The Root Chakra: Grounding and Stability

In a world such as ours, it can sometimes seem impossible to get your feet on the ground and find a sense of stability. Everything is changing at an incredible speed. Sometimes it can seem impossible to know what to believe or to find any semblance of reality in our chaotic world. Focusing on the chakras can give us a sense of stability because grounding and stability begin within the core of our being. So, we begin with the root chakra. The first chakra, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine.. It relates to the color red and connects us to the earth. On a physical level, conditions associated with this chakra include low vitality. The flaming colors of this chakra are red and orange. Physiologically, this chakra is associated with the endocrine glands. The human endocrine system includes 8 major endocrine glands. There are seven chakras and an eighth, which symbolizes the blending of all seven. This is the center of elimination, instincts, survival, habits, and the ordinary or mundane aspects of everyday life. The root chakra supplies prana to the upper chakras. It is the center of survival and procreation and vibrates with the basic energy of the physical body. The incoming and outgoing breath represent the polarity of this chakra. Going beyond our animal survival instincts means learning to balance the energy within this chakra. When this chakra is malfunctioning, we may feel stuck, clingy, overly stubborn, or show signs of addictive behavior. We may feel disconnected from the material world, the physical body, and concrete reality. We may have difficulty giving and receiving in relationships, feel unstable, or become lost in dreams rather than grounded in reality. Think of it this way – fiery red overstimulates and dark red zaps our vitality. A balanced root chakra is a soft hue of red tinted with a bit of orange. When the root chakra is in balance, our orientation is toward the basic material needs of life—home, money, food, and possessions. It is the focus of survival and reproduction. When we are stable, we relate well to our bodies and to physical reality. We are grounded, dependable, realistic, and secure. The way to balance the chakras is to balance the energy of the body, mind, and soul. Focus on the color red. Imagine taking the bright, fiery red and softening it into gentle hues of red and orange. Focus on your breathing and on the poses that ground us as we attempt to balance this chakra. Let’s begin with Om, followed by a few breaths. Closing Go to your root chakra and feel a sense of stability and grounding. When we are grounded at the base of our being, we can draw that energy upward through the other chakras, creating a stable and balanced sense of self. Here, we are able to find our inner strength. Remember: You must be grounded and stable if you wish to fly. So, whatever you attempt to do this week, stop and take a moment to ground yourself. Begin at your root and work upward toward becoming the most grounded, stable, and best version of who you can be. To fly, you must first be grounded. The Ego and the Root Chakra The ego exists for our protection and survival. But when it takes on the role of righteousness, controlling and dictating, it loses its ability to use the instincts that help keep us grounded and reliable. We sometimes call this flying off the handle. When this happens, the energy of our being becomes unbalanced, and our aura may seem to spew out a bright, fiery red. That is why we sometimes describe anger as being red hot. The ego has an important purpose: survival and protection. But when the ego becomes controlling, it can overpower the deeper wisdom of the soul. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When you feel the fiery ego emerging, try to sit quietly and breathe deeply into the root chakra, where you can find your grounding. Imagine the fiery, hot red giving way to a soft hue of light red and orange. From here, lift yourself upward, and you will begin to discover what it means to fly from the soul. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn