What is the First Chakra?

“The first energy center, or root chakra, is the very foundation of physical existence. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra’s enormous influence carries our life force upward in our bodies and also downward through our legs, connecting us to the earth for grounding and support. Key root chakra issues are safety and trust, nourishment, health, home, and family.” (King, 2009, p.17)

The first chakra is known as Muladharaha, which translates to root base or root support. Just like a tree needs strong roots that go deep into the earth to grow and blossom, a human needs a healthy and strong root chakra to shine and expand. Our foundation for our life is very much dependant on this chakra. This is the chakra that relates mostly to our physical world: what we can perceive with our five senses. I like to think of it as the most “practical” chakra, as it is where we receive much of the energy to enable us to stand on our own two feet.

The first chakra is situated around your perineum, and relates to your bones and blood, where so much of your family history is stored. The theme of the first chakra is belonging: belonging and feeling safe and valued in your tribe. When this chakra is unhealthy we can feel as though we don’t belong, like we are floating around not really engaging in life, or with anyone. We can feel scattered, scared and overwhelmed, like the earth is moving beneath our feet completely out of our control. When the chakra is healthy we feel present, grounded, and supported.

Things to consider when examining your first chakra:

Was my family home a safe environment?
Did I feel safe to express myself?
Do I feel valued now?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it’s okay. Many people did not feel safe to express themselves authentically whilst growing up, even with the most well-intentioned elders around them. We need to remember that we are children of the universe, which is our real guardian. The earth beneath your feet will always support you. Connect with it and feel the energy in you rise.

Reference

King, D. (2009). Truth Heals. United States of America: Hay House