The Chakras are a beautiful system. When in harmony, YOU are in harmony. Let's take a look at the "base"ic Chakra, the Root Chakra, known in Sanskrit as "Muladhara." Muladhara is a combination word of "Mula," meaning "root," and "adhara," meaning "Base/Support." It's colors are that of red, black, and white, and the root chakra is of the Earth Element. It's location is at the base of the spine, in the area between the genitals and the legs, so therefore some may call it in good fun, "The Gooch" Chakra!"
Those who achieve the splendor of living with a balanced Root Chakra feel grounded in their body, and secure in life. They go by the famous, "Joyously I give, and Joyously I Receive," Motto. They are both giving and willing to feel joy in the feeling of being given unto by others. The Root Chakra receives its base programming from our family, and seeing as how our mother is typically our main caregiver, we absorb more of her issues than anyone else's.
Thos who are spiritually "unrooted" live with fear, pain from inherited family wounds, and negative imprints from childhood. The imprints of family wounds are both consciously and unconsciously stored here. We always go back to our roots when our innermost problems are concerned; but there is so much more to be understood and delved into. Don't freak out, we are going to have all the time we need, and/or as much as fate has in store for us.
The 4 Lotus petals represent the 4 Earth Elements; Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. These elements act in harmony with each other, as to the 7 basic Chakras. The Root Chakra is of the element Earth. Which brings us to the very powerful and important aspects of "Grounding," for which a future blog will describe in more depth. Those who ground have scientifically proven benefit from which they reap the energy and strong power of the Earth.
An important aspect to the Root Chakra is the matter of Personal Security. Just as important an apepect is famililial relationships, and the feeling of being "Home." Again, these all tie in together as well. The intricate web of everything being inter-intwined can be so overwhelming; Don't even try to make sense of it, worry, or make a chart if you are brand new. It's a web that can take years to make sense of. Shit, I'm still trying!
The things you own come from the Root Chakra; with some people this may become excessive; it is important to not hoard excess items.
Fitness routines and rituals are also associated with this Chakra. It is hard to feel light and free when your body is dragging you down, and therefore it is vital to remain healthy and active. Exercise can be a pain in the ass, but do we brush our teeth because we enjoy it? Nope. We do it for the hygiene and health of our mouths. By being fit and healthy, you honor your body and spiritual nature. You can find all types of exercise that may be more tolerable to you - yoga, swimming, belly dancing, or even simply moving around in your seat as much as possible throughout the day. Do a couple squats while washing dishes! Shake that booty in the shower! Walk stationary. A little bit everyday goes a long way. Muladhara also provides the base for a healthy posture, and removes toxins from our bodily systems.
In today's weird weird world, feeling security is not engaged. Chasing security is, but not really living it. Primal fears are built into this Chakra tightly. They are necessary and healthy for survival. However, shock and trauma also stored in your unconscious mind is not healthy.
Muladhara is the root of unconscious decisions we make, then try to rationalize. We need to nip it as soon as we notice our rationalizations manifesting in our thoughts. Make sure you stay aware of them, so that they may begin to disappear. Addictions are unconscious behaviors, because we have already made the decision to quit, or that we want to. A rationalization for going against what you know is right comes from your lower self. The Root Chakra is one of the 3 lower self Chakras.
Grounding is an important aspect of Root Chakra maintenance. Grounding is one of my favorite meditation types. I'll admit, I haven't quite gotten a meditation routine down pat yet. It's almost the same concept I mentioned about exercising - I try to do it, but my mind races and races for so long before I can feel the effects. This is why I need to implement an aspect into meditation that I love --- Grounding. I will have a more thorough post about this later. I love grounding because I love nature - the feel of the earth between my toes - submerging in cool water, the feel of a crisp breeze---- this is I can get down with.
Grounding is phenomenal when you are anxious. Go for a nature walk, sit outside, float in water, hold onto a tree or plant --- then pay attention to absolutely everything surrounding you - the trillions of colors in the sky, the sound of footsteps (or hopefully, pawsteps) hitting the ground, your breath, sounds of birds and critters, the colors and shape of the foliage.... let it pull you into the right now, right here moment. This is how grounding happens.
The following Gemstones are associated with the 1st Chakra, and they include: Ruby, garnet, smoky quartz, black tourmaline, jasper, onyx, bloodstone, plain rocks, apache tears, black agate, dragon's blood, obsidian, pyrite, orthoceras fossil, flame quartz (and many more....)
A Spiritual Message from this Chakra: " You deserve to be alive, safe, passionate and strong!"
Yoga Postures: Squats, Knees to Chest, Bridge, Pelvic Tilts, Mountain, Standing Poses
Symbolization: Serpents, Holy Fire, Cultural Life, Death Symbols, the scythe, blood, the cross, fertility signs, and natural food produce.
