The Root of the Problem
In my last article, I touched on the importance of chakra balancing. Chakras are the life force centers in our body that are emphasized in both Reiki and yoga practices. They are also connected to the medicinal art of acupuncture. They begin at the root of our bodies and travel up the spine, with the final two in the center of the forehead and directly above the crown, connecting us to the spiritual world. The chakras embody the adage, "As above, so below." When our physical bodies are in distress and our lower chakras are unbalanced, we lose our connection to the universe and the universal mind. Like most people in the world, lately I have been trying to manage my high stress levels, and I began realizing that much of my stress spawns from the very root of my being. By focusing on the first energy center in the body while meditating, I have found that I have a better chance of getting control of my anxiety and keeping things in perspective.
At the bottom of our bodies, sitting directly under the coccyx bone, sits the root chakra. It is the most physical and primal of all the chakras, and it connects us to the physical plane. All the other energy centers in our body rely on the root chakra to be in balance in order for our minds, bodies, and spirits to be fully functioning and healthy.
All of the chakras correspond to the endocrine system, and the root chakra is connected to the adrenal glands: the glands that are responsible for regulating the chemicals that should read, "In case of emergency, break glass." In earlier civilizations, adrenaline and epinephrine helped sustain us as a species, but today, the chances of needing that extra boost to outrun a saber-toothed tiger or battle a bear in the woods are pretty slim. Still, the response remains, and it can often be the source of a lot of physical and spiritual unrest. Stress at work, arguments with our partners, or our children misbehaving can engage this response and cause the root chakra to become unbalanced. And unless you're a well-trained yogi, you can bet that it gets thrown off course daily.
Signs that the root chakra is out of balance are basic feelings of insecurity, fear, and constantly feeling victimized. These symptoms can cause us to lose perspective and look at the world through defensive lenses. By taking a few moments during difficult times in our lives to align our root chakra, we can take steps toward finding peace in our lives.
Although it won't eradicate stress or be the panacea that cures all ailments, finding a quiet place every day for a few moments can help ground our bodies and spirits to the earth and reconnect with feelings of safety and calm. Sit in the lotus position, or stand barefooted on the floor and begin taking deep breaths from your diaphragm. Take a few moments and think about what your needs are. Do you have adequate food, shelter, and love to make you feel peaceful and safe? If not, start envisioning the steps you need to take so that your primal needs are met. If our basic survival needs are neglected, it is impossible for us to be very successful. However, if the answer is yes, feel grateful. If you have what you need to survive, anxiety and worry can be put into perspective.
Imagine a white light above your head, and feel it work its way down from the crown of your head, embracing your third eye and continuing down your spinal column until it finally rests in the area of your root chakra. Just as the chakras correspond to different parts of the body, their energy vibrations correspond to different colors. It is believed that when the root chakra is open and balanced, it spins in a deep red color. Its symbol is a circle with four lotus petals around its edges. As the white light reaches your sacral region, envision a deep red light emerge from your core and grow into this flower that is the root chakra. As the flower spins, feel it unleash a cord that runs up your spine, through your crown, and up through the ceiling to infinity. You have grounded yourself with the earth. The best way to celebrate that is to do something physical; go for a walk or a bike ride and see if you feel differently, more in tune perhaps with the whole of nature. If you're really feeling connected, wear or hold a garnet or ruby while doing this, keeping the red vibration alive during your outing.
Fear was meant to be an alarm to keep us safe, not a lifestyle. Through being aware of our first chakra and learning to disconnect from a fear-based and anxiety-ridden mentality, we are able to liberate our consciousness and explore the pleasures of life rather than dwell in the negative.
Work Consulted:
Pond, David Chakras for Beginners, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications, 2003. |
Kristie Vullo |
| About the author: |
| Kristie Vullo is a South Florida native and writes poetry, short story, and creative non-fiction that focus on women’s issues and spirituality. Currently, she is co-authoring a novel with her writing partner and long time friend. She has been part of the feminist movement for sixteen years and has studied reiki and various religious paths during her physical existence on earth. Believing that we are here to make a difference, she works at a vocational charter school that recovers young adults who have dropped out of high school and wish to obtain their GEDs and a better future. She lives in Boynton Beach, Florida with her husband, young daughter, and two cats |
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