The root chakra is the foundation of the chakra system and if it becomes blocked, energy can’t travel properly through the rest of your body. In a nutshell, if your root chakra is out of balance, it can hold you back in all aspects of life as your attention becomes trapped in feelings of insecurity.
If you’ve taken our chakra quiz to find out why you’re feeling blocked, you’ve heard of the root chakra, but this energy center is worth a special mention as we navigate through our third year of the pandemic. Why? Because the root chakra is related to your sense of security, feelings of stability, and your ability to feel grounded despite external circumstances.
An Overview of the Root Chakra
The root chakra, also called Muladhara, is the first chakra and lies at the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae.
“Muladhara” is a Sanskrit word that can be broken down into two parts: mula meaning “root” and adhara meaning “support.” This energy vortex helps you feel stable, secure, and rooted in your life. When your first chakra is balanced, you have a sense of calm, ease, and confidence, even in the face of external obstacles. This chakra is associated with the color red and the earth element.
When Out of Balance
Your root chakra addresses your relationship with yourself and the world around you, so when it is blocked or imbalanced, it is hard to feel safe and secure.
Outward manifestations can be that you find yourself distracted, stressed, confused, lethargic, or conversely overactive but with a sense that anxiety is fueling your activity. It can be hard to feel grounded and secure, and these feelings of insecurity further tax your nervous system, triggering a downward spiral of negative emotions and sometimes even physical pain. An imbalanced root chakra can be highly disruptive to your life, but the good news is that you can take practical steps to bring it back into balance.
Is Your Root Chakra in Balance?
Not sure if your root chakra is out of balance? Take this simple quiz.
- Do you have difficulty feeling safe and secure in your environment for extended periods of time, as though you are waiting for something bad to happen?
- Do you have ongoing concerns about your financial security?
- Do you feel ungrounded and unsettled?
- Do you get sick often?
- Is it hard for you to maintain a sense of belonging?
- When you think about it, do you realize you haven’t been in nature recently?
- Is it hard to achieve your goals, as though something is always holding you back?
- Do you feel a sense of scarcity?
- Do you tend to avoid regular dental and medical visits, despite the fact you recognize they are important?
- Do you have difficulty budgeting and managing your financial resources?
- Do you find change is difficult, and do you hold tightly to the status quo?
- Are you tired a lot?
- Do you often become distracted and have difficulty focusing on your tasks?
- Do you wish you were more reliable?
- Do you have difficulty connecting with others?
Score 1 for every yes.
0-5 = your root chakra is likely in balance. You may have an issue or two to reflect on, but this is part of the human experience. In general, you are able to feel secure in your environment and maintain a sense of belonging with others.
6-10 = your root chakra may be out of balance, either blocked or overactive. It’s worth reflecting on your relationship with security, your physical body, and the practical aspects of your life. Take steps to balance your it so you can feel more relaxed, confident, and connected in your world.
11-15 = your root chakra is out of balance, and you are likely suffering the consequences. Take some committed steps to address this imbalance by putting together a concrete action plan that tackles your finances, your health, and your physical environment. You’ll feel more grounded if you do.
How to Rebalance the Root Chakra
If you believe your root chakra is out of balance, there are some practical steps you can take.
- Get into nature. Spending time in nature is tremendously grounding and promotes a sense of wellbeing and belonging. Make it a point to get out into nature at least once per week.
- Catch up on your medical appointments. Has it been a while since you’ve been to the dentist or had a physical checkup? Book that appointment this week. Taking care of your physical body is fundamental in feeling safe and secure, so don’t neglect your health.
- Do yoga. Yoga is designed to open the various chakras in the body, so look for yoga practices that focus on the root chakra. If you aren’t sure where to start, take this 32-minute root chakra focused class. Or try this single root chakra exercise featuring sufi grinds to ground and center you.
- Work with a nutritionist, health coach, and/or a financial advisor. The root chakra addresses the more practical aspects of life, and the good news is there are lots of ways to get support. If your health is preventing you from feeling secure, consider working with a health coach or nutritionist. If finances are the issue, consider engaging a financial advisor. If hiring an individual is outside of your budget, look online for free resources to help you develop a plan.
In Summary
The root chakra is the foundation of all other aspects of your energetic world. Cultivating a strong, balanced root chakra makes it easier for your focus to move away from the primal concerns about safety and to move towards the higher vibrational spheres of self-actualization and awareness. Investing some effort in ensuring it stays balanced is an important step on your path to a bright future.
