“It was when I stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself I found there were no roots more intimate than those between a mind and body that have decided to be whole.”
– Rupi Kaur
I love Rupi Kaur’s writing, most especially these words. For me they epitomise what being grounded in our bodies, in our minds, and in the world around us means. And it is only when we weave that mind body connection and anchor it into the earth that we can become whole, become the beautiful beings we were born to be.
At the start of every yoga class, we are invited to sit with our butt firmly implanted into the mat, floor (or chair if doing chair yoga) and spend a few moments breathing mindfully and connecting with the Earth beneath. I always ask my students to spread their bum cheeks to each side so their pelvic bones can anchor into the mat - this also helps the spine grow longer and straighter. In this way we create a home base for our physical bodies and can more readily tap into our Muladhara or Root Chakra.
Located at the base of the spine (at the perineum) and extending through the legs and feet, the Muladhara is associated with the colour red (all of the chakras have a colour) and is the first of the seven chakras to develop (more to come on the chakras soon).
The Muladhara is the seat of our core needs for life – survival, security, anchoring, family, memories and taking care of ourselves, and once this foundational energy is activated, we begin to feel more centered, secure, safe and grounded in our bodies and minds. When unbalanced, we tend to feel confused and anxious, unfocused, restless and fearful. Most importantly, without a balanced Root Chakra, it is impossible to fully balance the other chakras int he body.
There are many simple ways of grounding into the Earth and connecting with its vibration. For me, simply sitting in sukhasana (easy pose) on my yoga mat for a few minutes every morning and feeling into my breath establishes that connection and sets me up for the day ahead. I use the simple Prithvi Mudra to help connect to the Earth. Simply allow the ring finger on each hand (which holds the energy of Earth) to touch the thumb - the energy of Fire that nourishes the body’s Earth. I can’t promise that this will bring on a joy-filled day, but it will help you better deal with whatever comes that day. Try it for yourself, even just starting with 5 minutes and please give it time. Maybe soon you too will actually look forward to those quiet moments first thing in the morning when you don’t have to DO anything, just BE.
Here are a few more simple ways of grounding into your body and into the earth that can be practiced anytime of day, most especially when you are feeling challenged, fearful or anxious:
Yoga asanas
There are many yoga postures that can help ground us in our practice such as Tadasana or mountain pose, Vrkasana, tree pose, Sukhasana easy pose (sitting comfortably with legs crossed) amongst many others. If you are not familiar with these poses please just let me know or you can check out some online classes.
Visualisation mantras
Mantras are a great way of coming home to our bodies and they are so, so easy….For now, visualise a red orb at the base of your spine with tree-like roots penetrating deep into the earth below and grounding you deeper and deeper still. As you do, quietly repeat one of these mantras to yourself over and over:
“I’m right where I need to be,”
“I am connected and grounded to the earth”
“I am grounded, peaceful and at ease, may all beings know peace”
“The universe will always support me”
“I am strong, stable and at peace”
Recently on a yoga retreat at the magically wild Cliffs of Moher Retreat in Ireland’s Co Clare, I was introduced to this beautiful old English childrens’ song (google it to get the tune and sing it to yourself - or to the listening world)- it’s fun and for me it helps establish that vital connection to the Earth:
‘Trees grow tall in the heart of the forest
High in the sky as the roots grow down, to the deep dark earth….
To the deep dark earth… To the deep dark earth…’
And Repeat….
Set your intention
As challenges arise during your day, as they invariably will, take a few moments to breathe and focus your intention on your root chakra. Ask it to open up and help you. Breathe into it and visualise the bright red orb penetrating more deeply into the earth before rising up and helping you fulfil your intention.
Stay with this for a few minutes focusing on your breath.
Grounding Essential Oils
There are many, but for starters try just 1-2 drops of Cedarwood, sandalwood, eucalyptus, or ginger. Add your oil to a burner or rub in your palms and lightly massage your feet or your tailbone. As these oils grow from underground they share similar vibrational energies to the root chakra.
Certain crystals are thought to be effective at opening the root chakra. In this, I’m no expert, but have been advised that wearing the crystal around your neck, or placing it close to your tailbone and breathing deeply for a few minutes can help - try black or green stones like onyx, hematite, black tourmaline or red agate.
Barefoot in Nature
Spending time in nature, ideally barefoot, helps keep the root chakra nourished and healthy, releasing any stuck energy and helping you feel more alive and connected to the greater world.
Positive affirmation
For most of us that voice of negativity is loud and difficult to interrupt. Counteract the negativity with positive affirmation as needed - ideally done standing in front of a mirror and telling yourself some of the good things you can think of about yourself. This can be difficult, especially for those with a negative body image, but start with even one positive affirmation and repeat it over and ever. give yourself permission to be kind to yourself, just as you are. Give yourself permission to be kind to yourself, just as you are and remind yourself that all will be well. After all, you deserve it.