Unlocking the Power of the Root Chakra: Overcoming Overwhelm and Discomfort
The Root Chakra governs the first seven years of life. It is deeply connected to our primal energy and foundational experiences. During this formative period, we absorb behaviour, beliefs, and conditioning shaped by our parents, culture, environment and society. This chakra plays a crucial role in establishing our sense of security and support, shaping how we perceive and experience safety from birth onwards. While it primarily centres on survival, I believe that as both we and the Earth evolve to higher frequencies and greater levels of consciousness, the energy of the Root Chakra holds the potential to shift from just survival to a more sustainable way of being.
Recently I've been working with corporate teams focusing on confronting and addressing discomfort , particularly how our bodies can trigger a response from the autonomic nervous system. When we perceive a threat to our sense of self or identity, our survival instincts can kick in..
As with all my work, I reflect on the topic, and in this case discomfort, to guide how I lead the teams. In the past overwhelm has been a key trigger for me. It arises when I am faced with making an important decision while also juggling demands on my time and the complexity of tasks that I feel pressured to complete.
I'm also intrigued at how connected the energy of our chakras are to the autonomic nervous system. Take this example:
When I'm called to make a decision that may not align with my truth (throat chakra), a sense of rejection may simultaneously arise, that makes it difficult to tune into my heart for guidance on the next step (heart chakra). As my identity and ego take a hit, self-doubt creeps in, distorting the frequency I send out to the universe, which then impacts the guidance I receive (solar plexus chakra). Overwhelm builds and with all the demands on my time, I feel emotionally 'maxed out' (sacral chakra). At this point, all I want to do is run away and be alone to regain my peace. The emotional overload makes me feel unsafe in the moment. (root Chakra).
Understanding the Root Chakra
The Root Chakra connects us to the origins of human consciousness, our existence in the world and our sense of belonging. These elements are tied to our survival as a species. If our survival feels threatened, whether the threat is real or perceived, our autonomic nervous system kicks in to protect us.
A strong foundation, feeling supported and validated, provides a safe resource, allowing us to regulate emotions and stress, lower our heart rate and enter a rested state. However, modern life, shaped by the characteristics of colonisation, individualism, patriarchy and technological transformation may have distorted our ability to access or create a sense of safety. without that sense of safety we may feel unanchored or disconnected, as if we don't truly belong.
Symptoms of an Unbalanced Root Chakra
When we lack of support or security, the root chakra can become unbalanced. This imbalance often manifests emotionally showing up as anxiety, depression, fear, overwhelm, an inability to process grief, addiction or feelings of insecurity. Physically, it may present as issues in the lower part of the body, such as sciatica, lower back problems, joint or mobility problems in the legs and knees, or digestive issues like bowel problems and water retention.
I believe the Root Chakra's primary purpose is to anchor the spirit. Our spiritual essence offers immense support and healing for us, guiding us through crises and providing us with intuitive insight into both our emotional and physical wellbeing. However, when the Root Chakra is severely unbalanced, it can feel nearly impossible to connect with or anchor in that spiritual energy.
Techniques for Root Chakra Healing
One of my personal mantras is, 'commitment and consistency are key'. In essence, these qualities provide the support and stability that are vital for the health of the root chakra. The commitment and consistency we show ourselves bring the changes we desire into our lives. This shift in our vibration enables us to put into the practice what nurtures our emotional and physical wellbeing.
Here are a few of my favourite practices to support and maintain balance in the root chakra:
Grounding Exercises: I love standing or walking barefoot on grass or sand, especially when I'm at the beach. Watching The Earthing Movie can offer further insights into the benefits of grounding.
Breathing Techniques: To calm and regulate my nervous system, I use Box Breathing. It's simple and effective, especially if you're new to breathwork. Here's how to do it:
1. Breathe in for a count of four
2. Hold your breath for four counts
3. Exhale steadily for four
4. Hold for four
5. Repeat as many times as you feel necessary.
Meditation Practices: When focusing on the root chakra, I meditate to Solfeggio frequencies at 396hz, said to align with the frequency of the Root Chakra.
Nutrition: Eating grounding foods, such as root vegetables, and incorporating red colour foods like strawberries into my diet helps me visualise the health and vitality of the root chakra.
Physical Activity: Practices like yoga bring balance to the root chakra. I also love to dance when I feel the need to awaken its energy.
Connection to Nature: Spending time in nature is crucial for physical and emotional health. It revitalises us and reconnects us to Earth and to life itself.
Overcoming Overwhelm and Discomfort Through Mindfulness Practices
Recently with the groups I've been working with, we've explored how contemplation can help us confront overwhelm and discomfort. These emotions often stem from past experiences we've never fully processed. Mindfulness techniques, like checking in with ourselves to identify other emotions linked to discomfort, noticing where sensations arise in the body, and using practices such as meditation or journaling, can help us uncover the root causes of our responses and behaviours.
This process creates stability and balance in the root chakra allowing it to provide the safe foundation we need to navigate life in times of stress or instability. Contemplation cultivates inner transformation, driving positive change in how we experience the world around us.
Community and Support in Root Chakra Healing
Community and connection play an essential role in spiritual growth and healing. I'm excited to relaunch my bestselling workshop Chakra Sundays, with the first session taking place in East London on 23rd February. To learn more and book your spot, simply click the box below.
Alternatively you can visit my Groups page, explore the suggested groups and join the 21 Day Root Chakra Challenge.
As an accredited Chakra Balance and Crystal Healing Practitioner, I also offer one-to-one Chakra Check-In sessions via Zoom. You can book your session via the box below.
Conclusion
Unlocking the power of the root chakra is a continuous journey that requires patience, compassion and consistent effort. Healing this energy centre creates a stable foundation for personal growth, helping us to feel more grounded and secure. I encourage you to explore your own experiences with the Root Chakra, embracing the process with an open heart and commitment to your own growth and healing.
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