You’ve probably heard about chakras but you might not know what they are. Let me give you the simple version.

Chakras are energy centers located in different parts of our bodies. It’s like there’s an electrical current flowing through your body and each one of your chakras are outlets that power certain physical and psychological aspects of your self. Sometimes those outlets blow a fuse and stop working and other times they get overloaded and start sparking. Chakras are considered “open” when our energies can flow easily through them. When our chakras are blocked we can find different problems and issues popping up in our lives and when they’re over-active you’ll start feeling WAY TOO MUCH.

It’s important to have opened and balanced chakras.

If you don’t buy into the whole concept of chakras, that’s okay! The idea of these different aspects of yourself is still relevant and you can apply it to your life in a really positive way. What we’re really doing is drawing attention to a certain part of your life and taking a look at how those things are working for you!

The Root Chakra

This chakra is exactly what it sounds like. Your root. That part that connects you to yourself, to the world, to the earth. It is the place that whispers home and holds your most basic and primal needs of safety and shelter. It is your foundation.

The root chakra is red and located at the base of your spine.

Blocked: If your root chakra is blocked you find it difficult to put down “roots”. Fear of commitment to people, places, and things. You’ll always feel like you don’t belong. It often manifests itself in moving from place to place, relationship to relationship, having little financial security, and poor boundaries.

Balanced: If your root chakra is balanced/open you have a decent amount of stability in your life. You’ll feel at home in most situations and secure in your job/relationships/home life. It’s that gentle feeling of knowing that you have the tools to stand tall when things get a little windy in your life.

Overactive: If your chakra is overactive you might seek too much security. Co-dependency in your relationships. Fear that things are about to go badly. It’s hard to relax because you’re always afraid that some kind of disaster is going to come and take your security away. It always feels tenuous. If you have a big fear of abandonment this is one of the chakras to work with to start healing those feelings.

Other signs are hoarding or feeling like your material possessions define your self-worth.

Self-Care for Your Root Chakra

As someone who deals with a lot of anxiety, the root chakra is one of the ones I struggle with the most. When my anxiety is really really bad I even lean toward agoraphobic tendencies. I become so reliant on my home and my personal space that it begins to freak me out to think about leaving it. So I’ve done a lot of work on those attachments and on being able to feel safe and secure even when I’m away from my safety zones.

Here are some ways you can connect with your root chakra.

Use crystals like hematite, red jasper, or black obsidian. You can hold them, wear them as jewelry, keep them in your pocket, or meditate with them. I like to hold them in my hand and repeat a calming phrase. “It is safe to feel at home here. I am safe. I am home.” Something to that effect. Create that mental connection between the stone and feeling safe.

Connect with your home. If you’re having trouble feeling at home or settled in, see if there are ways you can connect to your home and make it more comfortable. Rearrange furniture, paint, decorate in certain colors that you love. You can even do a little house blessing with candles, incense, or sage.

If you’re into meditation, close your eyes and picture your chakra shining with a healthy red light swirling at the base of your spine. Focus on that light and ask yourself what kind of vibe you get from it. Focus on allowing it to feel warm and comforting.

Surround yourself with earthy or home-y scents like cinnamon, cloves, or cedar.

Practice grounding or earthing.

Go outside. Imagine all of your anxious energy is draining into the earth.

Dancing, especially to drums, is a good way to open up the flow of energy.

Have a comforting day in. Practice Hygge.

Make yourself hearty comfort foods like chilis, stews, and soups.

Cultivate consistency and stability in your life. If there are any areas of your life that seem to be in a constant state of upheaval start creating boundaries so that things calm down.

If you’re into yoga, Child’s Pose is my go-to for connection with my root.

Get comfortable being more independent or on the opposite end, ask for help if you’re someone that has difficulty doing that.

Do something physical. Sweat pouring down your body physical.

Look at your needs. What needs aren’t you meeting? Do what you can to give yourself what you need.

Organize. If your stuff is all over the place, declutter. You’ll feel so much better!

Root Chakra Journaling

How do you feel about your home and the environment around yourself? Does it feel homey and like it fits you?

Where are you struggling in your life and how can you find more ease there?

Do you feel like you’re getting enough support from the people around you?

Are you able to have the general feeling that you are okay and things in your life will be okay?

Do you feel like you are able to move with obstacles and challenges instead of panicking and losing ground?