We're on to something new - the chakras! I'm sure all of us have heard teachers referring to the chakras in yoga classes, during meditation or even seen reference to them on social media.
The chakras are energy centers within our bodies. They're often described as the spinning wheels of a cosmic engine, powering our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. From the vibrant, red root chakra at the base of our spine to the ethereal crown chakra atop our heads, each one plays a vital role in our overall vitality and balance. So, join me on this exploration of the chakras and exploration of the self!
Chakras are the seven main energy centers in the body that align themselves through the center of the subtle or energetic body. The word chakra literally translates to wheel, so truly the chakras are wheels of energy linking the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Muladhara is the first chakra. Mula meaning “root” and adhara which means “base” or “support." Often in Western yoga classes you'll hear it referred to as the root chakra.
This name is so appropriate. The root chakra connects us to the physical world. It's associated with the earth element, so is deeply grounding and stabilizing. When we're connected to muladhara chakra, we feel safe because we are leaning into the support of the Earth and allowing it to help lift us up. This chakra is the foundation for physical and emotional well-being.
Muladhara chakra is located at the base of the spine and is like the roots of a tree that anchor us firmly to the ground and provide us with nourishment and security.
When this chakra is balanced it glows a deep red, much like the Earth's core, symbolizing passion, vitality, and strength. When our root chakra is balanced, we feel grounded, centered, and confident in our abilities.
An imbalanced root chakra can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and insecurity. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, lower back pain, dizziness, and digestive issues. Individuals with an imbalanced root chakra may also struggle with setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, having a clear sense of purpose and direction in life, and feeling grounded and connected to the present moment. Let's talk about some ways we can maintain the health of muladhara chakra.
When these chakras become imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of mental, emotional and health challenges. There are many reasons why the chakras can become imbalanced such as stress, trauma, negative emotions, poor diet, lack of movement, and environmental factors. Additionally, our thoughts and beliefs can also affect the balance of our chakras. For example, holding onto negative or limiting beliefs or engaging in self-destructive behavior patterns can cause blockages in the chakras, hindering the flow of energy and leading to imbalances.
There are so many wonderful, unique ways to balance each chakra.
Here are some of my favorites for muladhara chakra:
• Use a mantra. Each of the chakras is associated a seed sound, or bija mantra. For muladhara, the bija mantra is LAM.
• Use words of affirmation like the ones in the image above.
• Sit or lay directly on the Earth and take some deep breaths.
• Walk around outside barefoot.
• Indulge in some aromatherapy with smells like patchouli, cedar, or sandalwood.
• Incorporate more root vegetables such as beets, carrots and sweet potatoes into your diet.
• Spend time in nature. Think long walks, hikes, or camping. Devil's Lake is calling your name!
• Practice some self care. Rub warm oil on your feet before you go to bed at night, or get a massage.
• Take a slower paced yoga class, like Balanced Flow, and take time to do some grounding asanas like mountain pose, warrior one, and child's pose.
Spend some time getting deeply rooted to the Earth and deeply connected to yourself. This exploration of the chakras is going to take you on a journey of self discovery, so make sure you take some time to build a foundation of stability and security for the path that lay ahead.
You are safe, you are secure, you are deeply connected.
Kiara Flowers
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