first chakra: roots & red
in this post, we will be looking at the root chakra, located at the base of your spine.
photo by jim melcher
the 7-chakra system works both upward & downward. the upper chakras build on the lower chakras & send energy back down. the first stop at the bottom is called the root chakra, and balancing your first chakra is essential for balance in other chakras.
root means grounding, balance, safety, & foundation.
as the lowest, most primal chakra, the first chakra governs your basic needs & survival mechanisms. your sense of home, structure, & boundaries live here. this chakra aligns with your earliest developments, your family & your ancestors.
some clues of imbalance in the root chakra are:
fear-based decision-making
feeling stuck in fight or flight mode
anxiety & depression
irritability & aggression
feeling of lack & insecurity
feeling disconnected from your body
if your root chakra is out of balance because your basic needs aren't being met, then meeting those needs is, without a doubt, your first priority. but if your needs are met and you still feel imbalanced in this chakra, then there a are a lot of vibrational modalities that might help you find balance.
the root chakra is deeply connected to your physical body & the earth, so many of the ways toward balance involve grounding & connecting through the body & movement.
how do you ground & balance the root chakra?
photo by elena stanton.
get into your body. exercise, practice yoga, go for a walk, dance, and practice mindful movement with deep, connected breathing.
get into nature. go hiking, plant a garden, or spend time with a pet outside. simply having your bare feet on the earth goes a long way!
grow your roots. spend time caring for your home, spend time with loved ones, and participate in community events.
get a massage. swedish, thai, ayurvedic, or reflexology: bodywork is deeply nourishing for an out-of-wack root chakra.
wear red. red is the color of the root chakra & helps you connect to your primal instincts & foundation. red jewelry & clothing are great ways to invite balance for the first chakra.
