Last Updated on November 14, 2022
If you are looking to achieve personal growth and spiritual development by opening and balancing your chakras, then you are certainly in the right place!
Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning “wheel” or “turning”. They are the center of energy in our bodies and each chakra is associated with certain physical, emotional, and spiritual characteristics. When these centers are balanced and open, we experience optimal health and well-being.
Being the first of the seven energy centers in the human body, it is believed that the Muladhara or the root chakra creates the gateway to all other chakras since all are linked through it.
Keep reading to learn how this strong energy center is connected to the root of your spiritual energy and how it can access the deepest aspect of yourself.
Muladhara: Foundation of the Energy Body
Since the Muladhara is the first chakra and the foundation of the physical structure of the body, it is very important to establish this first before proceeding to the higher chakras.
The root or Mūlādhāra chakra can be broken down into two Sanskrit words: “Mula” means root and “Adhara” means base or support.
This is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the earth element for being responsible for making us feel grounded to the physical world.
Muladhara chakra is also associated with survival instincts, security, and stability – making us feel safe and secure to meet our basic needs when this chakra is balanced.
Characteristics of the Root Chakra
The root chakra helps you physically and spiritually in many ways. It is associated and known to symbolize various things such as:
Divinity
The divinity of the root chakra is the lord of all animals, Lord Shiva. He represents both consciousness and liberation from all harmful and negative within ourselves and the world.
It is believed that the root chakra forms the boundary between animal and human consciousness wherein Shiva balances the two so that human beings can transition from sleeping to spiritual awakening.
Earth element
As mentioned earlier, Muladhara has a strong connection to the earth element which can bring happiness and positivity in life when you keep grounded to your inner self.
When you lose your connection to this element, the root chakra will weaken and may not evolve for you to experience your higher self.
Color red
All chakras have a corresponding color that identifies them where the color red symbolizes the root chakra.
This color represents strength and vitality which is strongly linked to our physical and emotional needs for survival and protection.
Inverted triangle
The deep red inverted triangle of Muladhara chakra is an alchemical symbol for earth.
The four petals of a lotus flower on the other hand signify the four-mind states of this chakra which are mind, intellect, consciousness, and ego.
Well-being
The Muladhara chakra controls your overall health, including your immune system, digestion, and other physiological functions.
If it is out of balance, you can suffer from a variety of ailments, such as depression, anxiety, sexual problems, and many others.
Basic needs
Satisfying our primary needs for food, water, shelter, and survival is the main focus of Muladhara chakra.
Overdoing this may negatively affect our survival and may lead to an unbalanced chakra. Conversely, when the basic survival needs are not met, the root chakra will become dysfunctional this disconnecting from our earthly values.
Signs of Root Chakra Imbalance
People who have a healthy root chakra are able to feel secure and safe, both physically and emotionally. They are able to connect with their physical surroundings and feel comfortable in their own skin.
However, there are situations where root chakra imbalance can manifest itself. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, there is a good chance that your root chakra is out of balance:
Physical issues
The physical issues of root chakra imbalance can include:
- problems with the feet, legs, hips, and the base of the spine
- difficulties standing or walking
- fatigue
- constipation
- weight loss or gain
- weakened immune system
Emotional issues
Mental signs of imbalance can include:
- feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and fear
- lack of self-confidence or self-esteem
- tendency to hold on to anger or resentment
- painful feelings of instability
- always living in “survival” mode
- lethargy and lack of motivation
- cynic outlook about life
Spiritual issues
Muladhara chakra imbalance not only affects your physical body and emotional functioning but also hinders your path towards spiritual liberation. Signs of spiritual issues include:
- existential crisis
- crisis of faith
- loss of faith in the Earth and universe
Balancing the Muladhara Chakra
Muladhara is responsible for grounding us in our physical body and our everyday reality. When this chakra is balanced, we feel secure, safe, and connected to the earth and our physical surroundings.
Balancing the root chakra can be achieved in several ways:
1. Saying words of affirmations
The practice of saying words of affirmations is simple, but its effects can be profound.
This is a great way to root your chakra. When you say affirmations, you are sending a powerful message to your subconscious mind that will help you to manifest your desires.
The root chakra is the foundation of your energy system, so it is important to keep it healthy and strong. Here are a few simple affirmations that you can use to boost your root chakra.
- I am grounded
- I am safe
- I am at peace
- The Earth nourishes me
2. Keeping your body moving
Doing simple tasks like folding laundry or washing dishes can help in your root chakra development.
This energy center is responsible for feelings of safety and security in your life, so doing activities that make you feel grounded and stable can help you open up this chakra.
Here are other simple tasks you can perform to take action and move forward in your life, rather than staying stuck in fear:
- Taking a walk in nature
- Gardening
- Meditating
- Yoga
- Dancing
- Running
3. Yogic practices
Yoga can be a powerful tool for balancing the root chakra, as it helps to connect us with the earth and create a sense of stability.
By stimulating the energy flow in this area, subtle body movements from practices like yoga asanas, kundalini yoga, and bandha yoga, coupled with some breathing exercises are also a powerful way to work around your root chakra.
4. Special meditation practices
Meditation can help us to connect with our inner strength and stability, providing a foundation for lasting peace and happiness.
Here are techniques you can try to allow you to live in the present moment and enjoy life to the fullest:
- Simple meditation – This technique involves imagining the color red while taking slow, steady breaths.
- Seed mantra – Lam-chanting the sound of “I am” can help you feel more in tune with your body and the present. To make you more relaxed, make sure that you are in a comfortable place and position when meditating.
- Grounding meditation – Another effective meditation technique is visualizing something specific and holding it in your mind. This technique can give you the necessary stability and support to make you grounded.
- Walking meditation – Connecting with nature through walking can help calm your nervous system. In root chakra, you may couple this with your breathing techniques while saying a word of affirmation in every step.
Conclusion
You can achieve spiritual liberation by working to balance your root chakra.
This process begins with acknowledging the energy that flows through you and recognizing the importance of the root chakra in your life.
By taking time to focus on the health of this chakra, you can unblock any energy blockages and allow your energy to flow freely.
In turn, this will help you to connect with your spiritual side and achieve a more peaceful and balanced state of mind.
