The ROOT Chakra Overview
Illustration by Cloudy Thurstag
ROOT CHAKRA
Muladhara
Overview
Location: Base of the spine
Colour: Red
Season: Late Summer
Sense: Smell
Element: Earth
Body parts: Bone and muscle structure, circulatory system and large intestine
Description
The Root of Security
The root chakra (Muladhara) is responsible for your sense of safety and security on this earthly journey. The word Muladhara breaks down into two Sanskrit words: Mula meaning ‘root’ and Adhara, which means ‘support’ or ‘base.’ Balancing the root chakra creates the solid foundation for opening the chakras above. Imagine that you’re laying the foundation for a house in which you’re going to live for a long time. A solid foundation embedded in firm soil will provide the stability you need to create a home filled with joy for years to come.
This chakra anchors us into our bodies, the physical world and the earth. In the same way a plant cannot survive without roots, neither can the psyche of a human being. Our ‘roots’ represent where we have come from, the earth, womb, our ancestors and family, as well as our personal history. Our roots can be seen as the way our system plugs into the larger system of the planet, which is our source. The elements we need for physical survival and health all come from the earth in various forms – the foods we eat, the things we touch and see, the water we drink, the air we breathe and the sounds we hear.
The root chakra is comprised of whatever grounds you to stability in your life. This includes your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as your more emotional needs such as family, security and a sense of belonging. When these needs are met, you feel grounded and safe, and tend to worry less day to day.
The Persona
A balanced root chakra plays a significant part in your overall health. When it’s in balance with no blockages you’re more likely to feel incredibly healthy, stable, relaxed, trusting, secure, and prosperous. You will have an abundance of energy as well as the ability to think abundantly in all areas of life. Feelings of centeredness, calm, and organisation are all characteristic of a balanced root chakra. People may describe you, as having a lot of common sense and you’ll feel at ease with yourself – mentally and physically.
On the other hand, an out-of-balance root chakra may manifest feelings such as a lack of ability to focus or stay motivated to the task at hand or to your work, vulnerability, paranoia, aggression, quick-tempered, insecurity, inability to relax, and anxiety.
Foods
Red foods: tomato, raspberry, strawberry, hibiscus and redcurrant.
Root vegetables: beetroot, parsnip, carrot, sweet potato and celeriac.
Foods with a high soluble fibre content: chia and flaxseeds.
Earthy flavoured foods such as mushrooms.
Protein rich foods such as nuts & hummus, hemp seeds and spinach.
Vitamin D & Calcium rich foods for bone structure: Sesame seeds, tahini.
Grounding spices such as: ginger, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and cumin.
Home-made, traditional foods. Good old ‘Mum’s cooking’ type of meals.
Balancing Activity
De-clutter your life and let go of 3 items you no longer feel you identify with or does not bring you joy. Recycle these items by taking them to a charity store or passing them onto someone who will use them instead.
Affirmation
‘I am alive, connected and aware. I give myself permission to enjoy and be creative today.’