Top 5 Ways to Balance your Root Chakra

A few months ago, I had a Mayan signature reading with a friend of mine. One of the things that she said, really struck me as an inspiring truth. She said, “Whatever is your greatest weakness, can also, with work, become your greatest strength.”

This statement has really stuck with me over the last few months. I can say, from my experience I have found this to be very true. What is of difficulty, requires greater focus, attention, and intention. What we focus our energy on grows. As we focus on our own personal growth in an area that once was a weakness, it becomes an area that is a strength.

There have been times that I have seen areas of personal challenge, become the same areas that later became areas that friends or family asked for advice on. I'm sure you have seen the same?

The Root Chakra has been one such area for me. In years past, I rarely considered my personal “groundedness”. I accepted a certain level ungroundedness as an occupational hazard. When I moved to Sedona, I laughed when on several occasions people would remark how they appreciated my perspective, because “You are so grounded.” I guess it is all relative!

What I didn't realize when I moved, was how healing Sedona would be for my Root Chakra! The red Earth, powerful mountains, and increased hiking all led me to a much stronger relationship with my own Root Chakra than ever before. Over time, this area of challenge has become more of a strength in my life. Over the years I have tried about every solution for grounding and balancing the Root Chakra and today, I will share with you the top 5 most effective methods.

1.Mindfulness practices – Mindfulness is intentional and sustained focus on whatever you are experiencing in each moment. Most people, while eating/cooking/showering, etc. are also thinking about their day, making plans, replaying conversations, and probably about 10 other things at one time. Mindfulness, is like closing all of those mental browsers and becoming completely aware of every sensation that is associated with what you doing in the moment. An accessible way to start is with full focus on the breath, the rise and fall of the chest, the inflation of the lungs, the movement of the ribs, etc. In mindfulness, any activity is worthy of full attention.

2.Exercise for the Body – Exercise is detoxifying and energizing. For grounding purposes, any exercise will do. Some prefer yoga, tai chi, walking, hiking, while others love to cycle or generate heat with cardio. When you are exercising regularly, your Root Chakra is working out too, flushing all the energy channels and helping you to bring in more Ki energy (life force energy). While not always my favorite, it is probably the most effective and powerful immediate grounder on this list!

3.Meditation techniques – Meditation techniques vary from Root Chakra balancing visualizations (color meditations, chanting the Bija seed sound, LAM, or feeling your connection with the Earth) to walking meditation (a type of Mindfulness meditation) to drumming. These are great ways to touch in and perform some quick Root Chakra maintenance.

4.Hearty Essential oils or Smudging- A good cleanse has an wonderful grounding and anti anxiety effect! Smudging with White Sage or Palo Santo are helpful in this process. You can also use some essential oils in a diffuser.

Some Essential oils for the Root Chakra: Sandlewood, Frankincense, Patchouli, Rosewood, Cedar, Black Pepper, Cloves, Ginger, and Basil, Vetiver

(Consult with an aromatherapist to determine what would be best for you and how to use them)

5.Reiki & Crystal therapy – Who can pick just one? Reiki treatments help release pent up energy in the Root Chakra and release blockages in the meridians supporting the Root Chakra. Reiki really helps to get to what other therapies, just can't, by going to deeper levels to facilitate healing.

I also carry around Crystals when I need a little extra grounding force. Some helpful grounding crystals – Ruby, Garnet, Moss agate, Ruby Fuchite, Black Tourmaline, Tektite, Jasper, Red Calcite, Picture Jasper, Dalmation Jasper, Shungite, Hemitite, Smokey Quartz

The health of the Root Chakra is best maintained with regular attention and awareness. Rather than trying to dig out of a hole, it is always best to avoid the hole to begin with, by intentionally practicing some of the above methods.

With a healthy and balanced Root Chakra, you will find that you are more energized, less anxious, more focused, directed, and powerful in all that you do!