The Root Chakra

Part One - The Root Chakra
Reconstructing the Foundation

by Christine Krakora, MSSW
First of a seven-part series

When we think of spirituality, often images come to mind that bring our
focus upward, but how often do we look down? How often do we look at
our foundation and our ability to remain grounded in our lives as a part of
our spiritual process?

For the past three weeks, the reminder has been directly under the ground
that I walk on and surrounding the foundation of my workplace, the Quarry
Arts Building in Madison. The streets surrounding my office have been
torn up in order to put in a new sewer system. When I learned of this city
project, I chuckled and said to myself, "I guess it is time to do some work
on the root chakra." This was really an attempt to not get frustrated with
the commotion of the work outside, but turned into a true lesson as the
weeks of construction continued.

First the streets and the entrances into the building were blocked and it
became a creative journey to even enter the building. Then bulldozers
came digging huge holes reaching deep into the ground below and
uprooting the earth. The foundation of this newly constructed building was
really being tested as the whole place shook and trembled while they
pounded away outside. The noise and commotion was quite distracting,
making known to all that a change is taking place.

I noticed the amount of equipment, people, time and energy that it takes
to literally demolish and crack the surrounding foundation of the streets
and root system of this building and neighborhood. I also became more
aware of the sewer system network that connected the neighborhood
homes and businesses to the same ground and root system below. As
the work neared completion, the dust from demolition and reconstruction
began to settle. A new foundation started to take shape, first with the
sidewalks and curbs, and then the streets. I watched as the concrete
was poured and was given time to set, so it could become solid. The
more time the concrete was allowed to settle, the stronger the foundation
would be.

This journey has reminded me of the important lessons related to the
foundation of our lives. The chakra system gives us an understanding of
grounding through the root chakra, which is located at the base of the
spine and connects us to the earth through our legs and feet. The root
chakra is the foundation of our physical life, bringing us strength, safety
and security. It brings the connection to our family, community and culture.
It helps with the formation of our core belief systems. The earth energy
of the root chakra is what helps us to stay grounded and connected to
the present moment.

The metaphor of the work outside my building reminds me of the spiritual
changes that we go through as our foundation or core belief system gets
knocked into pieces. This process helps us to break up the once-solid
foundation that we have been standing on for many years. It can feel very
unsettling, unless we realize that it is a part of the reconstruction. Once we
let the old pieces crumble away, we can gather together what is left, add
some new pieces and make a stronger foundation. The newly formed
foundation will need a period to set and become more solid, and then we
can move forward feeling stronger and more secure.

Meditation for the Root Chakra
Use this grounding exercise during these times of re-construction to
help establish a grounded root system for yourself:

• Stand next to a tree and take a deep, cleansing breath.
• Connect to the energy of the earth beneath you.
• Imagine that you are the tree with roots growing deep into the ground.
• Feel these roots as they push through the soil and rocks to find a
source of water and nourishment.
• Breathe in the nourishment and energy of the earth.
• Bring this earth energy into your body through the soles of your feet.

I have learned that to be truly balanced in my spiritual work with myself
and others, it is imperative to spend time and attention on grounding
and earth-based practices. Give yourself time to connect with the earth,
walk outside, connect to the trees and flowers, and feel the soil of the
earth as you garden this summer. Firmly establish your root connection
with the earth.

Christine Krakora, MSSW, is a Certified Social Worker and Reiki
Master Teacher. She is the owner of Healing & Balance LLC located
in Madison at the Quarry Arts Building. Christine is committed to
empowering others on the path of self-healing and spiritual awareness.
She offers individual sessions, classes, and workshops blending Reiki,
Qigong, T'ai Chi, Meditation, Counseling, and Spiritual Guidance.

Website information at: www.healingandbalance.com.
Copyright © 2002 Christine Krakora

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