Balancing the Root Chakra (Muladhara)

By Julia Sadler

The Root Chakra (Muladhara)

Symbol: Four-petalled lotus

Element: Earth 

Colour: Red   

The root chakra is the first and lowest of the 7 chakras, and it is located at the base of the spine. The Sanskrit name of this chakra, or “Muladhara,” can be broken down as “Mula” - root and “Adhara” - base or support. 

It is associated with our foundations and basic needs – safety, stability, family, and social security.

Balance:

When this chakra is in balance, we feel grounded in the body, and the world around us feels stable and secure. When our basic needs are met, we feel belonging, and we are calm and centred with a feeling of trust in the world and an energy for life.

Imbalance:

Imbalance can lead to feelings of insecurity, anxiety and stress, with a lack of stability. We may feel fear, overwhelm, and/or lack of belonging, and it is as if we’re living in survival mode.  This imbalance can manifest in our bodies through such ailments as sleep difficulties, issues with metabolism, lethargy, and/or issues in the lower body. 

To bring the root chakra into balance you can try any of the suggestions below – see which resonate with you!:

• Grounding through the Earth:

  • Simple yet effective - reconnect with nature! If you can, go outside in bare feet, on the grass, sand or soil. You can try gardening, tending to inside plants, or just being outside and taking some mindful moments to listen to the sounds in nature. 

    
    

  • Close your eyes and feel the energy flowing through your feet as they anchor you to the ground.

    
    

• Yoga:

  • Choose poses where you feel connected to the Earth-  seated poses, or standing poses where you feel firmly rooted through the feet. 

    
    

    These could include:

    • Balasana (Child’s pose), 

    • Malasana (squat), 

    • Vrksasana (tree), 

    • Tadasana (mountain), or 

    • Uttanasana (standing forward fold).

    
    

    Or try one of the “Grounded” classes on the Mindful Life app for a calming flow!

    
    

    

    Above: Julia in Child's pose (balasana)

• Breathwork:

  • Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing, balances the flow of energy in the body, and it can help to calm the mind and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also help to settle the mind before meditation. 

    
    

• Meditation:

  • There are some great options online,  which can help to bring balance and stability to your life, even when you only have 10 minutes!  Try the “Root Chakra Mindful Meditation” on the Mindful Life app!

    
    

• Chanting:

  • "Lam" is the seed mantra (sound) of the root chakra, whose vibration is said to activate this energy centre. It can be repeated for 5-10 minutes or as long as is comfortable. Free audios are available online to accompany and guide your practice! 

    
    

• Visualisation:

  • Red is the seed colour associated with this chakra. You may just visualise the colour red, or imagine a bright red light around the base of the spine, expanding through the legs and feet and grounding you to the Earth. 

    
    

• Stones:

  • Red or black stones are associated with the root chakra, including black tourmaline, red jasper, garnet, obsidian, and smoky quartz. 

    
    

    You can place them in your living space or keep them close in a piece of jewellery. 

    
    

• Journaling:

  • Writing can help to clarify feelings and to set or reaffirm intentions. Here are some prompts that you can try for inspiration:

    
    

    • What habits or activities make me feel grounded in the present moment and also bring me joy? What can I bring more of into my life?

    
    

    • What small steps can I take today to increase stability and balance in my life? Is there anything that I need to accept or let go of? 

      
      

• Scents:

  • Sandalwood, Cedar wood, Rosemary, Black pepper, etc. 

    
    

  • You can add essential oils to a diffuser, or light a candle or incense

• Affirmations:

  
  

  • Find an affirmation that resonates with you and write it down. You might consider displaying it in a visible place or writing it in a journal. You could say it out loud to yourself in front of the mirror, or as a mantra for your practice.  For example:

    
    

    • I am safe and secure 

    • I am grounded

      
      

• Food:

  • Make sure to eat plenty of healthy root vegetables and proteins, as well as warm and comforting foods.  You can also eat lots of red fruit and vegetables!

    
    

About Julia:

Hi, I’m Julia.  I’m originally from Leeds, England, but I have been based in Dubai for the last 12 years, where I live with my husband, two sons aged 7 and 4, and 2 small dogs.  I completed my 200 hour YTT in 2023 with the MLPC, and I have taken part in various programs and retreats over the past 2 years.  I work as a fashion website manager and am passionate about sharing my love of yoga with others.

Did you Know...?!

that the MLP sells Root Chakra (Muladhara) merchandise?

 From long-sleeved,  “Grounded” shirts to a large, organic, “Grounded” tote bag, these items can help serve as a visual reminder of the importance of maintaining  practices that help you to feel calm, secure and rooted...while also dressing and accessorizing in style!

There are also MLP journals, which you can use to complete journal prompts like the ones suggested in the article, “Balancing the Root Chakra (Muladhara)“! Check them out in the MLP Merch Shop!