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| Tootsie Roll and Lucille in primal red Wrapamacallits! It's the call of the WILD! |
The Root Chakra is the first chakra and is located at the base of the spine. It is the root of your being and establishes the deepest connections with your physical body, your environment and with the Earth. Muladhara is the most instinctual of all chakras - it is your survival centre. Your fight and flight response is initiated from this chakra. This is your primal, animal nature.
The energy of Muladhara allows us to harness courage, resourcefulness and the will to live during trying times. It connects us with spiritual energies of our ancestors, their challenges and their triumphs.
Since Base Chakra carries our ancestral memories, basically everyone experiences challenges or blockages within muladhara. War, famine, natural disasters, and any events that threaten our basic survival, are all recorded within energies of the first chakra.
These memories are imprinted in the subtle body and are passed down from generation to generation creating unconscious generational patterns. It is our work to take responsibility for our own lives and bring to light that which is unconscious.
A mantra from the book, "1,001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom Take Your Practice Beyond the Mat", by Liz Lark, "...speak to the earth and it shall teach thee." from the Book of Job 12.8
If you are having trouble getting your mind quiet or focused use a mantra and repeat it over and over in your mind. Visualize the words you are saying and for Muladhara visualize the color red and focus your intentions to the base of your spine. You could also visualize the different shapes that are associated with the Sanskrit form for Muladhara. Then go about your day grounded!
A Yoga pose or Asana that beginners to advanced yogis could practice to focus on the root Chakra is Mountain Pose:
Mountain Pose, Tadasana
The most basic of all poses in yoga is the Mountain Pose. Every yoga practice begins with this simple pose. The pose encourages your connection with earth, connects you with your own body, and grounds you in the present moment.
I love this pose. It is very relaxing and affirming. When I feel scattered during the day, I go into this pose, even if it is just for a minute or two. Afterwards, I feel much calmer and collected. Here is how to do it:
- Stand barefoot on your mat. Shoulders, neck, and upper body relaxed, yet straight. Your arms are at your side.
- Become aware of your breath. Inhale slowly into your belly and exhale. Continue taking deep slow breaths.
- Feel the ground underneath your feet. Spread your toes and lift them off the ground. Then relax and let them fall back on the mat.
- Imagine roots spreading from your feet deep down into the earth. Feel the connection and the stability that these roots offer you.
- Continue breathing slowly and evenly. You are now standing strong as a mountain.
I bet you could even get your furry friends to practice the Mountain Pose with you if they can do the "Stand/Stay" command you should give it a try for some truly grounding effects! Tomorrow's color?! Our favorite - ORANGE!
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