Aligning The Muladhara Chakra

The muladhara chakra, or root chakra, is the first of the seven primary chakras or subtle energy centers in the human body. This chakra is located at the base of the spine at the perineum and is represented by the color red. It is the foundation of the chakra system. The Sanskrit word muladhara means ‘support,’ ‘root,’ or ‘base.’

The root chakra ensures our sense of security, stability, and belonging. It is also responsible for us feeling grounded and connected to self and others. It is essentially our energetic connection to the Earth.

When the muladhara chakra is open, aligned, and balanced, we feel a deep sense of security and stability. Our body feels physically energized and strong, capable of handling whatever physical challenges and obstacles may come our way.

However, when this chakra is underactive or blocked, we become dissociated from our physical body and feel disconnected from the material world. This can manifest as feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear. We become uneasy, restless, and unsettled in mind and body.

In contrast, when the muladhara chakra is overactive, we may become overly attached to our physical appearance and identity, extremely materialistic, and obsessed with accumulating wealth, property, and material possessions.

The muladhara chakra is incredibly important for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being. An open, aligned, and balanced root chakra offers the following benefits:

Optimal Physical Health. This includes healthy digestion, strong bones, good blood circulation, and a well-functioning nervous system.

Emotional Well-Being. A sense of safety, security, and emotional stability. We feel more grounded and able to handle stress and anxiety.

Increased Mental Focus. We are able to pay attention and concentrate much better, because we are not in a constant ‘fight-or-flight’ state of survival. We are better able to focus on tasks and activities while being fully present in the moment.

Increased Physical Energy. We feel invigorated, refreshed, lively, strong, and full of energy.

 Opening your chakras and allowing cosmic energies to flow through your body will ultimately refresh your spirit and empower your life ~ Barbara Marciniak

How do we activate and align the muladhara chakra to experience more of these benefits? Try these simple strategies:

Visualized Meditation

Visualization is a powerful technique for balancing the chakras. Try this easy visualization to get started with the root chakra. Repeat it for at least ten minutes every day.

Sit quietly and focus on your root chakra. Visualize a red ball of energy at the base of your spine, and imagine this ball of energy expanding and filling your entire body with a warm, glowing energy. Focus on your breath and let go of any tension or negative thoughts.

Visualized Breathwork

Mindful breathing exercises calms the mind and energizes the body. A simple breathwork exercise for the root chakra is to inhale deeply and visualize red energy flowing into the base of your spine, then exhale and imagine all unease, tension and fatigue leaving your body.

Yoga

Certain yoga poses are beneficial for aligning specific chakras. For the muladhara chakra these include the tree pose, mountain pose, and downward dog. These three poses help to ground the body and create a sense of stability, which helps to align the root chakra.

As you work to align the root chakra, you will allow energy to flow freely through your body, establishing your connection to the earth and your surroundings ~ Stephanie Snyder

Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements that are repeatedly thought or spoken to reprogram the mind and align our energy vibration. For affirmations to improve the functioning of a particular chakra, one must use statements that are specifically designed for that chakra.

For example, for the muladhara chakra, good affirmations are:

I am safe and supported.

I trust my body.

I feel strong and secure.

I am grounded and stable.

I belong in this world.

Nature Meditation

Spending time outdoors and being mindful in nature is a great way to connect with the Earth, become more grounded, and realigning the muladhara chakra. Take a walk in the woods or on the beach, go hiking in the mountains, or simply spend some time in your backyard or a nearby park.