Getting to our Root
Since the discovery and escalation of COVID19, our lives have all been affected by varying degrees. From societal changes like wearing face masks and physical distancing to decisions that have profoundly impacted households like the closing of schools, services, and borders. We have experienced financial instability, broken supply chains, loss of livelihoods, and even the absence of physical touch for many people. Throughout this crisis, everyone has, at some point, felt vulnerable, isolated, and unsupported. In addition to these concerns around our health and job security, many people are at risk because they are considered minorities where they live. People feel unsafe in their communities, and this is unacceptable to me.
Image by Okan Caliskan from Pixabay
Yoga philosophy has some perspective on the emotions we feel, and associates energy points in our bodies with fundamental feelings and elemental traits that can fuel or stifle areas of our bodies. These energy points correspond with the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of ourselves. The energy points in our bodies are called Chakras in Sanskrit, which means 'Wheel' in English. The Chakras are 'wheels' of energy in our bodies. Seven Chakras aligned along the spine connect to major nerve centres in the body. When these energy centres are flowing freely, we are in an optimal state of performance. If the energy becomes blocked or overworked at any of the Chakra points, then there is disharmony in our system, and we begin the feel the effects of the imbalance. Chakras can become imbalanced for a variety of reasons that relate to our physical, emotional and spiritual states. Trauma, life experiences, and emotional challenges can all wreak havoc on our Chakras.
The Root (Muladhara) Chakra
Like the foundation of a house, the Root Chakra supports everything. The primary statement of Muladhara is, "I am." This Chakra recognizes your right to exist, to have your fundamental needs met (food, water, shelter), and for you to feel safe. With the current pandemic, these essential requirements are not satisfied. Whether it is the concern that we may become ill with a disease that we don't fully understand and cannot control or the genuine threat of going hungry and losing your home because your job has ended, we are all on a scale of feeling insecure and at risk.
Your Root Chakra may be imbalanced if you are experiencing the following: lack of energy, feeling restless, experience anxiety or aggression, feeling insecure and disconnected from the world. Sound familiar? It does to me.
So if you are feeling like your basic needs are not being met externally, can you find a way to bolster yourself? Is it possible to feel better on the inside when our external experiences are pretty awful? My opinion is that we can. People are resilient creatures, and more importantly, we're able to process our experiences and change our perspective. The most common example would be the negative/positive perception of seeing a glass as half-empty or half-full. One could add a layer of depth to this example by adding the understanding of context; why it may be better for a glass to be half-empty instead of filling a glass to the brim. Most people can observe a scenario and place themselves in the position of a victim or a hero, a leader or a follower, a person who was confused or knowledgable, a person who is teaching or learning. Regardless of where you place yourself at any given moment, the often-overlooked point is that, at that moment, you can change your perspective immediately to anything you choose.
There are some tangible things we can do to support our Root Chakra as well. Here are some practical ideas to help you out:
Connect to the earth barefoot. Get outside and sink your bare feet into the grass, dirt, sand, or whatever your local environment has for ground cover.
Sit on the ground - indoors or outdoors. The Root Chakra resides at the base of your spine, close to your coccyx (tailbone). Planting your bottom on the earth allows your body to connect with the Earth. Feeling a connection to the land you are sitting on can be a powerful balm for our Root Chakra.
Meditate and journal. Write down what you think you need right now, and allow yourself to be creative about how you feel you can meet those needs. It may also be beneficial to make a Gratitude Journal as well to give you perspective about the things that are working in your life when other components are not super.
Yoga moves
Many yoga poses can support your Muladhara. You may want to incorporate some of these Asanas (postures) in your practice with more regularity:
Malasana (Garland Pose) - Sometimes, this pose is also simply called a deep squat. Place your feet at least hip-width apart (a wider stance may be more comfortable) and bend your knees until your bottom is resting against the back of your heels. Bring your hands in a prayer position in front of your heart. Press your bent elbows into your legs, and your legs into your elbows. Straighten your spine and keep your head tall. If you cannot bend your knees completely, you can sit on one or two (or more) yoga blocks. You could also squat with your back to a wall to help support you. If your heels do not touch the floor, you could place a blanket or small pillow under your heels. Hold this position for 5 to 10 breaths.
Sukhasans (Easy Pose) - This posture is a lovely way to start your practice. Similar to sitting cross-legged, you sit on the floor and bend your knees. Rather than crossing your legs at the ankles, you place one ankle in front of the other on the floor. If your hips are tight, you can start by raising your seat by placing a small pillow, bolster, or chip foam block under your bottom. You can try moving your ankles on the floor further away from your body. If your knees do not rest comfortably on the floor, raising your seat can also help, and you can place blocks, pillows or blankets under your knees to support your legs. Hold this position for ten breaths, then alternate your ankles to bring the opposite ankle in front, then hold the position for another ten breaths.
Prasarita Padottanasana (Wide-legged Forward Fold Pose) - This is a standing forward-bend posture done with the feet apart. While standing, place your feet one leg-length apart and slightly pigeon-toed (your toes turned inward). Place your hands on your hips. With a straight, tall spine, bend forward from your hip-creases until your hands can touch the floor. If your hamstrings are tight, you can keep a slight bend in your knees. If your hands cannot reach the floor, you can place blocks in front of you at any height and place your hands on the blocks, or rest your hands anywhere along your legs. Hold this pose for 5 to 10 breaths.
Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose) - This is an energizing standing pose where your feet are firmly grounded. Stand with your feet one leg-length apart. Turn your right foot out so that it is facing the front of your mat. Slightly turn your left foot inward at a 45-degree angle. Square your hips and centre your torso over your hips. Bend your right knee. Raise your arms to shoulder height, and reach your hands out towards the front and back wall. Try to keep your weight distributed between your front and back legs, keep your torso upright and not leaning forward or back. Hold this pose for 5-10 breaths. Release the pose by straightening your right leg, lowering your arms, and bringing your feet together. Repeat on the opposite side with your left leg as the "front" leg. If holding your arms up feels too intense, lower your hands to your hips. If the bend in your leg feels too intense, your legs may be too far apart (shorten your stance), or your knee may be bent too deeply (back up and straighten the knee slightly).
Savasana (Corpse Pose) - Lie comfortably on your back. Close your eyes. Bring your legs wide, and allow your feet to flop open. Bring your arms by your sides and away from your body. Turn your palms toward the sky. Tuck your shoulder blades slightly underneath you. Tuck your chin very slightly into your chest. Make any small movements you need so that you are very comfortable. Take relaxed, natural breaths through your nose. Remind yourself as you are breathing, "I am safe, I am supported. I belong. I am grounded." This mantra that your Root Chakra needs to hear.
I hope that you do feel as safe as you can and as supported as you need to be. I hope that you can find lots of resources and solutions to help you not just survive but thrive in these times. My practice will be keeping the Root Chakra in mind; I hope that you can find ways to support your Muladhara too.