When the chakras are unbalanced we may experience physical and emotional stress associated with that particular chakra. For example, digestive issues and insecurity may manifest from an unbalanced root chakra. A balanced root chakra may influence confidence, courage, and vitality. 

What is the Root Chakra? 

Our root chakra involves feeling safe, having access to basic needs, and feeling connected to the environment around/ within you. The root involves family relationships especially our relationship with our parents. The parent and child relationship is established first and acts as the foundation for other relationships. Ironically the root chakra is the first chakra and influences the other chakras. 

When I think of the root chakra I also think about the roots of a plant. The roots get the nutrients from the earth to the plant. Strong plant roots are established first and ensure the plant can thrive! Our communities and families are the same way! We can thrive when we have strong roots

The root chakra is located at the base of the spin. This spinning wheel of energy influences the other chakras, it is responsible for sending energy to them. In my previous post I go more in detail about the chakras so be sure to read that post if you have questions. You can access that post here: https://www.aqml.art/blog. 

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What is associated with the Root Chakra?

The earth element is linked to the root chakra and represented by the color red. The elimination organs are associated with the root. They are the kidneys, bladder, large intestine, rectum, sciatic nerve, bottom of the feet, and adrenal glands.  

An unbalanced root chakra may manifest as feeling depressed. A balanced root chakra involves feeling grounded in yourself and the world around you. 

Why should you balance your Root chakra? 

Balancing our root chakra is important because it impacts our other chakras, perceptions, and relationships. With a balanced root, we can begin to develop healthy relationships with ourselves, the environment, and others. 

What we consider as a threat, stress, or safety is influenced by the root. When our roots are balanced we can be calm and steady. By nature, our nervous system is naturally relaxed when we are not concerned about a meal, shelter, or safety.  

Ways to balance the Root Chakra? 

I like to use movement with yoga to keep myself balanced. Yoga provides the spirit, mind, and body connection. When we are strengthening one we are also working the others.  

To start bringing your root chakra into balance the suggested yoga pose. To enhance your experience, practice them outside barefoot in nature. Be sure to consult with your physician about your health before engaging in any movements. 

Mountain Pose: This pose is the foundation for all standing yoga poses. In between other poses, you can return to the mountain pose to recenter and balance yourself. A mountain stands upright, tall, and firm; this pose encourages the same in our physical and mental endeavors to stand tall, steadfast, and firm.  

Grounding

Grounding in nature is an ancient practice and only takes intention. To do this stand outside barefoot in the grass. Now take a few intentional deep breaths. I imagine this practice is similar to skin-to-skin after birthing your baby. Grounding connects us to Mother Earth. 

Benefits from the mountain pose: 

• Coordination and posture improve

• improve agility

• Increase circulation

• Strengthen core muscles and legs

• May develop steadfastness, confidence, and self-acceptance 

• Acquire agility in the mind 

How to do the mountain pose:

1. Begin standing with the feet together, the heels and big toe touching. Rotate and stretch the toes flat on the floor. 

2. Squeeze at the knees and pull the kneecaps up, engage the hips, and pull the muscles at the back of the thighs. 

3. Tighten the stomach by pulling the belly button in towards the spine. 

4. The chest and neck are forward. The spine is long and stretched up. 

5. Weight is evenly distributed on the heels, toes, and legs. 

6. Hands are placed down by the thighs with fingertips stretched out. Or hands can be placed straight up over our heads at the side with the fingertips stretched out. 

All standing yoga poses can then be followed after the mountain pose. 

Tips: 

Make sure you are standing correctly. The body weight can be thrown off to one side, leg, ankle, and toes. If the abdomen sticks out, if the spine feels stressed eventually you may become fatigued, so it is important to “master” this pose. 

Also, make sure the legs aren't turned sideways. Some carry weight in the heels, and inner and outer edges of the feet. The feet can be apart but make sure the heel and toes are parallel to the middle and not at an angle.