This week will be CHAKRA WEEK!
That means each day, I will be talking about the different, main
seven (7) chakras, starting at the 1st (the base of the spine) and working our
way up to the 7th, (the top of your head). Each day, I will post the basic chakra
information and history at the top of the post then talk about the chakra of
the day - so if you read the first
post, you know now that you can skip the top part and move on to the end of the
post. It will be done this way so that the entire information can be accessed no matter where you start reading.
What are the chakras?
Chakra is a Sanskrit word for a series of circular energy centers
in and around the body. Chakra means "wheel" or "rotating"
ring. The chakras are positioned where energy channels join in the body and
work as "transformers" that control the energies of the body. Often,
only seven (7) chakras are described and they coincide with important glands
and nerve centers, but the exact number and location depend on the tradition a
person follows. In Buddhism, there are four primary chakras. In many forms of
Hinduism, there are seven. These seven chakras are believed to be connected via
nadi, or energy channels. Some talk about 12 and according to the teachings of
Dr. Sri Amit Ray, there are 114 chakras in the human body. These are split into
the 7 major chakras, 21 minor chakras, and 86 micro chakras.
We will talk about the main seven main chakras that align along
the spine, starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. The
spheres run along the spine, but extend through and past the front, back, and
both sides of your body.
Chakras are a spinning vortex of energy that is not seen by the
human eye but can be seen, felt, and sensed with intuition. This invisible
healing energy, called prana, is a vital life force, which keeps us vibrant,
healthy, and alive.
Chakras store the energy of thoughts, feelings, memories,
experiences, and actions. They influence and direct our present and future
mindset, behavior, emotional health, and actions. The life force in each chakra
can be processed, transmuted, and released so that we consciously manifest what
we want to call in, rather than experience more of the same. Chakra healing is
the intentional practice of connecting with our stored energy, so we may
understand how our past is influencing the present and the future.
They are spinning disks of energy that should stay
"open" and aligned for optimal emotional and physical well-being. If
there is a blockage, energy flows are restricted.
History of Chakras:
The earliest written record of chakras comes from the Vedas, which
are ancient Indian texts that describe the philosophy of yoga. The precise age
of the Vedas is unknown, but they are thousands of years old. Over time, the
concept of chakras evolved, influencing various Hindu and Buddhist traditions
and healing therapies. They belong to a set of beliefs known collectively as
Tantra. In the early 20th century, European spiritualists and occultists began
publishing books about aspects of Tantra, including chakras. Today, these books
are the basis of the Western understanding of chakras.
Today is all about the Root Chakra:
The root chakra, also called the Muladhara, is the first chakra located at the base of your spine. It encompasses the first three vertebrae, the bladder, the colon, and the sexual organs. The Muladhara is the chakra of stability, security, and our basic needs. It is associated with the earth element, linked to your ability to dig in and feel firmly rooted in your life.
When this chakra is open, we feel safe, fearless, grounded, and happy to be alive. When your basic needs are met, you are able to work on your relationships and personal goals with ease. Balancing the Root Chakra creates a solid foundation for opening all the other six chakras.
It is usually blocked when our basic needs are not met. When it is unbalanced or blocked, we have survival issues; feel unsafe, hoarding, full of insecurities, fearful, anxious, greedy, and aggressive. You may even experience insomnia, weight changes, and constipation. If this connection is not healthy, grounding may be difficult.
Some things you can do to work on your root chakra are stretches, yoga (corpse pose sun salutation, child pose, half-bridge pose, warrior pose, tree pose, mountain pose, and garland pose), Ujjayi practices, showers, dancing, grounding meditation, reconnection with nature, gardening, and barefoot walks. Each chakra also has an associated mudra, or hand gesture, and even sounds that can help you engage with the energy of that chakra. You can use touch to ground yourself as well, such as placing your hands in the soil, cuddling, getting a massage, or just placing your hands in coconut oil.
Element: Earth
Chant: Lam
Color: Red - Sometimes just visualizing the color red or wearing red can
help.
Symbol: The Root Chakra symbol is a four-petalled lotus flower consisting
of a square, an inverted triangle, and the seed mantra LAM लं symbol in
the center.
Crystals: Any black or red
crystals, Smokey Quartz, Jasper, Obsidian, Jet, Black Tourmaline, Bloodstone,
Ruby, Garnet, Hematite, plus many more!
Food and Plants: When it comes to food and herbs, think red! You are what you eat, so the better you eat,
the better you will feel. You can try chili peppers, tomatoes, cherries, apples,
strawberries, watermelon, root veggies (they are grown in the Earth!), lean meats, and warming spices. Nuts, cayenne, and even
horseradish are great.
Affirmations: I have self-love and I take care of my well-being.
I am grounded. I trust the universe to support me. I have deep roots.
Walking meditation
This meditation may help calm the nervous system and connect you with the Earth.
Find a space outside where you’ll be able to take at least
10 steps.
Stand with your feet firmly planted on the ground, and feel
the sensation of standing on the Earth. Feel the pressure on the bottoms of
your feet.
Place your hands on the center of your chest, and take 3
slow deep breaths.
Release your hands and begin to walk. Start out slowly,
being mindful and aware of each step. Feel how your foot strikes the Earth.
With each step, receive energy from the Earth and breathe
deeply. You may choose to introduce an affirmation as you walk, such as “I
belong here” or “I am home.”
Continue until you feel a shift in your energy.
End Notes:
Take time to get yourself grounded and connected to your root chakra before moving on to the rest. Again, you need a good foundation to work with before building the rest. You will know when it is time to move on to the rest. If you are interested in any of the crystals associated with the root chakra, we have them available and you can find them in our shop or FacebookGroup. We also take emails at Metarocksplus@outlook.com.