current that moves calcium into the bones thus strengthening them.
Be sure to be gentle and kind to yourself, adjusting them to any physical limitations you may have.
- Stamping: Stamp one foot to the ground several times, then the other.
- Jumping Up and Down: You do not have to jump up far, a little jump will do just fine. Be relaxed, bend your knees as you come down, feel the force of gravity and imagine that you are sinking, a little, into the earth. This is best done on a softer earthy surface versus a hard surface, like concrete.
- Kicking: While lying down kick your legs rhythmically into the air (don’t kick against anything solid). Try it with knees bent and straight. This exercise also eases tension in the legs.</li>
- Jogging or Brisk Walking: Best done on the earth, brisk walking and jogging stimulates breathing, increases metabolism and energizes your whole system.
Massage
All types of body work can help connect mind and body. A foot massage is particularly useful in grounding.
Eating
People naturally tend to want to eat when they feel ungrounded because it helps. Choose protein and whole grain foods that don’t spike your blood sugar. Over eating, though, can unground you and put you out of touch with your body.
Root Chakra Key Points
Your root chakra forms the foundation for the seven major chakras. Its main functions are survival and grounding. There are a variety of ways to support its health. I have mentioned a few.
You can learn more about this first chakra from the resources below.
Root Chakra Sources and Resources
Brennan, Barbara, Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field, (New York: Bantam Books, 1988).
Judith, Anodea, Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System, (Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2012).
Myss, Caroline, Invisible Acts of Power: Channeling Grace in Your Everyday Life, (New York: Free Press, 2004).
