We begin our journey through the subtle body, which reflects into all aspects of our lives, with the root chakra (note: the sanskrit word is written cakra, for ease of comprehension, the spelling has been changed to that which is more familiar). This energy center is located at the base of the spine, the tailbone. Think of the chakra as a spinning disc out of which there are two cones of energy. One spirals towards the body, the other spirals inside the body. The energy that moves through this chakra is Earth energy.
The Sanskrit name for this chakra is muladhara, which means “root support.” This chakra governs our longings as humans. These longings are divided into four categories: psycho-spiritual, psychic, physical, and spiritual. For ease of understanding, let’s distill these longings into connection. This is the connection of here on this plant, connection to I have what I need to sustain the journey to a fully realized being. Within this chakra we install the Earth element.
Balance in the Root Chakra
Earth energy is about grounding, safety, security, basic needs are met, stabilization, and being here on the planet. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel safe, present in the body, a sense of solidity, and trust in our future security. This reflects in a good night’s sleep, not being disturbed by surprises like loud noises, feeling secure in our future financially as well as physically, and a deep sense of presence throughout all areas of our lives.
Imbalance in the Root Chakra
If we are not grounded in our root chakra, it is difficult to have balance within any of the other chakras. Dysfunction in the root chakra occurs when the connection to the Earth has been severed. Traumatic experiences are a root cause for this disconnection. When we don’t feel safe, how can we feel connected or grounded?
Why Scent is Important
Scent is the most primal of all the senses and it is connected to the earth element. When we lose consciousness, the other sense shut off, but the sense of smell continues. Scents can be soothing, and they can also be triggering, depending upon our relationship with the scent. The olfactory bulb in the brain is quite close to the amygdala, that part of the brain at the center of the stress response. When we smell something soothing, it soothes the stress response part of the brain.
Code Red Oil encourages us to get back to our roots. Finish the task at hand and then go get your hands dirty in the soil. Let yourself be crumbled earth, loamy soil, ready and available to grow things. You have been hard as concrete for too long. Let the breath slowly break up the hardness, the walls that surround your heart. There will be discomfort, for even the seed must be destroyed so that the plant can grow. Cultivate your garden first, so that you have the nutrients to support sustained growth.
Code Red – Seven Sisters Chakra Blend with Smokey Quartz and Red Jasper Ganesha
Self-Inquiry and Journal Questions for the Root Chakra
- What am I doing when I feel most embodied?
- This is how I feel most connected to my body.
- I feel the most secure when…
- This is how I care for my body.
- Where do I fell most at ease?
Practices for the Root Chakra
Go outside. Place your bare feet on the earth. Soften or close the eyes as you smell the earth around you. Breathe down to your feet as you feel that sense of solid earth beneath you. Invite any quality of earth that you need right now to flow through you.
Come to a seated position. Place your Code Red oil on your feet, ankles, or legs. Take three deep breaths to fill your senses with the smell of earth. Lengthen the spine, sitting up tall, while anchoring the bum into the floor. Bring the hands into Chinmaya Mudrā (pictured below). Bring the tips of the thumb and index fingers to touch. Curl the other three fingers into the palms of the hands. Rest the hands on the thighs.
Use the mantra of Lam, pronounced lum, to activate and install the earth element in the root chakra. Emphasize the L-sound when chanting. When chanting Lam, practice it in rounds of four. Listen to the track below to hear an example of the mantra.
