1. Muladhara Chakra

Root Chakra – Muladhara

The root chakra, Muladhara, is associated with the feeling of grounding, basic needs, survival, safety and security. Mula means “root” and Adhara, means “support” or “base.” Developing trust and an intense sense of emotional security is the task of this chakra.

Location It is the first chakra located at the base of the spine, at the perineum.

Element Its element is earth (hence the grounding) and the corresponding endocrine gland is the adrenals.

Colour Its colour is red and its mantra is LAM (Mantra is something you can chant or say to yourself during meditation or in your yin practice to draw your awareness to this chakra).

Why balance the root chakra?

Because it helps you be grounded within yourself, feel safe and connected to your roots. If you are working on awakening and raising your kundalini, it also sets the right, and so important, foundation for opening and activating the above chakras.

Having a read of these characteristics will allow you to look at yourself and see whether you are balanced or unbalanced in this chakra. If you are unbalanced then take a look at the style of classes provided this week and focus your attention around them for a bit.

When the root chakra is unbalanced or blocked, you may experience:

addictive behaviour
avoidance of intimacy
a lack of self-worth
a hostile relationship to the world

When the root chakra is balanced or unblocked, you may:

allow yourself to be vulnerable
ask what you can learn from adversity
value yourself
accept yourself as a whole

Affirmations for your root chakra could be

I am grounded
I am safe
I am steady and strong
I have the right to be here
I am exactly where I need to be
I have enough and I am enough
I ground myself with the ease of my breath

Essential oils for Muladhara

frankincense
patchouli
myrrh
cedarwood

Meditation for your root chakra

Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with your spine straight, or lie down in Savasana, Corpse Pose.

Take a few deep breaths through the nose to ground yourself and to start calming the mind.

Feel your sit bones on the ground and the connection with it. Know that you are supported.

Imagine roots growing from your root chakra into the Earth. Imagine the roots digging deep towards the centre of the Earth. Take your time, stay connected to your breath and keep the spine lengthened.

Keep breathing steadily and enjoy that feeling of groundedness. You can also visualise the roots of the tree below expanding in the Earth.

Even better if you can do this meditation in nature, as you will receive even more earth energy.

Journaling prompts to support your Muladhara

Even if you’re not much into journalling, take a moment (maybe after a class) to read through these questions below and see what comes up. This is a really nice self awareness exercise