Chakra is a Sanskrit word, meaning wheel and it refers to the body’s energy centers. Each chakra is associated with particular experiences and emotions. The first chakra (muladara) is known as the Root Chakra. It starts at the base of the spine, the first three vertebrae and pelvic floor. It extends all the way through our legs, into the soles of our feet, and even a few inches into the ground, reflecting that we are connected to Mother Earth like the roots of a tree.
The root chakra is associated with feeling rooted in our lives, secure in the world, and having a strong foundation. When we have foundational security, we tend to thrive in our environment and feel deeply connected to our lives and the choices we make.
Yoga can help us reconnect to, and re-energize our root chakra. Reiki and meditation are other practices that can help us to develop a stronger chakra system, and even western practitioners such as chiropractors are beginning to understand the importance of the energy centers of the body in finding wellness and wholeness.
If you have been feeling restless, rootless, adrift, or disconnected, here are some excellent yoga poses that we recommend:
Child’s Pose balasana: Start in Table Pose, then lower your hips to your heels, and gently rest your forehead on the ground. Your knees can be apart, or together, depending on your comfort level. Your arms can be overhead or beneath your forehead or even beside the body. As you breathe deeply, press your abdomen against your thighs. To release, gently inhale up to Table Pose again.
Lotus Pose padmasana: This is what we know as crossed-leg pose, perhaps the most common seated position in yoga. We start seated with legs extended and spine straight, then bend our right knee and hug it to the chest, then tuck the ankle into the left hip. The top of the right foot will rest in the hip joint. Then bend your left knee and cross it over, to tuck the ankle into your right hip. Press your hips gently into the floor, and raise your spine. You may also place your hands on your knees, to keep them from lifting. This is a very calming and centering position, with oxygen moving throughout the body including around the spine.
Tree Pose virksasana: If you really want to engage your core and strengthen your balance, Tree Pose is not just advantageous to the body, but to the mind and spirit as well.
While standing in Tadasana (feet together, legs straight and knees unlocked, elbows at waist and arms extended slightly from the body), spread your toes and gently lift your lower belly. Inhale, lift your chest, exhale and pull your shoulder blades down. Pick a steady focal point ahead, place your hands on your hips, then raise your right foot and place it against your left thigh or shin. Keep you hips square and if you are feeling confident in your balance, place your hands at your heart or stretch your arms upward (like a Tree!)
Warrior Pose virabhadrasana: Begin in Downward Facing Dog, then step your right foot forward to bring your toes parallel to your fingertips. Then bend your knee by 90 degrees, bringing your thigh parallel to the floor with your knee directly over your ankle. Rotate your left heel by 45-degrees for balance. As you inhale, raise your arms at shoulder distance apart and lower your tailbone. This is a great pose for finding balance, and discovering your strength.
Finding our balance, our strength, and our place in the world is important. We are blessed that Yoga teaches us to reconnects to our own power, and allows for self-healing and self-awareness.