Muladhara Chakra: Root Support
Over the next seven weeks I will work with the chakras in our Wednesday night Moving into Stillness class. You can find info about the chakras here after each class.
The chakra system is an aspect of our subtle anatomy that was mapped out by the ancient yogis who had experiential knowledge of it gained through deep meditative awareness. There are seven main chakras. The chakras are subtle energetic centers within the body/mind complex that cannot be seen with the ordinary eye but that can be felt if sensitivity is refined. Though we cannot ordinarily see or sense the chakras they never the less have a profound effect on bodies, minds and emotions. A well-rounded and conscious practice of yoga will create balance in the chakra system over time.
The Muladhara Chakra is also known as the Root Chakra and is located at the base of the spine. It's element is Earth, it's colour is red, and it's essence is the Desire to Be. When we are balanced in this chakra we will feel grounded, sure, stable, strong and steady. When we are experiencing imbalance we will feel fearful, insecure, fatigued and unstable.
Imbalance in this chakra can be caused by stresses concerning our health or financial situation, or any threats to our basic security. We can become ungrounded in our root chakra when we are in periods of movement in our lives and don't have a home base, or are in between jobs. Any type of major transition will temporarily disturb the root chakra if we are not conscious of maintaining balance in this key energetic center.
Practices that will nourish the root chakra include Hatha Yoga as Muladhara rules the physical body and more specifically the feet and legs so all the barefoot work and standing postures are excellent for creating a stronger sense of grounding in the body/mind. As well creating a home base for yourself even when you are on the move and travelling lots will help nourish a feeling of stabililty from within- some ideas are walking to the local food store from where you are staying and purchasing than preparing your own food (food is very grounding), travelling with a special item from home such as a blanket or pillow that you always unpack when you arrive, or any other ritual that works for you. Seated or restorative meditation is another wonderful practice for nourishing the root chakra during periods of stress or uncertainty helping you to connect to the stillness within you.
The following are some great postures to include in a yoga practice to support Muladhara Chakra.
Tadasana- Mountain Pose
Uttanasana- Standing Forward Bend
Virabhadrasana 2- Warrior 2
Utthita Trikonasana- Extended Triangle
Vrksasana- Tree Pose
Prasarita Padottanasana- Wide Legged Forward Bend
Adho Mukha Svanasana- Downward Facing Dog
Balasana- Child's Pose
Paschimottanasana- Intense West Facing Stretch
Viparita Karani- Supported Shoulderstand/Legs Up the Wall
Savasana/Yoga Nidra- Deep Relaxation