Rooted in Presence: A Journey into the Root Chakra

“To stand tall, we begin with roots.”

At the base of the spine lies the first energy center in the chakra system—the Root Chakra, or Muladhara. This chakra is our energetic foundation. It’s where we carry our sense of safety, belonging, and connection to the physical world.

When the root is strong, we feel grounded and supported. When it’s imbalanced—either overactive or underactive—we may feel anxious, scattered, disconnected, or fearful.

Root Chakra Basics

• Name: Muladhara ("Root support")

• Location: Base of the spine, pelvic floor

• Color: Red

• Element: Earth

• Governs: Safety, survival, physical needs, grounding, home, tribe, security

• Signs of Balance: Stability, presence, calm in the body, trust in life

• Signs of Imbalance: Fear, anxiety, disconnection, restlessness, hoarding, tightness in the lower body

How to Support the Root Chakra

Here are a few ways to tend to your root:

• Ground physically: walk barefoot, stretch your legs, sit on the earth

• Eat grounding foods: root vegetables, protein, warm nourishing meals

• Use scent: essential oils like cedarwood, patchouli, sandalwood, or vetiver

• Move slowly: yoga, tai chi, gentle massage, focused breathwork

• Affirm: “I am safe. I am supported. I belong.”

• Use sound: the mantra for the root chakra is LAM—chant it softly to feel the vibration in your lower body

A Root Chakra Meditation (5–7 minutes)

Find a quiet space to sit or lie down. If possible, let your feet touch the floor or rest your hands over your lower belly.

Begin with breath. Inhale through the nose… exhale through the mouth. Feel your breath move down your spine, anchoring you into the earth.

Visualize the color red. Imagine a warm, glowing red light at the base of your spine. With each breath, see it growing stronger, pulsing gently.

Repeat silently or aloud: “I am rooted. I am supported. I am safe.” Say this three times or more, letting the words land in your body.

Feel your connection. Imagine roots growing from your body into the earth—strong, steady, and ancient. You are held.

Sit in stillness for a few moments more, allowing the energy to settle. When you’re ready, return slowly to your day.

A Final Thought

In a world that moves fast and demands much, tending to the root chakra is an act of radical self-kindness. It is a reminder that before we reach, we must root. Before we fly, we must feel the ground beneath us.

Next in this series: the Sacral Chakra, where creativity and flow begin to stir.

With grounding grace,

Crysania