Chakras are energy centers where your mind and body meet. We can’t see them, but we can picture them as swirling vortices of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy is the life force that keeps us vibrant and healthy helping to balance our whole system.

The word chakra means wheel or disk in Sanskrit. There are 7 main chakras, or swirling wheels of energy, that align with the spine. They start at the base of the spine and move up to the crown of the head. They contain bundles of nerves and major organs and work to balance the flow of energy in our body so that we can have a variety of experiences  – mental, creative, sexual, emotional, and more.

There are thousands of chakras in your body, but the 7 main ones are the information hubs for specific aspects of your body, soul, spirit and life.

Since everything in our bodies is composed of energy, it’s important that the chakras stay open, balanced and fluid. If there are blockages, then health-giving energy can’t flow.  Keeping a chakra open and flowing takes some effort, but it’s not very difficult if you have awareness.

Let’s explore the first 2 chakras.

First chakra

The root or base chakra is the first chakra and is located at the base of the spine at the pelvic floor. It opens downward toward the Earth and its main function is to support you in being grounded or rooted.

This chakra provides the remarkable ability for you to survive even in extreme conditions in your environment. It enables you to harness courage, resourcefulness and the will to live.

The root chakra is about feeling connected to Mother Earth, your body, your life, your community, your family. When this chakra is balanced, you feel secure, safe and fearless.

Signs of imbalanced energy in the first chakra
If you feel insecure or disconnected with the outside world, your root chakra may be underactive. You may feel afraid and anxious. You struggle with focus and discipline in your daily life. You may experience a lack of stamina and have little or no desire to do anything in life.

If your root chakra is overactive, you may find that you’re filled with anger and are impatient. You may become greedy or excessive in behaviors, holding on tightly to security, food, loved ones, material possessions, and routines. These are misguided attempts to get grounded.

How to get energy flowing in the first chakra

Get energy flowing with balance in the root chakra through these activities:

1. Walk barefoot in sand, grass or dirt. Sit on the ground. Spend time in nature.
2. Eat healthy foods red in color- beets, berries, tomatoes.
3. Use the color red in your environment – wear a red shirt, display red flowers, decorate with red pillows.

Second chakra

The second chakra, the sacral chakra, is located in your lower abdomen, a couple inches below your navel. It’s your source of pleasure, creativity and sexual energy.

When in balance, the second chakra makes life enjoyable. People who are enthusiastic and can accept pleasure naturally, without excess or inhibition, have a strong second chakra. 

Signs of imbalanced energy in the second chakra
When your sacral chakra is underactive, you feel sluggish and lazy. You feel numb or out of touch. There seems to be nothing that you’re passionate about in the world. You may have repressed feelings or feelings of guilt or shame that lead to denying yourself pleasurable experiences.

If your sacral chakra is overactive you may find yourself living a life of excess.  You’re ruled by your emotions and may become overly dramatic. You seem to thrive on conflict or may become overly attached to people or objects. You may engage in excess in drugs, alcohol, sex, risky behavior or food resulting in addictions.

How to get energy flowing in the second chakra

Get energy flowing with balance in the sacral chakra through these activities:

1. Spend time near water, the element of this chakra – swim or walk near water.
2. Eat orange foods like oranges, carrots and melon.
3. Engage in a creative activity to express yourself.

Becoming aware of the energy of your chakras and how to balance it will support you in living a life of vibrancy and health. Don’t miss my upcoming post on the 3^rd and 4^th chakras to discover more.