Yogis will cross upon the Chakras very early in their studies. These powerful energy centers are said to be located within our bodies and we have 7 main Chakras, yet there are hundreds of these energy centers.
The word Chakra comes from Sanskrit and translates to as “disc” or “wheel” and we can imagine the Chakras as a concept of wheels collecting and storing energy within our body.
So, what do the Chakras do and what influence do they have on us?
In her Book “Eastern Body Western Mind”, Anodea Judith gives an introduction on the interconnectedness in between the Chakra System and Psychology.
The Chakra System is a holistic system, which means that if one Chakra is either in excess or deficiency, it influences our behavior and character.
The Chakra System is a great addition to western psychology, making the concept of our psyche a holistic system that shows the interconnectedness of mind and body.
The Muladhara Chakra
Anodea writes that each Chakra plays a significant role at a time of our development, the Muladhara Chakra starting in the early age of our development (prenatal) up to 12 months old. When we get through this stage, the physical stage of our consciousness, where independence is not possible, it gives us a sense of having the right to be here. But, if we did not get through this stage successfully, say we have been neglected or malnourished in this earliest stage, if we experienced a violent environment or inherited trauma, the foundation of our very existence has not been met.
We will live in constant fear of our very existence. Not being assured that we are safe.
This fear shows in certain behavior patterns:
Overeating
Hoarding
Addiction to security
when we developed the first Chakra, Muladhara Chakra, in excess.
And disconnection, poor boundaries, anxiety and restlessness when the first Chakra is underdeveloped.
Certain Body malfunctions are also related to excess and deficiency of our Chakra system (also addictive or avoidant behavior).
In terms of the Muladhara Chakra, Bowel Movement might not be functioning well, or eating disorders play part in our lives.
A Muladhara Chakra that is not developed properly disconnects us from our body.
“To loose our connection with the body is to become spiritually homeless. Without an anchor we float aimlessly, battered by the winds and waves of life.”
When the Muladhara Chakra is not developed properly – we are not “within our bodies”.
A good example is people with their thoughts to the sky, apart from worldly living.
Instead of seeing our body as a vehicle, we see it as an obstacle, something to be renounced.
The over-emphasis on the upper chakras in spiritual practices certainly does not help to bring those back into balance, who really need to reconnect to their Root Chakra.
How to Connect to your Root Chakra
Always remember that spiritual practices do not replace a visit at the psychologist. And the visit of a psychologist does not replace spiritual practice.
We as humans are complex beings and it certainly helps to re-balance ourselves in every possible way:
Through movement, embodiment, proper nutrition as well as taking care of our over-all as well as our mental and physical health.
Nowadays there is no stigma to it anymore – so be proud of taking yourself serious!
Connecting to your Root Chakra by…
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Doing an Ancestral Healing Ceremony
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Connecting and Finding out about your ancestors
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Walking Barefoot – this helps so so much and there is plenty of research on the benefits of walking barefoot on our para-sympathetic and our immune system
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Dancing, feeling in to your body
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Doing something that really brings you pleasure – like touching yourself
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Receiving a massage
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Really tuning in to your body; Watch yourself clothe-less, shake yourself, take a bath.
Always remember to be kind to yourself.
Love yourself and appreciate the temple that your soul lives in.
