The root chakra is the place to begin.
It creates and maintains a solid foundation from which you can find your own path.
I just wrote a blog post about the root chakra over on www.Blythemountainspirit.com, but I wanted to share a bit about it over here. Instead, of simply reposting, it I thought that I would add some bits and pieces from a more personal perspective.
Foundation
This is something that I have been muling over during the past couple of weeks. I went through a period of fixing and maintaining the basic systems in my life. My water pump needed flushing, my cars all needed oil changes, tires and repairs and I still hadn’t unpacked from leaving our apartment in Davidson, NC. All the driving and running around left me feeling unrooted and anxious.
It was a cosmic reminder that I needed to revisit my root chakra.
As a yoga practitioner for two decades, I have learned and practiced many ways to balance this vital energy or prana in the body. Whenever I feel ungrounded or lost, this is the place where I begin. Tapping into this powerful energy centers me and always encourages the creative juices to flow.
It’s essential to engage in practices that connect you to the ground.
To stand in the wisdom of your life.
Rooted.
To connect to your inner fire.
Through this connection, when something or someone comes along to trigger you or sway you by life’s circumstances, it will help you stay in the moment.
Stay with your true identity.
Stay with your true power.
At its core, the root chakra is associated with our sense of security, stability, and groundedness.
When the root chakra is balanced, you feel secure and confident in yourself and your place in the world. You are able to handle life's challenges with resilience and courage.
I utilize simple practices to tap into the Earth's energy to balance the root chakra.
Practices to help me connect and feel my body.
Tadasana (Mountain pose) Feet planted firmly on the ground, engaging my muscles, standing tall. Envisioning roots emerging from my feet and plugging into the Earth’s energy.
Getting outside and digging in the dirt. Planting seedlings or transplants into the soil to grow as the sun warms the earth.
Walking outside (barefoot if possible) on the sand or grass. Wiggling my toes, closing my eyes and breathing deeply in.
Dabbing essential oil blends on my wrists, throat and third eye.
Preparing, cooking and enjoying nourishing seasonal food.
From this place, all the other chakras can begin to be aligned and your life force can flow freely.
I believe that this is an essential part to truly knowing yourself. Trusting your intuition and instincts. Removing the external voices and distractions from outside.
That is the way to create your own path. The path of your choosing.
Creating a new path is scary and overwhelming. It is harder to carve a new one after be led down one my whole life. I am learning how to trust my own instincts rather than those of others.
Sometimes, it seems easier to follow a path.
I think that is why I love to hike so much. First and foremost, it’s the connection to nature and simplicity that draw me to hiking. I love following the path into the woods or up a mountain. There is something soothing and meditative about taking one step at a time. I can follow along and let my mind wander to open up to new possibilities.
Step by step.
Seeing my progress, gazing over my shoulder to see where I have come.
I can be proud of that. I can measure my accomplishment.
I’m grateful that I have the Appalachian Trail in my backyard and these mountains are a part of my life. Now that the weather has improved, I'm itching to get out on the trails more.
For the past couple of months, I was struggling to find the time to get out. I felt guilty that I had work to do, and I didn’t have time to play. It was a waste of time as I had posts to write, freebies to create, and plan my content and future offerings. I was judging my progress compared to others and being overly critical of my own work.
I had lost the magic.
I reminded myself to put fun first. Once I came back to this new mindset, I didn’t struggle as much with the work. I came to it with a refreshed attitude and more inspiration and creativity.
It’s fascinating and frustrating at times when I play with this mind shift. I talked about my quest to connect more to my inner child, BHeather on this post “The Magic of Red Rubber Boots”. Despite focusing on “fun” over the past year, the patterns of “work” are still ingrained in me. Slowly and gently I remind myself to come back to fun. Come back to what lights me up and go there.
I’m feeling drawn to plan a longer trail that challenges me on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Turning 50 last year lit a bit of a fire under me. I don’t want to wait until I am too old or physically limited to do this. I might just need to go hut to hut rather than shlep a heavy backpack and sleep out in a tent. I do love that, but it is getting tougher to enjoy as I age.
Here are some of the hikes that are calling my name.
The Dolomites in Italy
West Highland Way in Scotland
Camino de Santiago in Spain
Have you taken a longer hiking trip? Where did you go?
What do you like to do for fun? Can you do a bit of that first?
Talk soon,
Blythe