The Chakra Series: Root Down and Ground Using These 3 Techniques

Sep 3

“To drop into being means to recognize your interconnectedness with all life, and with being itself. Your very nature is being part of larger and larger spheres of wholeness.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Everything is connected.

That’s a bold statement.

But what if it’s true?

In many ancient cultures and teachings, the interconnectedness of everything in life – seen and unseen – is not only mentioned but emphasized. And even in modern times, that interconnectedness is still believed and taught – the only difference being, now it’s termed, ‘cause and effect.’

And sometimes, we’re not able to see that interconnectedness very clearly at first. At first, things may seem coincidental or completely not connected at all.

And other times, the connection is so clear that it’s almost funny you didn’t recognize it at all in the first place.

In the science of Yoga this connection between everything is viewed as a whole body system: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. First looking at the microcosm of the human being, and then extending that outward to the macrocosm of the world, and the universe. One system always and without exception has an effect on another.

One particular system that we’ll be deep-diving into with this series, is the chakra system. And to start, we’ll begin by talking about the root chakra.

What is a Chakra?

But before we dive right in, let’s start with the basics. What is a chakra? What does this have to do with yoga and how is this going to illustrate the interconnectedness of life?

Those last two questions will become evident as we go through this series, but let’s answer that first one, now.

A chakra is an energy center located within the human body that runs along the spinal column. This is an interesting piece of information, and here’s why:

While there’s no scientific evidence for the presence of ‘chakras’ – meaning, there is no visual evidence that this energy center is swirling at particular points along your spine – there IS evidence to show that the chakra points mentioned, do correspond with points along the spine that directly connect with the central nervous system and corresponding body parts.

And that’s the important part here, isn’t it?

So, within this series, you’ll learn about each chakra, the body parts associated with each one, the emotional and mental aspects associated, the element, sound, planet, and sign associated with each chakra, and yoga poses to benefit each chakra as well. You’ll also learn about the unique imbalances that can occur within each chakra.

The Root Chakra

This week in the series, we’re naturally starting with the first chakra: the root chakra. In sanskrit, the name for this chakra is Muladhara. ‘Mula’ means root and ‘adhara’ means support or base.

The Body Connection

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the physical body, the physical world, your safety and security, your survival and your instincts. It governs over your adrenals, lower back, legs, and elimination process. One of it’s main functions is to remove toxins from the body.

This chakra is your direct connection to the Earth.

The Mental/Emotional Connection

The root chakra allows you to harness and embody courage, determination, and action. In contrast, it can also be the connection between disconnection from life, depression, and scarcity mindset.

The Spiritual Connection

This chakra is tied to your familial roots, your ancestry, and how you grew up. It is connected with the seed sound mantra of Langm, the color red, the planet Mars, and the astrological sign of Aries.

Balance vs. Imbalance

When this chakra is balanced, you feel full of life and enjoyment and excitement for life. You feel safe and secure within yourself, and your basic needs are provided for. When balanced you may feel confident, determined, and ready to take an active role in your life.

When imbalanced, you may experience both emotional and physical symptoms such as:

Hoarding material possessions
Greed
Lack of ambition
Insecurity
Disconnection from others, self, and the world
Depression
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Digestive disorders
Insomnia or excessive sleeping
Reproductive issues

Harmonizing the Root Chakra

The root chakra is just that – the root of you and your being. It starts here because without feeling safe and secure, within yourself and out in the world, there’s not much room for anything else.

Have you ever found yourself in fight or flight mode? Chances are the answer is yes because you’re human. Remember back to that feeling of insecurity, or lack of safety. It becomes all-consuming because those are your basic needs for survival. That’s normal and it’s necessary.

So if you find yourself in that place, now or down the road, just start here.

Root Down and Ground

Begin with incorporating some practice of mindfulness, meditation, or breathwork … all three for even more benefits. And this can be as simple as 5 minutes a day. Seriously.

Try box-breathing, naming sights, sounds, smells, or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes at a time while you focus on your breath or bodily sensations.

Mantras and Affirmations for the Root Chakra

I feel safe and secure.
I am grounded.
I trust more, I am fearless.
I have self-love and I take care of my well-being.
I am open to all possibilities.
The earth provides a safe place for me.
I have abundance in my life.
I love my body and trust its wisdom.
I trust the universe to support me.

Yoga Asanas for Balancing the Root Chakra

When using yoga asanas to balance the root chakra, you’ll want to focus on poses that focus on the base of the spine, the legs, and digestion. Here are just a few you can incorporate into your practice:

Seated easy pose, or Lotus pose

As easy and simple as it sounds, sitting cross-legged with the base of your spine on your mat and spine reaching long is a great starting point. Take it a step further and practice some mindfulness, breathwork, or meditation.

Wide-legged Child’s Pose

With an emphasis on wide-legged. Wide-legged child’s pose allows more space for your chest and upper body to surrender down to the mat. You can choose to keep your hands and arms alongside you, or stretch them out above you.

Chair Pose

Begin standing. As you inhale, reach your arms to the sky while you simultaneously sink your hips low toward the mat. Keep your chest lifted. You’ll feel a gentle tug above you and below you as you stretch in opposite directions. This pose strengthens your pelvic floor, and your root chakra.

Seated Forward Bend

Just as it sounds, allow your upper body to sink down toward your legs stretched out in front of you. Take a few moments to just connect with your breath and your body here. Maybe repeating an affirmation to yourself, or repeating that seed mantra sound.