The 1st Chakra , the Muladhara, or “root” is the baset of everything. Located at the botmmon of the spine it is the ground on which we hold our experiences and the basis for everything above. If this chakra is deficient or excessive then it manifests in each chakra above. The basic instinct rooted here is survival, a fundamental facet of our existence and when threatened brings up issues involving health, money, housing, or work. When this survival is compromised fear, the demon of the 1st chakra sets in.
The basic issues of this chakra are the right to be here, or “I AMness,” trust, nourishment, and safety. If we are grounded in these we can find the ability to flourish through an acceptance of our limitations.
Challenges exist in anything that theaters surveil such as birth trauma, abandonment, neglect, feeding difficulties, physical abuse, surgery, accidents, poor boundaries, trauma, or objectifying the body. These challenges may show up as either an excesses or deficiency. A deficiency may manifest as anxiety, restlessness, a low body weight, poor focus, disorganization, and financial problems while excess may show up as overeating or obesity, hoarding, sluggishness, or rigidity. Physically either excess or deficiency may show up as eating disorders, problems with organs of elimination, joint pain, frequent illness, or hyper stability.
A balanced 1st chakra would appear to be grounded and vibrant with the ability to adapt and still hold boundaries. The first step towards balance is to look inward. How much do you know about your developmental years and which of the above problems exists in your life?
There are many practices to heal dependent on what your issues are. During this work it is essential to focus on the energetic sensations that are brought up by the body rather than the emotional since this deal so much with grounding and a firm foundations. Begin by affirming the physical through developing a connecting with yourself through yoga, massage, or work with the feet. Ask yourself where you feel strongest in your own body and in your life. Where do you feel anxiety, insecurity or instability?
Most importantly affirm your right to be here and to hold ground. Practice this in your step, your speech, and your breath.
“I am here and I am real.”
Photo Credit: howtoopenchakras.com
References
Hodory, Laurel. Teacher Training Manual. 2009.
Judith, Anodea. Eastern Body Western Mind. 2004. New York: Crown Publishing Group.
