Guest Author - Nancy Welker
Most people who buy a car understand right away that it must be maintained. Taking care of all the drive components, or more to the point - "what makes it go", is vital to keeping it a smooth running vehicle. Much the same goes for the human body. Inside all of us are energy points, or chakras, that can provide us with all the positive power for making life whatever we want it to be.
Muladhara, or chakra #1, is known as the root chakra, and it is located in the flat area that you sit down on; just between the genitals and the anus. For the purpose of visualizing your body's energy points, you can think of Muldhara as the very end of the spine.
Associations
Color: A bright red lotus flower with four petals signifies root chakra. It's the beginning of the chakra rainbow.
Element: Earth
Sense: Smell
Attributes: Root chakra governs the primal emotions. Keeping safe and protected, which includes guarding home and family, and all the basic survival instincts. Sexuality is part of this energy, as is fear and a sense of anxiety.
Sound: LAM (Stretch out the word as you say it. Laaaahhhmm)
Signs That Your Root Chakra Is Out Of Balance
If you are feeling a sense of being overwhelmed by emotion, or are prone to panic attacks and anxiety your root chakra may need to be cleared. Also, if you are obsessed with safety and never willing to venture into the unknown, even when it appears beneficial, you may also have a closed or blocked root chakra. Low libido or being governed by your sexual desire can both be balanced through this energy.
Opening Muladhara
1. For each hand, press the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb. Apply pressure gently, and visualize the root chakra. It's easiest to simply think of how your body sits and the contact it makes to the surface you're sitting on.
2. Begin chanting the sound LAM, softly and slowly. Drag out the sound of the word.
3. Add physical movement in the root chakra area. Kegel exercises are very good. Simply squeezing the surrounding muscles to bring in the energy is fine as well.
4. Meditate. Again focus your attention to the area where your body is making contact with the surface you're sitting on. Empty your mind of thoughts and fill it with a bright red color. You can imagine that red glowing or increasing in its intensity.
5. Feel the energy enter the base of your spine and radiate upward and outward. Concentrate on any areas of concern you have and imagine them evaporating.
6. When you feel sufficient time has passed, concentrate on closing the chakra and putting an end to the energy flow. Take a few deep breaths and release your hands.
Further Instructions
This article explains how to open only one of the chakras. It's important to open all of them, in order from 1 to 7, with each session.
For root chakra, you can place red objects around you, or light a red candle, before you begin. Ground yourself prior to this practice by saying prayers, or asking for Divine protection, etc.
To learn more about all the chakras, click on the article link below.
