The Root Chakra

When you read the words "root chakra", think about the first thing that comes to mind and observe how quickly that thought correlates to the meaning of the word root. Symbolized by a lotus with four petals and the color red, the root chakra is, exactly, that-- the root of your forces.
The official name of this specific chakra, Muladhara, is split into two parts and broken down to create the simple term "root chakra". Mula meaning root, and Dhara meaning support, the idea of your first chakra is to connect all your energy with the Earth, and ground you in the easiest way possible.
When looking at the 7 Chakras aligned, the Root Chakra is placed at the bottom of the spine, starting at your tailbone and traveling to directly below your belly button. When thinking of this chakra, remind yourself that this is the chakra that guides the rest; this is the chakra that refers to your existence and your day-to-day survival in this Universe. That being said, the Root Chakra will provide everything you need to survive in the energy's center, IF balanced.

Balanced vs. Unbalanced

In today's society, majority of us feel grounded (or secure) when we have two things available: emotional security and financial security. Using facets that relate back to two very common aspects we feel are needed in this world, and placing a sense of balance on these facets and within ourselves, we can begin to understand that we, as humans, can be become unbalanced fairly quickly. When your Root Chakra is balanced, you will feel a sense of peace, a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, solely based on the fact that we feel comfortable financially, emotionally (e.g., safety), and physically (e.g., shelter). A balanced root will create a balanced connection-- with ourselves and the universe.
However, as we know, lives can become unbalanced within an instant, often times creating an overactive or underactive chakra. When your first chakra is overactive, you may notice an underlying feeling of anxiety and edginess. At this point, your body is on overload with fear; it is creating fear out of the need to survive, yet a pseudo fear that is merely trying to keep us "alive". The overactive root chakra will scream signs of survival, even when there is no real threat to our security. Physically, when your first chakra is unbalanced or overactive, you may have symptoms of lower back pain, hip pain, digestive issues, ovarian cysts in women and prostate cancer in men.
On the other side of the spectrum, if your base needs have been met, your root chakra could take the role of being underactive; however, what your body may not recognize is that it may not have been active your entire life. When the chakra is underactive, you could experience frequent occurrences of day dreaming, or have trouble concentrating at times. People may refer to you as a buffoon, stating that you "zone out" or loose track of time.

Balancing Your Root Chakra

Although certain characteristics or symptoms mentioned above may seem normal to you, if you have or still do experience them, etc.. it is important to be aware of how your body is feeling and the energy you are allowing to flow through it. Balancing your first chakra is the first step to balancing the remaining six; meaning, it is important to take care of your primary (survival/security) needs FIRST. Utilizing positive energy in this area and calming the chakra by focusing on your connection to your soul, as well as the Universe around you, is one way to begin balancing this chakra. Taking time out of your day to meditate, pray, soothe your mind, while simultaneously completing acts of kindness can conduct a path of overactive energy away from your root chakra, and into the energy centers of your body.... thus, balancing your first chakra even more. By reconnecting to the world around you, such as nature, and nurturing your own feelings and thoughts, will begin to balance a chakra that is underactive. Actions such as taking a walk, climbing a tree, swimming, gardening, and so on.. are just a few ways.

Balancing the energy in this chakra is more useful than often recognized; allowing this connection and balance will hopefully allow you to be a better YOU.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's post, The Sacral Chakra. Thanks for reading! [: