at one with the root chakra: how to create a sense of belonging
Being grounded doesn't have to mean being "stuck." It's about strength, stability, and rootedness, all of which can actually create the foundation for growth and creativity.
20 days into unearthing my Root Chakra, and, though I had fun letting my feet go wild in my previous post, I’m still discovering and confronting my First Chakra challenges.
I’ve read that one essential energy component of this chakra is related to being “at one” with a group or tribe; basically, feeling that you belong.
True confession time [lowers voice to whisper]: I rarely feel as if I belong or fit in anywhere.
(That uncomfortable silence is all in my head, right?)
Ok, it’s not really a surprise that I would have difficulties with my sense of belonging; I have an underactive Root Chakra, after all. But, as I’m observing the energy of this chakra, I’ve also noticed lately that I seem to actively resist belonging. I put up a mental wall. I find myself recoiling from rules or terms, silently nitpicking about the group’s plans or needs, quietly or outspokenly playing devil’s advocate, and generally placing myself at arms’ distance, often before I’ve even gotten to know how I honestly feel in the community. This is a new realization for me.
Most of us know the great benefits that tribes and groups can provide: safety, comfort, assistance and aid, cameraderie, and, potentially, a sense of identity and empowerment. However, when you don’t have a strong Root Chakra, it’s common to feel unsafe, anxious, fearful, and/or distrustful. If you don’t feel that you can be yourself in a group, have your own voice, or contribute your unique qualities, a group/family/tribe/community can be cloying, oppressive, and threatening.
These thoughts bring to mind some of the negative connotations of being grounded: “If you do that, you’re going to be grounded until you’re 40!” “I’m stuck in a rut.” “Too dug in to ever get out.” “The plane was grounded.” “He’s a stick in the mud.”
Images of being stuck and held down resonate with me. (Think of the hungry trees in the Lord of the Rings that devour Merry and Pippin: the extreme side of being grounded!) And, yet I know that being rooted is what makes it possible for plants and trees to grow and bloom. To extend this idea: being grounded is what makes it possible to take a dream from the seed of an idea and nurture it into a flowering finished product. The ground is where the nutrients and stability come from. And plants or trees with weak roots topple over. (Stop me now, please, before I feel compelled to start a gardening blog…)
So, how to tap into the positive and nurturing part of grounding that enables growth? How to find a sense of empowerment in belonging? And, how to create the nourishing foundation essential to living life to the fullest? Here are some ideas I’ve been exploring:
Declare your belonging. A simple way to feel more a part of the communities you interact with is to reinforce that you are safe as you are and where you are. Try “I belong here,” “I am safe,” or “I fit in wherever I am.” (This has been working for me!)
Ground yourself regularly to the earth. My previous post went toe-to-toe with the foot as a body tool for getting grounded, a state of being that can connect you to your body, your present, your life, and the world. If you don’t like baring your feet (or it’s too cold to do that), connect with nature in other ways — dig into the soil with your hands as you plant vegetables or flower borders, go for a trail hike or walk on the beach, play in the woods — or nurture yourself by cooking, feeding your body with good, healthy food. (Autumn is a great time to cook with earthy foods like root vegetables which tap the energy of the First Chakra, but even in the spring and summer, you can integrate lighter, cooler roots like fennel, jicama, and radishes that activate earth energy.) Or, get some body work done on a regular basis: massage, Reiki treatments, acupuncture, even mani/pedis at your neighborhood nail shop .
Connect with the earth everyday to ground yourself and energize your Root Chakra.
Seek out groups that are a match. Now more than ever it’s possible to connect with individuals and groups who share your particular interests, so you can more often feel a natural sense of community and belonging. Using networks like Meetup and Craigslist, or the group features on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Flickr (to name just a few) make it possible to quickly tap into the communities around you, or to create your own.
Let it in. If you’re resisting the feeling of belonging or getting grounded out of fear of being trapped or stuck, a technique from Zhineng Qigong might come in handy: release and absorb (it’s technically called Chi Lel La Chi). Sit quietly with your hands held loosely in front of you, palms over your abdomen (level with the belly button), fingers pointing towards each other. Slowly open your hands outward, imagining yourself releasing all your stress, discontent, fear, or ills — whatever’s bothering you — to the air around you, to the Universe, or to the Cosmos. Then, slowly bring your palms back towards your abdomen, imagining that you’re absorbing glowing light, or a beautiful color, or stars — whatever makes you feel wonderful. Just let in the good.
Body talking/art therapy. Finding or re-establishing a solid foundation is about coming into your physical self and present circumstances, so you can recognize your needs and feel secure in them. One excellent way to do that is to talk to your body and let it express itself through words or art. It’s not hard and doesn’t require much: something to write on, something to write or draw with, and your willingness to tune in and let go. But, if you’re not sure how to get started, you could find an art therapist who could guide you, you could start with one of many great books on the subject, or you could do an online search for journaling for healing or art therapy. (I’ve read that working with clay is also a great way to energize the Root Chakra. Want to try that!)
Have you found grounding techniques that have positively influenced your sense of belonging and empowerment? Please share them!
P.S.: since beginning this post, I’ve become one of three founding members of a trio of aspirants who are looking to move from dreaming to realizing (“power-of-three“: how cool is that?). I think this is so serendipitous, as I explore the Root Chakra. My new group is not only providing a foundation for my goals, but also bringing me a great sense of belonging. (Only 20 days into GET GROOVY CHAKRAS!, and I’m feeling a little bit of groovin.’ It’s not too late to join me!)
