–Image from “Clearing the Seven Windows to the Soul” by Anodea Judith–
Each chakra has its masculine and feminine energy. In the root chakra, the yang is the manifesting energy. It is the flow that pushes energy into matter creating the roots that penetrate the earth and allow grounding. These roots – feelings of safety, trust and vitality – create a solid foundation for growth.
The feminine or yin current draws energy from these roots, moving up and rising towards the third eye, into consciousness.
The balance of the two currents creates stability and a beautiful form, establishing firmly the right to be here and the right to have.
Since Muladhara is the first chakra to develop, all the other chakras are affected by its health. For this reason it is the prime focus of Hatha Yoga.
Legs, feet and lower back, as well as solid parts of the body such as bones or teeth, hold blockages associated with fear. The fight or flight reflex is part of this area. Other areas affected when it is out of balance are the large intestine, the bowels and the buttocks. It is a significant part of the body and the blockages can be crippling.
Frequent health problems are a result of an unbalanced first chakra.
A healing yoga practice begins with grounding so as to reconnect with body, sensations and physicality. As we ground before we begin our practice, we create the foundation for our core. For as the feminine current rises, Prana expands from the heart into every corner of the body energizing our being. And when Apana the manifesting current moves down into the earth it transforms this energy into roots needed for support. Anodea Judith refers to it as Consciousness Organized in Relation to Energy.
Begin in mountain pose by visualizing a square on the mat below you. Your feet establish the four corners of this square. The inverted triangle of your pelvis which is at the center of the muladhara symbol is pointing downward and right into the center of that square. As you consciously establish the four corners of your feet, inhale and see the Prana expanding. Here there is a sensation of uplifting, of creating space in between the vertebrae. On the exhale, feel your muscles and tissues hugging tightly into your midline, creating a strong and balanced center. That conscious expanding and contracting solidifies the Core, the center of our physical body which then naturally comes into alignment.
When you engage your core in mountain pose, the energy rises from your feet and into your legs. Your knees engage – do not lock them – rising gently on the front of your thighs. Your buttocks engage and your tailbone tilts slightly under allowing the vertebrae to align all the way up your spine and into your neck. Your shoulders slide down your back body and your crown reaches up towards the heavens. The sushumna is open and energy is flowing freely.
Connect with your core before engaging in any pose. Establish the four corners of your hands when in downward dog. Before moving into any lying down pose, establish the four corners of your torso as if you were tucking in the four corners of a sheet when making the bed. In bridge, ground your shoulders and your feet and see them as the 4 corners of your foundation. As the navel lifts feel the energy rising up from the ground through these points. When your core is engaged, poses become effortless and you’re able to easily keep yourself at an edge helping to release that which doesn’t serve you and bringing your chakras into balance.
Vigorous exercises when done with awareness, as well as massage and lots of touch help to bring balance into this first center.
Affirmations such as these can be helpful as well:
The earth supports me and meets my needs.
I love my body and trust its wisdom.
It is safe for me to be here.
