Our base chakra Muladhara (located at the base of the spine) is associated with the element earth. As the earth provides stable support, nourishment and energy for the tree to grow, to thrive and to withstand great change, so too does Muladhara chakra provide stability and nourishment in our own lives. Also known as the 'root' chakra, it is a limitless storehouse of potential energy ready to be 'tapped' into. Muladhara chakra is literally the foundation upon which all the other chakras depend on. If the energetic flow of Muladhara chakra is out of balance feelings of uncertainty, insecurity, loneliness and stress may be present. Fear of change, prejudice, impatience and greed are all characteristics of a blocked root chakra. When Muladhara is balanced and functioning well we are patient, resourceful, life is stable, feeling secure and safe, filled with positive energy to take on whatever challenges life presents us with. Muladhara chakra brings a sense of connection to nature, to our communities and to the people around us, extending that element of 'support'.
Working with Muladhara chakra in our asana practice;
Bringing awareness and activation to Mulabhanda (pelvic floor lock) to activate energy flow in the base chakra. This area of the pelvic floor is important to support the work of the deep core muscles from which our whole physical stability depends on.
Strengthening the feet, ankles and legs - our connection to this earth and the physical support in our daily lives.
Balance postures. Using the support of the lower extremities balancing postures help to focus our mind giving us mental support.
Maintaining breath awareness throughout our practice. Our breath is our greatest support throughout everything we do.
Great asanas to work with:
Tadasana (mountain pose) Utkatasana (chair pose), Vrkasana (tree pose), Virabhadrasana III (flying warrior), Prasarita padottanasana (wide leg forward bend), setu bandhasana (bridge) balasana (child's pose), sukkhasana (easy cross leg sitting)
Working with Muladhara chakra in our subtle practices:
Simple breath awareness. Connect to your breath, becoming aware of the cool inhale, pause, observe the warmth and softness of the exhale, pause. Connect to the natural rhythm, the exchange of breath with the air around us, the very breath that connects us to nature , to the trees and to the earth.
Visualisations:
Using the image of a red cube at the base of your spine. The weight and shape of the cube anchoring you to the earth, the solid structure of the cube keeping you stable and the colour red expanding from the cube to fill the whole of your body. The colour red is associated with Muladhara chakra representing life-force.
Using the image of an oak tree, follow its roots down into the earth stabilising and nourishing you. Follow the strong trunk and visualise the strong branches reaching out and up, each supporting a further smaller branch, to the leaves. Feel the life-force present, right though from the roots to the tips of the leaves. Feel its ability to withstand great change to emerge anew every spring.
Affirmations:
I am grounded and secure
I trust in myself
I stand up for what I believe in
I am exactly where I need to be.
My body supports me in living a creative happy life
I love life
" The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen" Rumi