Chakra One The Root Chakra: Muladhara
The root chakra, is arguably the most important chakra point to understand. The root chakra resides at the base of your spine and connects to your most primal instincts of survival. Additionally, the root chakra is responsible for your connection to the physical world. Therefore, the element associated with the root chakra is earth. Your fight or flight sense, and your feeling of belonging, also results from the first chakra energy. If the first chakra is not in alignment then it is nearly impossible to find balance among the rest. Your first chakra provides the stability for the energetic body.
Anatomy
Physically, the first chakra is associated with the male reproductive organs and certain parts of the adrenal glands. Due to the placement of this chakra, the sciatic nerve is also connected. The sciatic nerve runs from the lumbar spine, down the leg, and into the foot. Literally connecting your body to the earth below you. This creates a sense of grounding and peace. The Sanskrit name for chakra one is Muladhara meaning root support, and the color associated with the first chakra is red.
Chakra One in Excess
Having an excess of energy in chakra one creates stagnancy in the body and an overall dull feeling. A fear of change or failure may be present as you need to feel secure physically and financially. People who are dominant in this chakra may be defensive and hardened by life experience. To find balance in an excessive first chakra you need to liven up the dull energy.
Chakra One Deficiency
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a deficient first chakra can lead to fear and disconnect. If you’re deficient in your first chakra, you may be anxious and jittery. Additionally, if your upper chakras are open and active and the first chakra is weak, you may live in your mind and lack focus. Often times those weaker in chakra one will form habits and behaviors that validate themselves, constantly searching for ways to ground and connect. In this case, it is best to slow down and rediscover oneself. Practice meditations focused on centering the body and calming the thoughts.
Attributes of a balanced chakra one
When your first chakra is balanced you will feel a sense of peace and stability. You will have a connection to the earth around you and understand the part you play in it. Feeling a strong sense of belonging and purpose, an open first chakra will deepen the relationship you hold with yourself and your physical body. Having a balanced first chakra provides you with an overall sense of safety. Knowing your needs are being met, you can move through life with ease.
Chakra One in Summary
Finding balance in the first chakra is essential in balancing out the remaining chakras. However, it can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. Practicing yoga is helpful since it builds a relationship between the mind and body. This allows you to feel grounded in the present moment. Poses like Tree pose and mountain pose are particularly useful for balancing out the first chakra. Focusing on your feet and rooting into the ground so you can stay lifted, helps draw out the qualities of chakra one.
If you would like to know more about the Chakra system, check out Anodea Judith’s books Wheels of Life and Eastern Body, Western Mind.
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